The summer lights will shine bright over the majestic King Khalid Racecourse this Friday, 1st August 2025, as the third meeting of the Taif Summer Race Night series unfolds in a twilight spectacle of speed and spectacle. With gates opening at 3:00 PM, audience will be welcomed into the heart of Saudi racing for an evening of competitive turf action, gourmet food trucks, and the elegant Nabd Al Nadi experience overlooking the Parade Ring. As free admission opens the doors to all, the floodlit course will host another chapter of the Kingdom’s thriving summer racing tradition—where spirited contenders, top stables, and the pulse of the crowd promise a memorable night under the stars.
Race-by-Race information:
Race 1: The Maiden
Start Time: 3:45 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for four year old and above
The third meeting at Taif will kick off with a high-voltage 1400m maiden for horses, and with 22 runners, the contest promises an open and aggressive start to the evening. All eyes will be on MOBEEN, who brings the highest official rating into the mix and is expected to make his presence felt early. Local hopes ANA ALSHEIKH and AMEERAT FARES also bring consistency and competitive ratings, while debutants like NESTOR add an element of mystery. With blinkers, tongue straps, and tactical gear shifts in play, this opening event sets the tone for what could be a thrilling night under the Taif lights.
Race 2: The Local Bred Maiden (Colt & Gelding)
Start Time: 4:15 PM
Distance: 1200m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for 2 year old Colts & Geldings
The second race of the evening will turn the spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s rising juvenile colts and geldings, with 11 local-bred two-year-olds set to dash over 1200 metres. With no exposed form to lean on, the maiden contest is primed to deliver unpredictability and raw speed. Among the runners, early paddock interest may centre on ALFAZAREI and ANA ALMOHEEB, both bred for early speed and expected to handle the short trip well. CAFEH and QINQA’AE bring smart work tabs and are likely to show early intent, while ADHEHAM will catch the eye with blinkers on in what could be a bold forward showing.
Race 3: The Local Bred Fillies Maiden
Start Time: 4:40 PM
Distance: 1200m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for 2 year old Fillies | Dirt
The third race of the evening will see 15 two-year-old fillies make their much-anticipated debut in this 1200m maiden for local-bred juveniles. With such a large and unexposed field, the race is set to offer high drama and testing challenges for newcomers under lights. Strong pre-race attention is likely to fall on SHARRAFAT, who looks well-equipped with blinkers and hails from a powerful ownership. DNOO and TERAWE’AHOM bring tactical gear and potential early pace to the contest, while WASHOOS and MOHKAMH, both drawn low, will be hoping to seize the initiative early. Expect a frantic charge down the straight as these young fillies vie for their first taste of racing glory.
Race 4: The Arabian Fillies Open
Start Time: 5:05 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 85,000
Category: for 3 year old Fillies | Dirt
The fourth race is a wide-open 1400m contest for three-year-old Arabian fillies, where no fewer than 19 runners have been declared. This longer trip will test early development and staying potential in equal measure. Among the standout entries is AL ADAALAH KFM, who looks primed with multiple headgear adjustments and could offer sharp improvement. Eyes will also be on the French-bred pair AL NAYLA and GISTA, while NHALK brings continental pedigree and tactical draw advantage.
Race 5: The Arabian Horses Maiden
Start Time: 5:30 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for 4 year olds
This maiden for four-year-old Arabians brings together a deep and varied line-up over 1400 metres. QASWRAH ALQANON heads the field on ratings and draws ideally. M N SAREM and MUBAREZ AL SHAHANIA rate as strong threats, while RB SLYCK and ADHAM EL KHIR come equipped with blinkers and should be sharper. Among the fillies, BALLADE AL MAURY and ALULA will look to make their presence felt in a race that should reward early positioning and clean breaks.
Race 6: The Local Bred Fillies Maiden
Start Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for 3 year old Fillies
A full field of 18 fillies is set for this competitive maiden heat. SHAQRA ALHAWEEH brings the highest rating into this contest and should command attention. DERMAANAH, AMAJED, and ZHIL ALHADB look progressive on paper, while MAATMAREE and TASER ALNAAZHEREN could sneak into contention from favourable draws. Expect late market moves in this open affair.
Race 7: The Fillies Maiden
Start Time: 6:25 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
Category: for 3 year old Fillies
A mix of local and imported fillies line up in this evenly-matched maiden. LA SOLITAIRE and MANSORAH BALLAH arrive with the strongest ratings and could dictate terms. ASAFAA, MEDAGHESH, and MYLAH are not far behind, while RENAD and RAGHEED warrant each-way interest on consistency.
Race 8: The Open (Colts/Geldings)
Start Time: 6:50 PM
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 120,000
Category: for 4 year Colts, Geldings & Horses
A sharp contest with AJWADI and YUAFIQUK ALLAH rating well above the field. VARDEN and MONKEY ISLAND bring solid consistency, while MISK and SO DEUCE will look to challenge late. ALZUHAAL and BARQ ALARAB have minor place chances if things fall their way.
Race 9: The Horses Who Won 1–2
Start Time: 7:20 PM
Distance: 1600m
Prize Money: SAR 55,000
Category: NH & SH 4YO+ | Dirt
ALAHAM and BRQ hold strong claims with their top-end ratings, while ALMOSALHEMAH and ALZAAEM bring recent form to the table. NOWH, REBEL ICON, and ATTAJ could be players in the mix. Watch for late progress from JAMMRAN and PRINCEVILLE in this packed field.
Race 10: The Makkah Almokarramah Regional Governor’s Cup Prep (Open)
Start Time: 7:50 PM
Distance: 1600m
Prize Money: SAR 120,000
Category: NH & SH 4YO+ | Dirt
UNCLE and WAQTUK headline the field with standout ratings, while HENRY Q, ALMURTAJIZ, and ALMULHEM look well-placed to challenge. THE GOAT and RED KITE are consistent types, and PATH OF THUNDER could figure in exotics.
What to Expect at the Venue
General Admission is free, giving visitors trackside views of an evening packed with high-calibre racing. Attendees can enjoy access to Grandstand seating, live music, a night food market, and retail outlets, along with the stylish Bel Azure restaurant. Fans can also participate in the Nominations Game—a fun chance to win prizes by guessing the winner of each race.
For those seeking a more elevated experience, hospitality options include:
Private Suites: Nestled inside the Nabd Al Nadi building overlooking the home straight, these suites offer exclusivity for up to 20 guests. Each space comes with a private terrace, dedicated wait staff, flat-screen TVs, and private parking. Prices start at SAR 375 per person (minimum 15 guests).
Almultaqa: A tranquil, Royal-inspired Clubhouse lounge with views of the track, suitable for entertaining 40 to 100 guests. This premium space blends equine art, a spacious atrium, and gourmet dining. Rates begin at SAR 10,000 per event.
These options make the King Khalid Racecourse not just a destination for racing, but also a venue for exclusive social experiences.
For more information on horse racing, racing events, results stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
