Racing excitement reaches new heights this Friday, 7th November 2025, as the Riyadh Racing Season continues with Meeting 31 at the world-renowned King Abdulaziz Racecourse. The evening’s centerpiece is the Ministry of Defense Cup (Local Gr.3), the 10th race on the card, run over 1600 meters and carrying a generous SAR 165,000 purse. As one of the most anticipated contests of the season, it stands as a symbol of honor, heritage, and competitive excellence — a race where elite local-bred horses showcase their class beneath Riyadh’s glittering night sky.
The Ministry of Defense Cup represents the pinnacle of local racing quality, drawing top contenders from across the circuit for a prestigious title that combines both glory and grit. The 1600-meter challenge is expected to test every facet of racing brilliance — speed, stamina, and strategy — as riders and trainers aim for one of the most respected wins in the Saudi racing calendar. The energy surrounding this race is palpable, as fans eagerly await a thrilling showdown that promises to define the evening.
The night begins with the Maiden at 03:45PM, a fast-paced 1200-meter opener worth SAR 40,000, setting the tone for a competitive card ahead. The action continues with a pair of Local Bred Maidens at 04:10PM and 04:40PM, both contested over 1400 meters and each offering SAR 40,000. These early races often reveal promising young talent, marking the emergence of future stars.
Momentum builds through the middle of the card with the Local Bred Horses Who Won (0–2) at 05:05PM for SAR 50,000, followed by the Local Bred Handicap 0–75 at 05:35PM, which offers a notable SAR 85,000 prize and attracts a strong, competitive field. Soon after, attention shifts to the Local Bred Open at 06:05PM, run over 1800 meters for SAR 120,000, where experienced runners showcase their stamina and power in one of the evening’s most respected supporting races.
As dusk settles over the racecourse, the action remains fierce. The Local Bred Horses Who Won (0–2) returns at 06:35PM for another 1800-meter test, followed by the Local Bred Fillies Maiden at 07:05PM and the Arabian (C/G) Horses Who Won (0–1) at 07:30PM, each staged over 1600 meters.
These contests pave the way for the grand feature that follows — the Ministry of Defense Cup (Local Gr.3) at 07:55PM. This highly anticipated feature event is set to be the defining highlight of Meeting 31, with a field of accomplished local-bred runners competing for supremacy.
Following the feature, the program concludes with two exciting finales — the Arabian Horses Who Won (0–2) at 08:25PM, worth SAR 50,000, and the Local Bred Maiden at 08:50PM, offering SAR 40,000 to round off a spectacular evening.
With twelve races spanning various distances and divisions, Meeting 31 promises a perfect blend of speed, stamina, and sporting excellence. As the Ministry of Defense Cup headlines the night, the King Abdulaziz Racecourse is once again set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of Saudi Arabia’s racing heritage.
Stay tuned with RaceBuzz for all the highlights and results from this grand evening, where racing passion meets championship glory under the luminous Riyadh sky.
