Hidetaka Otonashi Press Conference The Saudi Cup Wed 21st Feb 2024
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About The Saudi Cup
Organised by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) and run at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on the last weekend in February each year, The Saudi Cup is a two-day celebration of international racing headlined by the Group 1 USD$20m Saudi Cup - the world’s most valuable race. The Saudi Cup race weekend is further enhanced by an undercard of two Group 2 races and three Group 3 races for Thoroughbreds as well as two Group 1 contests for Purebred Arabians.
In addition the Saturday card features the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap for horses trained in IFHA registered Part II and III racing countries.
Established in 2020 with the fifth renewal set to be run on Friday 23 February and Saturday 24 February 2024, The Saudi Cup Day card carries a total prize purse of $31.5m and features dirt and turf races for the highest calibre of racehorses in the world. The weekend carries a prize purse of $37.6m making it racing’s richest festival.
A full card of racing on the preceding Friday includes an International Jockeys Challenge which sees seven female and seven male jockeys compete as individuals.
The Saudi Cup is the JCSA’s marquee event and aims to raise awareness of horseracing in the country, encouraging participation among men and women in all areas of the sport from riding and training to administration and regulation. It also serves to promote Saudi Arabian racing at international level.
9 сен 2024