Saudi Cup is world’s richest horse race with $20m prize money: Interesting facts to know

The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse racing event, is set to begin this Friday amidst great fanfare and excitement.

With a staggering prize purse of $20m for the main race and a total prize money distribution amounting to a remarkable $37.6m over the course of two days, the Saudi Cup continues to capture the attention of the global racing community.

In a statement preceding the event, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the honorary president of the Jockey Club, and the Crown Prince for their unwavering support towards making the Saudi Cup a resounding success.

“The Saudi Cup has become a prominent event and a symbol of success in the Kingdom on many levels,” remarked Prince Bandar Al Faisal. “It encompasses not just the races but also various elements including culture, commerce, fashion, and art, serving as a platform to showcase and attract people to the rich history and culture of the kingdom’s diverse regions.”

Here are some key facts about the Saudi Cup 2024:

1. The world’s most valuable horse race: Despite its relatively young age, the Saudi Cup has swiftly established itself as the most lucrative horse racing event globally, boasting a prize money of $20m for the main race alone.

The total prize pool of $37.6m distributed across all contests over the weekend underscores its stature in the world of horse racing.

2. The magnificent King Abdulaziz Racetrack: Since its inauguration in 2003, the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh has served as the prestigious venue for the Saudi Cup.

With the recent development of a new 1800m turf track at the venue, the kingdom has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of horse racing, further solidifying its position as a hub for equestrian excellence.

3. A international affair: The Saudi Cup attracts over 70 international horses from diverse corners of the globe, ranging from Argentina to Japan. 14 jockeys from across the best stables in the world will participate in the main draw. Additionally, the event will feature three Group 1 races, two Group 2 races, and three Group 3 races.

4. Promoting gender inclusivity: Recognising the need to promote gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sport, the Saudi Cup has taken proactive measures to involve women at all levels, from event management and logistics to actual participation in horseracing events.

5. The International Jockey’s Challenge: Scheduled for Friday, February 23, the International Jockey’s Challenge will witness an equal number of male and female jockeys competing for the trophy across four exhilarating races, symbolizing the spirit of equality and inclusion.

6. Honoring King Abdulaziz’s Legacy: The Obaiya Arabian Classic Race, scheduled for Saturday, pays homage to King Abdulaziz’s favorite horse, Obaiya, who played a pivotal role in the kingdom’s history.

With a prize purse of $2m, this race stands as a fitting tribute to the monarch’s enduring legacy.

7. Global racing calendar: The strategic timing of the Saudi Cup, positioned just weeks after the Pegasus World Cup in Florida and preceding the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, ensures maximum participation from top-tier horses and jockeys, cementing its status as a premier event in the global racing calendar.

8. A trophy worthy of kings: Crafted by the UK-based jeweller House of Gerrard, the Saudi Cup trophy stands as a magnificent symbol of excellence in horseracing.

Fashioned from 24-carat gold and towering over 1 meter in height, the trophy exemplifies the prestige and grandeur of the Saudi Cup.

In addition to the thrill of the races, the Saudi Cup also witnessed the presence of legendary former Manchester United football manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who expressed his delight at the prospect of competing on the international stage with his runner Spirit Dancer.

For Ferguson, who co-owns the Frankel gelding along with Ged Mason and Peter Done, having a horse capable of taking him to international races on the biggest stage still doesn’t seem a reality.

He said: “When I bred Spirit Dancer, we never dreamt we’d get as far as this. I went to Dubai a few years back and wondered what it would like to be on the international stage with a horse, and now we’ve got one there.

“We had a few little problems with him as a three-year-old, but he got over that and he just keeps getting better and better, and he’s not had a lot of racing. That’s what Richard [Fahey] keeps saying; he’s a seven-year-old, but he can race a lot more that he has done so far.”

The Saudi Cup 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event in the world of equestrian sport.