The Howden Neom Turf Cup received a moment of emotional significance this week as officials, trainers, and long-time supporters of Saudi Arabia’s growing turf programme reacted with pride to the news that the race has been elevated to Group 1 status ahead of its 2026 running. The announcement came alongside another milestone: an extended three-year sponsorship agreement that ensures Howden remains closely connected to the race’s future.
His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid AlFaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), spoke warmly about the upgrade, calling it “a moment the Kingdom can be proud of,” as horsemen and racecourse staff at King Abdulaziz Racecourse welcomed the news with genuine enthusiasm.
The recognition marks a major stride for turf racing in the Kingdom. The Howden Neom Turf Cup now joins the USD$20m Saudi Cup and the Obaiya Arabian Classic as top-tier contests on one of the world’s most anticipated international race weekends. The uplift comes ahead of The Saudi Cup meeting on 14 February 2026, which will coincide with the 41st Asian Racing Conference. The enhanced programme also features three Group 2s, a Group 3, and an upgraded Listed race following the elevation of the Tuwaiq Cup. The King Saud Cup has similarly been raised to International Listed status, adding further depth to the fixture list.
The rise of the Howden Neom Turf Cup has been remarkably swift. Introduced as a 2100-metre contest on turf — a surface that did not exist in Saudi Arabia before 2020 — it progressed from Group 3 to Group 2 in quick succession. Much of that acceleration has been fuelled by a run of outstanding winners. Mostahdaf (IRE) ignited its reputation in 2023 with a commanding seven-length success, foreshadowing his later Group 1 triumphs at Royal Ascot and York. A year later, Spirit Dancer (GB) added further prestige with a memorable win in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson. Earlier this year, Shin Emperor (FR) delivered a decisive performance over Calif (GER) and the high-class Al Riffa (FR), securing the three-year ratings profile that ultimately supported the race’s elevation to Group 1.
Prince Bandar welcomed the sponsorship renewal with Howden, noting the shared vision behind the partnership. “Our collaboration with Howden has been an additional source of pride, and we welcome the extension of this arrangement for a further three years,” he said. “Turf racing did not exist in the Kingdom prior to 2020, so to have achieved a first Group 1 on the surface in this time frame is something we are justifiably proud of.”
Howden Founder and CEO David Howden expressed his admiration for the progress of the Riyadh meeting, praising both its global character and its competitive depth. “It’s been extraordinary watching the transformation,” he said. “To see the Howden Neom Turf Cup achieve Group 1 status is a testament to the success of the meeting. Extending our partnership feels like a natural continuation of that journey.” He highlighted the international appeal of the fixture, noting the strong representation from Europe, America, and Japan in recent renewals and expressing his excitement to witness the first Group 1 running of the race under the extended agreement.
With its new status, the Howden Neom Turf Cup is expected to attract an even stronger field of international contenders, adding further shine to a weekend already recognised as one of global racing’s most diverse and competitive gatherings. For Saudi Arabia, the upgrade marks both progress and potential — a milestone achieved within a remarkably short timeframe, and one that reinforces the Kingdom’s expanding influence on the world’s racing landscape.
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