Saturday evening in Riyadh will carry the weight of history and prestige as the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) presents an international-class race meeting at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on 27 December 2025. Featuring royal-named Cups, Group contests, and competitive handicaps, the 12-race card will reflect the depth, ambition, and growing global stature of Saudi Arabian racing.
The curtain-raiser will arrive at 03:20 PM with Race 1, the Handicap 0–90, run over 1800 metres for a purse of SAR 95,000. This opening contest will set the tone for the afternoon, as seasoned campaigners and progressive types test stamina and tactical speed on the Riyadh dirt. It will be the first opportunity for connections to make a statement on a demanding card.
Momentum will build quickly at 03:45 PM with Race 2, the Local Bred Open, contested over 1200 metres and offering SAR 75,000 in prize money. Speed and precision will be key here, as locally bred sprinters are expected to break sharply and push the pace from the outset, igniting early excitement among spectators.
At 04:10 PM, Race 3, another Handicap 0–90, will return to the sprinting 1200-metre trip with a stronger purse of SAR 95,000. This race will demand balance and racecraft, where minor margins and perfect timing could determine the outcome in a tightly matched field.
The focus will then shift to developing local talent at 04:40 PM with Race 4, the Local Bred Handicap 0–75, also over 1200 metres, carrying a total prize fund of SAR 85,000. It will be a vital proving ground for emerging horses aiming to climb the domestic ranks, with ambition often burning brighter than experience.
As the sun dips lower, prestige will take centre stage at 05:05 PM with Race 5, the Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Cup. Run over 1200 metres and boasting a remarkable SAR 900,000 in prize money, this race will elevate the meeting into elite territory. The intensity, speed, and expectation surrounding this contest will be palpable, with connections fully aware that victory here can define a season.
The quality will deepen further at 05:35 PM with Race 6, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Sword (Group 3). Over a testing 1600 metres and again worth SAR 900,000, this Group 3 event will combine class and composure, rewarding horses capable of sustaining speed while handling pressure under the brightest lights.
At 06:10 PM, the spotlight will shine brightest on Race 7, the King Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Cup (Domestic Group 1). Covering 1600 metres for SAR 800,000, this flagship contest will represent the pinnacle of domestic competition. Expectations will soar as elite runners clash, each stride carrying history, pride, and the weight of national racing prestige.
The elite theme will continue at 06:45 PM with Race 8, the King Khaled Bin Abdulaziz Cup (Domestic Group 1). Set over 1800 metres with another SAR 800,000 at stake, this race will demand both stamina and tactical intelligence, offering a thrilling contrast to the earlier mile contests.
Depth and quality will remain high at 07:20 PM with Race 9, the King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Cup (Listed). Run over 1600 metres for SAR 800,000, this Listed event will attract runners eager to bridge the gap between strong domestic form and elite status, making it a pivotal moment in many racing careers.
Staying power will be tested at 07:55 PM in Race 10, the King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Cup (Listed). Over a demanding 2000 metres and worth SAR 800,000, this contest will challenge endurance, patience, and timing, often rewarding those who thrive as others begin to tire.
As the night deepens, Race 11 at 08:30 PM will bring a change of rhythm with the Arabian Fillies & Mares who won 0–2, run over 2000 metres for SAR 50,000. This race will celebrate developing Arabian talent, blending heritage with opportunity as emerging performers seek to write their own stories.
The meeting will reach its conclusion at 09:00 PM with Race 12, the Handicap 0–90, stretched over a stamina-sapping 2400 metres and carrying SAR 95,000 in prize money. As the final race of the night, it will be a true test of resolve, often producing emotional finishes as tired but determined horses dig deep one last time.
From the opening handicap to the closing staying contest, the JCSA’s International Race Day at King Abdulaziz Racecourse will promise more than just racing—it will deliver ambition, heritage, and high drama under Riyadh’s evening sky. With substantial prize money, prestigious titles, and a full spectrum of distances, Saturday’s programme will stand as a powerful showcase of Saudi Arabia’s growing stature on the global racing stage.
Saudi Arabia race cards 27 December promise a compelling 12-race programme at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where royal Cups and elite domestic contests will shape a memorable evening in Riyadh.
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