The lights will shine bright this Friday as the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) stages the much-anticipated Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Festival Race Night at the iconic King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Racing enthusiasts from across the region will flock to witness a spectacular evening of speed, strategy, and sheer equine excellence, with hearts racing in anticipation for the day’s feature event: R12 – the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup (G1), boasting a staggering USD 1,500,000 in prize money.
From the very first race at 3:30pm, the festival will showcase a rich tapestry of equestrian talent. The card opens with R1 – Local Bred Handicap 0-65, a 1200m sprint offering SAR 75,000 to the contenders. The early races promise an engaging mix of emerging local talent and seasoned performers, including R2 – Local Bred Fillies Who Won 0-2 (1400m, SAR 50,000) and R3 – Local Bred Horses Who Won 0-2 (1600m, SAR 50,000), where trainers and jockeys alike will be keen to make their mark.
As the afternoon progresses, the spotlight will shift to maiden races that highlight the rising stars of Saudi racing. R4 – Maiden (1600m, SAR 40,000) will set the stage for the Arabian divisions, with R5 – Arabian Maiden (Colts, 1200m, SAR 100,000) and R6 – Arabian Horses Maiden (1200m, SAR 100,000) promising an electrifying display of speed and agility. Spectators will witness raw potential and the meticulous training that transforms young horses into champions.
The evening will unfold with high-stakes contests among seasoned Arabian horses. R7 and R8 – Arabian Horses Open (1600m each, SAR 100,000) will test stamina and racecraft, followed by the tactical battles of the handicap divisions: R9 – Arabian Handicap 0-70 (1200m, SAR 100,000) and R10 – Arabian Handicap 70-90 (2000m, SAR 100,000). With every stride, jockeys will push their mounts to the limit, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
A special highlight of the evening is R11 – Princess Mounira Bint Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Bin Jalawi Cup 80+ (1600m, USD 300,000), a showcase of elite Arabian racing where experience and pedigree converge under the dazzling lights of Riyadh.
But all eyes will ultimately turn to R12 – the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup (G1) at 8:50pm. This 1800m international contest represents the pinnacle of Saudi racing for the night, attracting top-class horses and jockeys from across the globe. With USD 1,500,000 on offer, the tension will be palpable, and the outcome could define careers. The atmosphere will be electric as the field charges down the home straight, every heartbeat syncing with the thundering hooves of these magnificent athletes.
The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Festival Race Night is more than just a series of races; it is a celebration of passion, precision, and prestige. From the local hopefuls to the international stars, every contest promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Racing fans are preparing for a night where champions will rise, records could tumble, and the spirit of Saudi Arabian horse racing will shine brighter than ever.
Riyadh racecards 9 January promise an evening of prestige and anticipation as Saudi Arabia’s finest gather under the lights at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.