Under the Riyadh sky, where tradition meets ambition and floodlights begin to glow against the desert evening, King Abdulaziz Racecourse will come alive on Thursday, 8th January 2026, as the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) stages an International Race Day rich in depth, diversity, and global intrigue. Anticipation will steadily build toward the night’s defining moment — Race 12, the Al Khalediah Stable International Cup (G2) 90+, a prestigious 1600m contest carrying a remarkable USD 500,000 in prize money, set to crown the evening at 08:45pm and draw international attention to Riyadh.
The day’s racing narrative will unfold thoughtfully, beginning at 03:30pm with Race 1, the Fillies Maiden, where emerging talent will step into the spotlight over 1400m for SAR 40,000. It will be a gentle but meaningful opening, offering young fillies their first chance to announce future promise on a competitive stage.
Momentum will build quickly in Race 2 at 03:55pm, as Local Bred F/M who won 0–2 contest another 1400m, this time for SAR 50,000. Experience, rather than potential alone, will begin to shape outcomes here, with consistency and maturity playing decisive roles.
By 04:20pm, the card will move into more tactical territory with Race 3, the Local Bred Handicap 0–60, run over 1600m for SAR 65,000. Handicapping nuance and racecraft will start to define the afternoon, asking riders to balance patience with precision.
That theme will deepen in Race 4 at 04:50pm, the Handicap 0–80, also over 1600m, offering SAR 85,000. This contest is expected to test stamina and judgment, with a noticeable rise in intensity as the quality sharpens.
As the sun dips lower, the focus will shift to Arabian excellence. Race 5 at 05:15pm, the Arabian Fillies Maiden, will sprint over 1200m for SAR 100,000, blending raw speed with the elegance that defines the Arabian breed.
The Arabian programme will continue at 05:45pm with Race 6, Arabian Horses Who Won 0–2, contested over 1400m for SAR 100,000, where lightly raced winners will aim to prove they belong among stronger company.
At 06:15pm, Race 7, the Arabian Horses Desert-Bred Open, over 1600m for SAR 100,000, will bring local pride to the forefront, celebrating horses shaped by regional conditions and heritage.
Speed will return to prominence in Race 8 at 06:45pm, the Arabian Horses Open, a 1200m dash for SAR 100,000, expected to be fast, unforgiving, and thrilling under the lights.
Endurance will then take center stage in Race 9 at 07:15pm, the Arabian Handicap 0–70, stretching out to 2000m with SAR 100,000 on offer. Tactical positioning and staying power will be critical as fatigue becomes a factor.
That staying theme will intensify further in Race 10 at 07:40pm, the Arabian Handicap 0–90, run over a demanding 2400m for SAR 100,000, separating true stayers from hopeful challengers.
International flavor will sharpen in Race 11 at 08:05pm, the Mutlaq bin Moshrif Cup, a 1200m contest worth USD 100,000, where speed, class, and ambition will collide as the evening edges toward its climax.
Finally, all roads will lead to Race 12, the Al Khalediah Stable International Cup (G2) 90+, at 08:45pm. Run over 1600m and offering a headline USD 500,000 prize, this feature race will embody everything the day has been building toward — international quality, elite competition, and the unmistakable sense that something significant is about to unfold.
As Thursday evening approaches, King Abdulaziz Racecourse will not merely host a race meeting; it will stage a carefully layered story of youth, heritage, stamina, speed, and global prestige. From the first maiden step to the final Group 2 crescendo, JCSA’s International Race Day will promise emotion, excellence, and moments that linger well beyond the finish line.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.