Joel Rosario returns to King Abdulaziz Racecourse this weekend with unfinished business and familiar ambition, as the internationally renowned rider seeks a second consecutive success in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, one of Saudi Arabia’s key stepping stones towards the 2026 Saudi Cup.
The USA-based Dominican jockey is booked to partner the accomplished Ameerat Alzamaan (GB) in Saturday’s Group 3 contest, a race carrying SAR1,500,000 in prize money and serving as a qualifier for the Riyadh showpiece in February. Rosario captured this same 1800m prize twelve months ago aboard Rattle N Roll, and his return adds further lustre to a card already rich in elite international talent.
Ameerat Alzamaan will carry the red colours of Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz, having recently produced a commanding display to land the Group 3 Prince Sultan Ben Abdulaziz Cup. A dual Classic winner last season, including the 1000 Guineas and Fillies’ Mile, she arrives with an enviable record of six wins from seven starts and commands respect in a deep and competitive field.
The Red Stable field a formidable quartet in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, with last year’s placed runners Wait To Excel (GB) and Wootton’sun (FR) again lining up, joined by El Jabartee (IRE) as they all chase a place on Saudi Cup night.
International flavour runs throughout the contest. Christophe Soumillon and Mickael Barzalona are both in action for the White Stable of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, partnering Lionel (USA) and Michael Scofield (USA), the pair who recently fought out the finish of the Group 2 Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup. Camilio Ospina takes the reins on Haqeet (USA), a proven performer at the highest level.
Trainer Thamer Aldaihani is well represented, sending out four runners for owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah. Ricardo Ferreira has elected to partner Mhally (GB), last year’s 2000 Guineas winner who also placed in the Saudi Derby, adding further intrigue to the race’s tactical complexion.
Among the wider field is Scotland Yard (USA), who was second on his seasonal return under local champion Adel Alfouraidi after a disappointing run in this race last year. His revival was confirmed with victory in the Tuwaiq Cup during Saudi Cup weekend, making him a lively contender once again.
Saturday’s programme features three further Saudi Cup weekend qualifiers. Aldaihani also saddles the unbeaten and highly rated Al Haram (IRE) in the SAR465,000 2000 Guineas, a Saudi Derby qualifier, while a capacity field assembles for the 1000 Guineas, a race won last year by Ameerat Alzamaan. The Group 3 Al-Dareyah Cup, a qualifier for the Obaiya Arabian Classic, has drawn a competitive field of twelve, headed by Turki Al Khalediah II (KSA).
Friday’s action switches focus to the turf, where four additional qualifiers set the tone for the weekend. The Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup headlines proceedings, offering a direct route into the upgraded Group 1 Neom Turf Cup. Last year’s winner Bolide Porto (IRE) returns, having most recently finished third in a strong course-and-distance contest behind Candyman Stan (IRE) and Monsieur Jumbo (FR).
The opening race on Friday sees the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier, where Barzalona partners French import Cacofonix (IRE), runner-up on debut at Riyadh last month. Later, Sayyah (USA) bids for a third straight victory in the Red Sea Turf Qualifier, while Adeeb Al Shahania (FR) lines up in the Al-Mneefah Qualifier following an admirable effort at Group 1 level.
The weekend also showcases top-class Purebred Arabian action, including the Sprint Championship over 1200m and the prestigious King Abdulaziz Cup races on Saturday, where major domestic honours and significant prize money are at stake.
With depth, diversity, and international prestige across both days, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup stands at the centre of a weekend that once again underlines Riyadh’s growing prominence on the global racing stage.
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