Trainer Thamer Aldaihani was seen giving Falah Zain a reassuring pat after morning exercise, a gesture that spoke of both pride and expectation. The three-year-old chestnut, who lit up last month’s trial, now faces the sternest test of his young career in the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) Sprint Cup 2025, the 1200-metre feature at King Khalid Racecourse on Friday.
Ridden again by Muhammad Aldaham for owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, Falah Zain arrives off a dominant seven-length trial victory. By Vino Rosso, he appears a different horse from the one who finished down the field in the Sarawat Cup earlier this year. Connections are hopeful the colt’s speed and maturity can carry him to another big performance.
Sprint Cup promises fierce competition
The JCSA Sprint Cup 2025 carries a purse of SAR150,000, making it the most valuable race of the Taif weekend. Among the opposition is Karimi, winner of the Sarawat Cup, who has not quite rediscovered his best form this season. Trained by Ahmed Alshaia, Karimi was well behind Falah Zain in the Alhada Cup but may appreciate the drop back to 1200 metres.
Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable sends a strong team of three, including Abn Alaseei, a proven performer at shorter trips and fourth in last season’s Sarawat Cup. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons are represented by Min Shan, lightly raced but impressive when scoring by 11 lengths on debut in February.
Other highlights on Taif’s weekend card
Friday’s supporting programme features a 2000-metre Purebred Arabian Open, where the returning Turki Al Khalediah II will have his first run since finishing runner-up in Riyadh’s Listed King Abdulaziz Racecourse Champion last March. The seven-year-old entire, partnered by Fahad Alfouraidi, faces a packed field of 18.
Saturday’s action is headed by a 1400-metre Open worth SAR120,000. Uncle (GB) is expected to figure prominently after consistent runs this campaign for Aldaham and Aldaihani. Salam Alkhair (USA), a past winner of the Taif Cup, returns after an absence and will look to revive his best form for trainer Lucas Gaitan.
Later in the afternoon, two SAR100,000 handicaps close the meeting. Red Stable’s Painters Palette (IRE) drops in class after chasing home Waqtuk in recent starts, while the Arabian equivalent brings back Samedea Athbah (GB), a February winner, against veteran Khateer Alkhalediah.
With competitive fields across both Thoroughbred and Arabian divisions, JCSA’s Taif Week Eight promises an engaging spectacle, with the Sprint Cup the shining jewel.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
