Saudi Cup Night
Series of horse races in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Saudi Cup Night is a series of eight thoroughbred horse races and one Purebred Arabian race held annually at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was first established in 2020.[1]
Run under the auspices of the Saudi Arabia Jockey Club, the event currently offers purses totalling US$33.5 million (as of 2024) and is the single richest day of Thoroughbred racing in the world. The Saudi Cup Night includes the following races:[2][3]
- Jockey Club Local Handicap (Local bred, locally trained horses only)
- Obaiya Arabian Classic GI (for purebred Arabians)
- Saudi International Handicap 90–110
- Saudi Derby GIII
- Riyadh Dirt Sprint GIII
- 1351 Turf Sprint GII
- Neom Turf Cup GII
- Red Sea Turf Handicap GIII
- Saudi Cup GI
The festival is accompanied by cultural events in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Saudi heritage fashion expert Dr. Laila Albassam, and illustrator Norah Sahman – who co-developed the Saudi Cup Dress Code. Attendees dress in styles inspired by the heritage costumes worn across the Kingdom. The event also offers traditional foods, live musical concerts, art shows, and performances from various parts of Saudi Arabia.[4]