The city’s pulse will quicken this Friday, 17 October as the Riyadh Racing Season 2025 launches with full flair at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. With 12 races under the lights fans will be drawn to the spectacular viewing lawns, elegant lounges and floodlit drama. Entry starts at 15 SAR (free for under 16s) and the venue opens its gates at 3:00 PM. The evening promises a thrilling mix of Arabian and local Thoroughbred contests across distances, testing speed and stamina.
R1: The Arabian Fillies Who Won (0-1) | 4:00 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 45,000
This opening event gathers fillies and mares aged 4 and up who’ve broken their maiden. Eleven starters line up with MARMAR ALKHALEDIAH (rating 96, blinkers) leading the weights. SHATHRT ALQARNAYN (rating 84) and JAMREEYA are compelling challengers while AL AMBHRA and SOBHEYA UMM FADI add depth. Expect an engaging early test of form and temperament to kick off the night.
R2: The Arabian Horses Who Won (0-2) | 4:25 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 50,000
Seventeen declared runners make this one densely competitive. FAHAD AL MUAWD, MIRBAA ALKHALEDIAH and KAY DE GHAZAL stand out high on the ratings list. Others like ISTEGLAL and LADVERSAIRE HIPOLYTE hold credible claims. Given the depth, pace control and trip efficiency will be critical.
R3: The Maiden (Fillies & Mares) | 4:55 PM | 1200m Dirt | SAR 40,000
A strong 20-runner field of maidens is set for this sprint. TAHAK KOM and LAST ADDITION look well positioned. OM ALTHAHAB, GHZAAAL ALARAB and GHASSANA bring promising trial form. Expect a fast early pace and a scramble home.
R4: The Maiden (3YO Colts, Geldings & Fillies) | 5:20 PM | 1200m Dirt | SAR 40,000
Eighteen three-year-olds take to the dirt. RIYADH and RANAAH both carry decent form while ALTARAB and JAHOM bring intrigue. FROST AND FREEZE could punch above its rating. The pace could collapse late giving closers a chance.
R5: The Local Bred Horses Handicap 0-75 | 5:50 PM | 1200m Dirt | SAR 85,000
Thirteen local-bred runners contest this sprint handicap. IBN ALMOLHIB, MOTAWASSI and NEMER ALMOGTARAH each carrying top weight are among the top picks. Others like ALASRAH, SEIF ALFALAH and ALAJWAH could spring surprises. With speed handicaps, track position and early fractions will matter.
R6: The Local Bred Fillies Open | 6:20 PM | 1400m Dirt | SAR 75,000
Eight two-year-old fillies stretch out for this open test. TWAHJR and BINT RAJEEDAH present as prime contenders while GHOSENIAH and HAZYAH (tongue strap) offer interesting form. The 1400m distance may favor those who can settle and pounce late.
R7: The Local Bred Horses Who Won (0-2) | 6:50 PM | 1800m Dirt | SAR 50,000
Ten runners line up over the 1800m trip. ISTITA’AEH (rating 95) and ASHJAA (rating 92) are key players. AKHO NOOF, ALRAJAE and IBN LABOUN bring additional strength. A test of stamina and positioning the finish will be telling.
R8: The Open (3YO+ All) | 7:20 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 120,000
A high-stakes open mile for horses aged 3 and older. WAQTUK (rating 103) is the standout favorite. Others to watch: DAAHI, MULLAZEM, ARPENTEUR, MUHTASHIM, SO DEUCE and KING OF SCOTIA. Tactics and split-second timing on the turn will define this one.
R9: The Maiden (3YO Colts, Geldings & Fillies) | 7:45 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 40,000
Twenty three hopefuls go over a mile seeking first success. AL Qaid and KING’S ROAD look among the front runners. ALBARDWEL, ALSALAM, FAKTAAK, MAHBOOK, SHOBASH, UNION CAPITAL each carry interesting form lines. It’s a race where fitness and race-course savvy may win the day.
R10: The Horses Who Won (0-1) | 8:10 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 45,000
Eleven two-year-olds step into winners’ company. BA’AMRAK, NAZAH and AL THARB are the early favorites. ALDEREA, ALWAKAD and JABR complete a compact but competitive field. Expect a spirited finish as they chase momentum.
R11: The Local Bred Horses Handicap 0-75 | 8:40 PM | 1600m Dirt | SAR 85,000
Fourteen local-breds contest this mile handicap. MOTAKHEM, SHAGHIL ALBAAL, Khaberni and MOWALA are among the strong claims. The balance of speed and stamina will be crucial in the closing stages.
R12: The Open (3YO+ All) | 9:05 PM | 2400m Dirt | SAR 120,000
Fans see twelve runners tackle 2400m. MOORE’S LAW (rating 97) and QONTAR (rating 90) are standout picks. Others like ENRICO CARUSO, CAUSWAY, SULTAN SENSE, RICH MAX, EASY DANCER and WALTER HARTRIGHT add depth. Endurance, patience and timing will decide this finale.
Friday’s program is a thrilling statement of ambition for the Riyadh Racing Season 2025. From fillies’ sprints to marathon stays, tonight’s card promises intrigue, upsets and narratives that will resonate through the season. As the lights dim on Meeting 22, all eyes will turn to Meeting 23 on Saturday, 18 October where the talent intensifies and championship storylines unfold further.
For more, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com.
