Thrilling Taif Racing Season 2025: Faal Khair and Mhalhal Lead Derby Prep
The Taif Racing Season 2025 enters a thrilling phase this weekend at King Khalid Racecourse, where the ninth race on a stacked 10-race card hosts the eagerly awaited Taif Derby Prep. All eyes are on former Saudi 2000 Guineas rivals Faal Khair (USA) and Mhalhal (USA) as they prepare to renew their rivalry over 1600 metres.
Ranked fourth in the Guineas back in January, Faal Khair returns in strong form after a standout season in Riyadh. Trained by Ahmed Mohamoud and partnered with jockey Camilo Ospina, he forms one half of a powerful entry from the Sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who also field Jeddah Beach.
Mhalhal, who finished just behind Faal Khair in the Guineas, represents Kuwaiti owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah and is trained by Thamer AlDaihani. With Saudi Cup International Jockey Challenge winner Muhammad Aldaham in the saddle, he looks primed to turn the tables ahead of the Taif Derby on August 23.
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Arabians Join Feature Card During Taif Racing Season 2025
The action doesn’t stop there. Race 10, the Taif Derby Cup Preparatory for Arabian horses, is also over 1600 metres and features a quality lineup. Wasib (FR), trained by Abdulaziz Almosa for the Safwat Aladyat Stable, will be partnered by Naif Alanazi. His primary challenger is HM Al Nasrallah (FR), a mare trained by Salem Alruwais and ridden by Abdullah Alhussain, who returns after placing seventh in the Group 1 Al Mneefah Cup on Saudi Cup weekend.
The undercard also features the Taif University Cup Preparatory over 1400 metres. The consistent Saodad (KSA), trained by Sami Alharabi, will be aiming to improve on his recent fourth-place effort. He will be ridden this time by Adel Alfouraidi.
Makkah Almokarramah Cup Prep Adds Friday Spark
On Friday, the feature event is the Makkah Almokarramah Regional Governorate Cup Prep, run over 1600 metres. Leading the betting is Uncle (GB), a Listed winner earlier this year who also contested the G2 1351 Turf Sprint. He again runs for AlDaihani and looks ready to shine.
Among his challengers is Waqtuk (USA), who finished second in the Tuwaiq Cup and will be guided by Adel Alfouraidi for trainer Abdulaziz Almosa. Another intriguing runner is Henry Q, trained by Nicolas Bachalard and ridden by Alexis Moreno for owner Prince Saud Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz.
All races from the Taif Racing Season 2025 can be watched live via the official JCSA broadcast.
For race entries, live coverage, and full results, visit the official website of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
