The Riyadh racing season kicks off with a spectacular Opening Weekend Race Night at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Oct 16th, 2025. Entry on Thursdays is free giving fans the chance to witness the excitement up close from the trackside lawns and Grandstand seating. With live racing running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31 January 2026, the event promises a season of thrilling Thoroughbred and Arabian action. Thursday visitors should note that only limited amenities are available, while full facilities operate on Friday and Saturday. The venue opens at 3:00 PM and closes by 9:30 PM with free car parking available for racegoers.
Fans are encouraged to dress in racing finery adding to the celebratory atmosphere reminiscent of global racing events. The Parade Ring offers an intimate view of the horses’ pre-race preparation letting enthusiasts study their form before the action unfolds.
R1 – The Arabian Horses (C/G) Maiden
Time: 4:00 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1200m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO Colts & Geldings
The opening contest features promising three-year-old colts and geldings in a maiden affair over 1200m on dirt. Al Nabaj (KSA) trained by A. Aldeaiji and ridden by Nawaf Alfairouz carries a tongue strap and looks to make a striking debut. Ayman Waset (KSA) with a solid rating of 77 brings form and consistency for trainer Reyaan Alibrahim. Blaiq (KSA) will run in blinkers and could unsettle the field if the dirt track suits his style. Expect a keenly contested dash as young Arabians vie for their first win.
R2: The Arabian Fillies Maiden
Time: 4:25 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1200m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO Fillies
The fillies step onto the dirt track with a competitive 10-runner line up. Manal Almuntakhaba (KSA) holds a rating of 50 and could provide an upset under Abdullah Almusaad leaving room for Amrah Goodah (KSA) to impress in this early test. Athyah Al Ghuraifa (KSA) may sharpen her finish offering a potential late challenge.
R3: The Local Bred Fillies Maiden
Time: 4:55 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1200m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 2YO Fillies
A young batch of two-year-old local fillies opens their careers in this maiden contest. Salat Suyof (KSA) carries a rating of 43 and sports a tongue strap while Bint Zamlooqah (KSA) may benefit from the extra weight allowance with Bandar Aloufi aboard. Blinkers and tongue straps on Ghala Fatemah (KSA) and Jalilat Alzaman (KSA) suggest connections are aiming for tactical improvement over the sprint distance.
R4: The Local Bred Horses Who Won (0-2)
Time: 5:20 PM | Purse: SAR 50,000 | Distance: 1200m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 4YO–5YO
Four and five year olds who have tasted success meet in a competitive sprint. Til Alfahd (KSA) trained by Mj. Almimuoni carries a rating of 56 and should be prominent. Abourah (KSA) at 81 rating and 5-year-old strength may provide a stiff test. Young mare Bint Qasoorah (KSA) adds female interest with her 70 rating and tongue strap making her one to watch if the pace is honest.
R5: The Local Bred Maiden
Time: 5:50 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1200m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO
Three year old contenders line up for this maiden over 1200m. Eqlett (KSA) carries a rating of 35 and runs in a tongue strap for Ayeid Alshaibani while Shifaa’a Algharam (KSA) is rated 31 suggesting a promising finish if settled well. Naqosh (KSA) and Alarmar (KSA) could contend in a tightly-packed early sprint. Blinkers and tongue straps on several runners indicate this race could see a dramatic finish.
R6: The Fillies Maiden
Time: 6:20 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1400m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 2YO
The two-year-old fillies stretch out over 1400m testing early stamina. Muta’ahilah (KSA) carries a rating of 46 and sports a tongue strap while debutante Alghalyah (USA) could show early pace under Ali Almutib. Raeboob (GB) completes the international mix potentially adding interest for spectators observing global bloodlines in local contests.
R7: The Local Bred Fillies Who Won (0-2)
Time: 6:50 PM | Purse: SAR 50,000 | Distance: 1400m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO
This contest features proven three-year-old fillies. Ableekh (KSA) with a 70 rating and tongue strap is likely to be prominent alongside Dejraanah (KSA) who carries a rating of 72 and could make a late surge. Mumterah (KSA) and Shaaeah (KSA) are other fillies capable of challenging for victory making it a tactical and thrilling mid-evening affair.
R8: The Local Bred Horses Who Won (0-2)
Time: 7:20 PM | Purse: SAR 50,000 | Distance: 1400m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO
Jadl (KSA) and Min Shan (KSA) highlight a strong line-up of three-year-olds who have already secured wins. Ratings of 66 and 78 respectively make them early favourites. Mjeed Alenaya (KSA) with cheek pieces may upset the field if conditions suit and Robot (KSA) adds a tactical twist in a race where positional speed could determine the outcome.
R9: The Local Bred Horses Open
Time: 7:45 PM | Purse: SAR 85,000 | Distance: 1800m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO
A step up in distance brings open-class three-year-olds to the spotlight. Hatha Alkalam (KSA) with an 88 rating and tongue strap is a top contender while Khaleedo (KSA) with blinkers and a rating of 78 could challenge in a tactical encounter. Alawjah (KSA) and Almitaeb Sweet (KSA) offer depth to the field with stamina over 1800m likely to be decisive.
R10: The Local Bred Horses Who Won (0-2)
Time: 8:10 PM | Purse: SAR 50,000 | Distance: 1600m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 4YO–5YO
Four and five-year-olds who have tasted success meet over a mile. Lilaelem (KSA) carries the highest rating of 103 and appears the horse to beat while Matahil (KSA) and Taqnee (KSA) provide strong mid-pack challenges. Taeajeeb (KSA) with cheek pieces may impact the pace making it a tactical mile where positioning is key.
R11: The Local Bred Maiden Horses
Time: 8:40 PM | Purse: SAR 40,000 | Distance: 1600m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 3YO
The contest features three-year-old maidens stretching out over a mile. Hami Alqoom (KSA) with blinkers and a rating of 20 could surprise if allowed to settle while Hassnan (KSA) at 41 rating may challenge in the final furlong. Aez Najd (KSA) carries a tongue strap giving connections hope for a smooth run. The finale promises an engaging finish to a captivating opening night.
R12: The Fillies Who Won (0-1)
Time: 9:05 PM | Purse: SAR 45,000 | Distance: 1600m Dirt | Eligibility: NH SH 2YO
The final race of the night is set to be a commanding test. Erhaoah (KSA) will likely take the spotlight combining stamina and tactical speed. Dalal Al Fahad (USA) is expected to challenge strongly in the final stretch. Mrosah (KSA) add depth to the field ensuring a competitive and dramatic closing to the opening night. Fans should expect a thrilling finish as top-level Arabian horses battle for supremacy over the mile-plus distance.
King Abdulaziz Racecourse provides modern racing facilities with excellent viewing points and a dirt track that tests both speed and stamina. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh in Al Jenadriyah, it is accessible with ample free parking. Thursday evening’s opening is a taste of the season with full amenities available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Close to King Khalid International Airport with free parking. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to experience the Parade Ring and settle into the atmosphere before the first race.
For more updates stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
