Taif’s King Khalid Racecourse will glow under the lights on Friday, 19th September 2025, when The King Faisal Cup Race Night brings ten competitive races and festival atmosphere to the mountain city in its 17th meeting.
Gates will open at 3:00pm and the card will unfold through the evening, showcasing a mix of local-bred handicaps, feature Taif Cups for two-year-olds, high-value staying tests and the rich Group and Listed contests that headline the programme. Expect spirited finishes, emerging stars and plenty of on-track theatre as trainers and jockeys chase big purses and autumn momentum.
Race 1: The Local Bred Handicap 0-60
Start Time: 04:05pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 65,000 | Category: NH SH 3YO Colt, Gelding & Filly
The meeting will begin with the Local Bred Handicap 0-60, a test for three-year-old Arabians on the dirt, offering SAR 65,000. The race brings a deep field and an early chance for locally bred prospects to stake claims. Contenders: 18 runners — IBN ALATHEER, RAAYAT ALFOOZ, MOTASHA’AEB, AALI AL HAAMAH.
RACE 2: The Horses Who Won 1-2
Start Time: 04:35pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 55,000 | Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
The second race is a 1600m contest for older horses who have recorded one or two wins, carrying SAR 55,000. It will draw proven performers and improvers to the middle distance on Taif’s dirt. Contenders: 18 runners — ALHANDAWAN, ALNAJIM ALHAADHR, IZDAJAR, KHABERNI.
RACE 3: The Local Bred Handicap
Start Time: 05:05pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 85,000 | Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
At 5:05pm the Local Bred Handicap 0-75 will offer SAR 85,000 in a contest that highlights apprentice jockeys and local talent over a mile. Expect tactical riding and a strong, competitive lineup. Contenders: 15 runners — HEZAAM, DAQLAT NOORAH, MAYHAMAH, EMTAAZ.
RACE 4: The Taif Cup
Start Time: 05:35pm | Distance: 1400m | Prize Money: SAR 400,000 | Category: NH SH 2YO Colt & Gelding only
The first of the two rich Taif Cups for juveniles follows at 5:35pm: a 1400m dash for two-year-old colts and geldings carrying SAR 400,000. This is a prime stage to spot future middle-distance performers. Contenders: 11 runners — AATAKUM, AGDARHOM, ALQASSTTELI, BOEEAB.
RACE 5: The Taif Cup
Start Time: 06:05pm | Distance: 1400m | Prize Money: SAR 400,000 | Category: NH SH 2YO Filly
At 6:05pm the filly counterpart will run over the same 1400m trip for SAR 400,000, showcasing the season’s leading juvenile fillies and potential classic prospects. Contenders: 13 runners — ALSSAHALAH, ANA ALJONUBIYAH, AZMAAT, MUTAKAMILAH.
RACE 6: The Taif Cup
Start Time: 06:35pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 500,000 | Category: NH SH 3YO Colt, Gelding & Filly
The evening’s middle-distance highlight for three-year-olds comes at 6:35pm over a mile with SAR 500,000 on offer. This weight-for-age style test will attract a quality crop aiming to prove form at a key stage of the season. Contenders: 15 runners — ALKHAIR, ALNAHEEM, ATHAL, JAARIF.
RACE 7: The Taif Cup
Start Time: 07:05pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 500,000 | Category: NH SH 3YO Filly
At 7:05pm the top fillies will contest a mile feature with SAR 500,000 available, a race likely to reveal the leading female middle-distance prospects of the season. Contenders: 13 runners — ALJAZI, CHOCALHO, DEEM, DHABYAH.
RACE 8: The Okaz Cup
Start Time: 07:35pm | Distance: 2000m | Prize Money: SAR 700,000 | Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
The Okaz Cup moves the card into staying territory at 7:35pm — a 2000m test for older horses with SAR 700,000 up for grabs. This race will test stamina and class as the light fades over Taif’s straight. Contenders: 13 runners — ALAHAM, ALKHATEEB, ALMURTAJIZ, ARPENTEUR.
RACE 9: The Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup (Listed)
Start Time: 08:15pm | Distance: 2000m | Prize Money: SAR 1,000,000 | Category: Listed NH SH 4YO+ All
The Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup will be one of the night’s centrepieces at 8:15pm, a rich 2000m affair for seasoned performers. The depth of the declared field adds intrigue to this top-quality staying test. Contenders: 17 runners — ALHARETH, ANOUAR, BAIRAQ ALHEZAM, FAHAD AL MUAWD.
RACE 10: The King Faisal Cup (Gr3) Open
Start Time: 08:45pm | Distance: 1600m | Prize Money: SAR 1,000,000 | Category: Domestic Group 3 NH SH 3YO Colt, Gelding & Filly
The night will reach its climax with the King Faisal Cup (Group 3) at 8:45pm a mile feature carrying SAR 1,000,000. This domestic Group race will assemble the best three-year-olds on show and will be the evening’s defining contest under the lights. Contenders: 18 runners — AALY ALQARNIAN, AASI AL QANON, AGHEIDIRI, ALBARON.
As the final runners return to the paddock and the floodlights dim, Taif’s King Khalid Racecourse will have presented a full spectrum of Arabian and Thoroughbred racing from juvenile sprints to staying showpieces and two highlight cups that will shape late-season narratives
Meeting 18 on Saturday, 20 September will follow swiftly, promising fresh matchups and another evening of high-stakes action; the storylines that emerge tonight are sure to carry weight into tomorrow.
For more events, races or race days stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
