The Saudi Cup 2024 meeting has attracted 1,162 entries with horses from 15 countries represented at the world’s most valuable race meeting in Riyadh on February 23-24.
A total of 41 G1 winners feature in the list, with strong support from the powerhouses of the USA with 123 horses listed and Japan – the country that produced the 2023 winner, Panthalassa – which has 110 entries.
This year’s event at King Abdulaziz Racecourse will include a new prize fund worth an additional $2.25m compared to the 2023 renewal. The increase reflects the upgrades of two races – the Neom Turf Cup and the 1351 Turf Sprint – to G2 status. In addition, the Al Mneefah Cup for Purebred Arabians will also run as a Gr1 for the first time.
Likely fields for Saudi Cup meeting
Breeders’ Cup Classic one-two White Abarrio and Derma Sotagake head entries for the world’s richest race, the $20m Saudi Cup, where they are joined by Preakness hero National Treasure from the US plus Dubai World Cup hero Ushba Tesoro and Godolphin’s JRA champion dirt horse Lemon Pop.
High-profile European entries on the card include G1 stars such as Luxembourg, Warm Heart, Mawj, Art Power, Simca Mille and Double Major. Derby fourth Sprewell also features among Saudi Cup entries – for Bahraini-based trainer Haider Ebrahim.
Silver Sonic and Bathrat Leon, both successful for Japan on the corresponding card in 2023, have been handed a shot at defending their respective titles in the Red Sea Turf Handicap and 1351 Turf Sprint. Casa Creed, twice runner-up in the latter event, has also been entered.
Bahrain international Trophy winner Spirit Dancer, who gained an automatic place in the Neom Turf Cup, also features among the entries.
From the domestic ranks, former US-trained Defunded and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques winner Scotland Yard have been entered in the Saudi Cup.
HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, was delighted with the initial list for his nation’s showpiece card.
“It is great to see that so many of the world’s highest-profile horses hold an entry to our marquee event, which now benefits from race upgrades and increased prize-money,” he said.
“The Saudi Cup is one of the most important sporting and social occasions in the Kingdom, providing a place for us to come together once a year as a global community to celebrate these magnificent animals at an event that is uniquely Saudi Arabian.
“Our racecard provides interest and excitement across the two days with the International Jockeys Challenge featuring 14 of the top men and women from around the world as well as a race for Part II and Part III racing nations. All this is highlighted of course by The Saudi Cup – the world’s most valuable race and the highlight of our racing year.”
• Visit the Saudi Cup website
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