RB KINGMAKER delivered a thrilling performance to capture the fourth running of the US$1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup (sponsored by the Ministry of Culture) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. The race was part of the prestigious Saudi Cup meeting, whose main event, the US$20 million SAUDI CUP, is set to take place tomorrow (February 22nd). With Cristian Demuro in the saddle, the six-year-old son of BASEQ AL KHALEDIAH surged widest of all, overtook ASFAN AL KHALEDIAH at the top of the stretch, and held off a late challenge from NABUCCO AL MAURY to win by one length.
The UAE-based National Stables, led by trainer Helal Alalawi, celebrated a hard-fought victory as RB KINGMAKER crossed the line in 2:20.298 over 2100 meters on turf. Breaking from post 12 in a field of 13, the grey raced wide throughout but responded decisively when Demuro asked the question, securing his second career Group 1 win following his triumph in the HH The President Cup in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
“He is not an easy horse, but today he had the perfect race,” said Demuro, the France-based Italian jockey who has partnered RB KINGMAKER throughout his career. “I anticipated when they would quicken because I know the AL KHALEDIAH horses. If you don’t attack, they get away. I surprised them a little, and my horse responded well. It’s fabulous to win this race—it opens doors for Dubai and elsewhere.”
NABUCCO AL MAURY, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, produced a determined late rally to finish second, half a length ahead of ASFAN AL KHALEDIAH, who had set the pace before yielding in the final stages. Soumillon acknowledged the winner’s dominance, stating, “I saw Cristian was going easily when we entered the straight, so I rode my horse to finish second. He was very courageous and finished well. We are very happy with him.”
For Alalawi, the victory marked a defining moment in his training career. After near misses with SOKO (second in 2022), FETTAH DU LOUP (fifth in 2022), and JOE STAR (fifth in 2024), RB KINGMAKER’s win was a long-awaited triumph. “There are no words to describe how I’m feeling,” he said. “This has been a dream come true. It’s been a tough season we’ve finished second in the world cup, third in the Emir’s Sword, and lost the President Cup in Abu Dhabi. For a local stable like ours, this is a huge achievement. Cristian executed the race exactly as we asked, and today, we saw the real Kingmaker.”
With six wins from 18 starts and a resume that includes a runner-up finish to the brilliant Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp, RB KINGMAKER now looks poised for further success on the international stage, with DUBAI firmly on the horizon.
