The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup is set to take centre stage at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday, with Al Khalediah trainer Nasser Mutlaq holding a formidable hand as the Purebred Arabian spotlight turns to Riyadh. The USD $1.5 million Group 1 feature forms the climax of two days of elite competition and promises a searching examination of stamina, class, and composure over 1800 metres.
Riyadh will host the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival across Thursday and Friday, drawing international attention with its rich purses and deep fields. The meeting builds steadily towards Friday night’s showpiece, where 11 runners will contest one of the most valuable Arabian races in the world, a contest that has carried immense prestige since its elevation in 2019.
At the head of Mutlaq’s four-strong challenge stands the progressive Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah, the highest-rated horse in the field despite a relatively light career. The six-year-old, ridden by Adel Alfouraidi, has won four of his six starts and arrives in peak form after a commanding four-length success in the Group 3 Imam Turki bin Abdullah Sword on December 27. That performance marked him as a leading contender for the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup, combining tactical speed with a decisive finishing kick.
Al Kaaser, trained in France, was second on that occasion and lines up again, while Turki Al Khalediah II finished third and Mutwakel Alkhalediah fourth, both reinforcing the depth of the Mutlaq operation. Completing the quartet is Mostabsil Al Khalediah, a recent winner who adds further strength to the stable’s chances in Friday’s feature.
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup Draws Global Interest
International intrigue is added by French trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, who sends Moshrif back to Riyadh for another major assignment. Moshrif was runner-up to the outstanding Tilal Al Khalediah during Saudi Cup weekend last year in the Group 1 Al Mneefah Cup, and his return underlines the global pull of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup.
Friday’s supporting programme is headed by the USD $300,000 Princess Mounira Bint Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Bin Jalawi Cup over 1600 metres. Mutlaq again features prominently, fielding Bint Ghaliat Al Khalediah, second to Tilal Al Khalediah at Taif in September, alongside Mubarizat Alkhalediah and Maitha Al Khalediah. France is represented here too, with Elizabeth Bernard sending Algheed from her La Teste-De-Buch base.
Thursday’s highlight comes in the Group 2 USD $500,000 Al Khalediah Stable International Cup, also over 1600 metres. Nawahel Alkhalediah and Nijinski Al Maury are among the standouts in a field of eight, having finished just behind the leading lights in recent form lines. The day also carries a poignant note with the inaugural Mutlaq bin Moshrif Cup, run in honour of Nasser Mutlaq’s late father, recognising his lasting contribution to the success and championships of Al Khalediah.
Saturday rounds out the festival with an all-Thoroughbred programme, topped by the marathon 2400-metre Al-Jouf Region Governorate Cup. A full field of 20 has been declared, including two runners from the White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, headed by course-and-distance winner Almaqam. The card also features the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture Cup for fillies and mares, where last month’s scorer Dance Desire heads the ratings.
As Riyadh prepares for two days of high-class racing, the narrative is clear: local excellence meets international ambition, with the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup poised to deliver another defining chapter in Arabian racing history.
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