RIYADH — The world’s richest horse racing festival begins today, Friday, February 13, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, with 70 international horses competing for a total prize purse of $35.35 million over two days.
The seventh edition of the Saudi Cup weekend features a 16-race program that draws elite thoroughbreds from Japan, the USA, Europe, and Argentina. Today’s opening card is headlined by the International Jockeys Challenge, where 14 of the world’s leading riders—seven men and seven women—compete across four specialized handicap races. Notable entries for the weekend include the defending champion Forever Young (JPN), currently rated as one of the top dirt horses in the Longines World Rankings, and the Chilean G1 winner Khamal, making a high-profile debut in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby.
According to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), the event has secured participation from 22 countries, a record for the meeting. Beyond the track, the JCSA has integrated the “100 Saudi Brands” activation, showcasing modern Saudi couture and heritage through live fashion shows.
The weekend culminates tomorrow, Saturday, February 14, with the running of the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup. Gates open at 2:00 PM local time, with the final race card on Saturday also featuring the Group 1 Howden Neom Turf Cup and the Obaiya Arabian Classic. Official weather reports for Riyadh indicate clear conditions for the duration of the evening races, with track surfaces maintained as “Fast.”