Helal Alalawi returns to Riyadh with confidence as he prepares RB KINGMAKER for Friday’s US$1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup, presented by the Ministry of Culture. The Al Ain-based trainer, who finished fifth in last year’s edition with JOE STAR, brings a stronger contender this time—one whose recent performances suggest he is primed for a major effort on the 2100m turf course.
RB KINGMAKER arrives in Saudi Arabia fresh off a commanding victory in the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Prep, showcasing the signature green and light blue silks of National Stables. His trainer, no stranger to high-level competition in Riyadh, believes past experiences will prove invaluable.
“Last year was positive and not our first time in this race,” Alalawi said. “We were second and sixth with SOKO and FETTAH DU LOUP in 2022, and also had RB FRYNCHH DUDE finish fourth in the 2021 Obaiyah Arabian Classic. Each of those races has given us insights into what it takes to compete at this level.”
Despite a ninth-place finish in the HH The President Cup at the end of 2024, RB KINGMAKER’s broader form suggests he remains a force to be reckoned with. His autumn campaign in France saw him run second in the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp behind the formidable AL GHADEER, widely regarded as the world’s best Purebred Arabian. That performance came on the heels of a solid third-place finish in Deauville’s Doha Cup, reinforcing his ability to mix it with the elite.
Cristian Demuro, who partnered him in both of those French outings, regains the ride on Friday, a reunion Alalawi views as a key advantage. “Cristian knows the horse well, having finished second with him in the World Cup in France, and his style should suit the track here. He likes to come with a late surge, and that could play to his strengths in the final metres.”
RB KINGMAKER is set to arrive in Riyadh on Tuesday afternoon alongside other UAE-based contenders, with anticipation building for what could be a defining moment in his career.
