Weekend Kick-Off: Almaseef Cup and Taif Flower Festival Prep
The season opens with a bang as Friday’s feature race, the JCSA Almaseef Cup, sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive calendar. Saturday follows suit with the Taif Flower Festival Cup Prep, providing an early glimpse at horses targeting some of the 29 Championship Cups scheduled across the season.
Altogether, there will be 160 Thoroughbred races and 40 Purebred Arabian contests, with total prize money soaring into the tens of millions of SAR. Standout races include the Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup and the Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup, both offering SAR 1 million purses and international prestige.
Big Names Ready to Shine in Taif Summer Racing Season
Race 8 on Saturday features a high-profile sprint where Muqtahem (IRE), runner-up in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2), lines up against Honky Tonk Man (IRE), a Saudi Cup weekend star now trained by Hadi Gharawi. Adding intrigue is Transferred, who strung together four consecutive wins in Riyadh last season and remains under the watchful eye of Thamer AlDaihani.
Later on, the Um Alqura Cup Prep sees the return of Aeadat (KSA), a dominant mare trained by Ahmed Mohamoud, aiming for an eighth straight victory. She faces challenges from Istita’aeh (KSA) and Pretty Flag (IRE), both looking to make early statements.
Friday’s Highlights: Veterans, Maidens & Local Glory
On Friday, seasoned campaigner Saodad (KSA) makes his return in the Shubra Cup Prep Open. Trained by Sami Alharabi and owned by HRH Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, he was last seen finishing fifth in the Saudi Cup Day sprint finale.
The Al Hada Cup Prep is another crowd-puller with Fallat Kheir (KSA) in the mix, following her Fillies Mile third-place finish during Saudi Cup weekend. Rising jockey Abdullah Alfairouz will be in the irons again as she challenges a 14-runner field.
Fresh Faces to Watch
The maiden race on Friday promises new talent with the debut of Kanzie (USA), a two-year-old by Mckinzie, purchased for $200,000 by the famed white stable of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Sons. Ridden by Camilo Ospina, Kanzie’s performance could signal big things ahead.
New Jockeys’ Championship Adds Spark to Taif Summer Racing Season
This weekend also marks the beginning of the Taif Summer Racing Season Jockeys’ Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz. Riders will accumulate points across the season, with the top scorer crowned on September 27.
Alongside the world-class competition, visitors to King Khalid Racecourse can expect a lively atmosphere complete with cultural showcases, local cuisine stalls, and family activities. The combination of elite racing and festive surroundings ensures Taif remains a must-visit summer destination for equestrian enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
With a mix of proven talent and promising young runners, the Taif Summer Racing Season is poised to deliver thrills every weekend through the end of September. Expect fireworks, fast finishes, and unforgettable moments in the mountains of Taif.
📍 Also read our article on the Leopardstown Racing Event 2025.
🔗 For official updates and the full season schedule of Taif Summer Racing, visit the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
