A kiss on the cheek from trainer Nasser Mutlaq was the final touch of reassurance before Tilal Al Khalediah stepped onto the King Khalid Racecourse track. The multiple Group 1-winning Purebred Arabian, calm but resolute, carried the weight of expectation from a crowd eager to see one of the stars of Saudi racing in action again.
The SAR 1 million Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup on Friday night headlines the penultimate meeting of Taif’s summer season, and few horses arrive with the aura of Tilal Al Khalediah. Ridden by Adel Alfouraidi, the 15-time winner has already lit up Saudi Cup night twice — most recently in February when he captured the Obaiyah Arabian Classic for the second year running. His return, after a strong second in Dubai’s Kahayla Classic last April, is one of the most anticipated storylines of the season.
Rivalries renewed in the feature
Standing in his path are two familiar names. Stablemate-turned-rival Turki Al Khalediah II, victorious just last week, is back for more under Mousa Almasaodi’s care. Almasaodi also saddles Bint Ghaliat Al Khalediah, who bids for a hat-trick of wins and brings strong recent form to the 2000m test.
The meeting is not short on depth. The Group 3 King Faisal Cup over 1600m, restricted to three-year-olds, will see Almasaodi’s unbeaten French-bred filly Gista face a lively cast, including Wshmih Alsraya, Monsieur De Faust, and RB Next Of Kin — all seeking to stamp their mark on the division.
Okaz Cup and Taif Cup clashes
Earlier on Friday, the SAR 700,000 Okaz Cup Sponsored by Boutique Group promises another clash between Nicolas Bachalard’s Almurtajiz and Henry Q, alongside Abdullah Abdulaziz’s seasoned Mr Trinket, whose earlier form at Riyadh lends him strong claims if fully tuned.
The Taif Cup Fillies Open Sponsored by Saudi National Bank looks a highlight for the distaff division. Deem, who bolted up by nearly 14 lengths in her trial, now faces stronger opposition including Fallat Kheir and Gharamy, both proven at higher levels. Their male counterparts contest the Taif Cup Open Sponsored by NHC, with Saudi Derby third Mhally and stablemate Mhalhal attempting to reverse recent form with Taif Derby winner Jeddah Beach.
White Stable’s Zend, unbeaten in one start, adds intrigue to that field, while juvenile contests for locally bred horses feature exciting types such as the dominant Taqaarir and first-time winner Aatakum.
Looking ahead to National Day Cup
Saturday’s programme builds towards the 2400m National Day Cup, worth SAR 500,000. Prince Faisal’s Red Stable holds a strong hand with Jack Red Cloud, Mashmookh, and Mon Choix, ensuring the weekend will close on a competitive and celebratory note.
For now, though, all eyes remain on Tilal Al Khalediah. A champion who has already delivered on Saudi racing’s biggest stages, his bid for the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup is the story that promises to grip Taif’s closing week.
For more race coverage and insights, stay tuned to RaceBuzz or learn more about upcoming fixtures at King Khalid Racecourse.
