Saudi Cup
The Saudi Cup (Arabic: كأس السعودية) is an international horse race held at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the richest horse race ever held, with a $20 million purse.[2]
| Group 1 race | |
 | |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 2020[1] |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,800 meters |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | King Abdulaziz Racetrack |
| Purse | $20,000,000 1st:$10,000,000 |
| 2023 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Panthalassa | Country Grammer | Cafe Pharoah |
| Previous years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Emblem Road | Country Grammer | Midnight Bourbon |
| 2021 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Mishriff | Charlatan | Great Scot |
| 2020 | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Maximum Security | Midnight Bisou | Benbatl |
Race details
The race is notable for its 20 million dollar purse,[3] which makes it the most lucrative event in horse racing.[4]
The race is held four weeks after the $3 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, Florida, and four weeks before the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, making it possible for horses in those races to compete.[3]
In 2021, the Pegasus World Cup in the United States and the Champions Cup in Japan were "Win and You're In" qualifiers for the Saudi Cup.
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee assigned Group 1 status to the Saudi Cup before its third running, scheduled for February 2022.[5]
History
The first edition of the race was held on February 29, 2020. It was won by an American horse, Maximum Security, ridden by Luis Saez. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announced two months later that it would withhold Maximum Security's purse money pending an investigation, following the indictment of trainer Jason Servis in the United States.[6] As of October 2021, there has been no resolution on the purse matter.[7]
Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Panthalassa | 6 | Yutaka Yoshida | Yoshito Yahagi | Hiroo Race Co.,Ltd. | 1:50.80 |  Japan |
| 2022 | Emblem Road | 4 | Wigberto S. Ramos | Mitab Almulawah | Prince Saud Bin Salman Abdulaziz | 1:50.53 |  United Arab Emirates |
| 2021 | Mishriff | 4 | David Egan | John Gosden | Prince Abdul Rahman al Faisal | 1:49.59 |  United Kingdom |
| 2020 | Maximum Security* | 4 | Luis Saez | Jason Servis | Gary L & Mary E West, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith | 1:50.59 |  United States |
*Maximum Security's first-place purse has been held pending an investigation by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.[6]
See also
References
- "THE WORLD'S MOST VALUABLE HORSE RACE". Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- "In 2020, Saudi Arabia Set to Stage Record $20M Horse Race". Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- "Saudi Arabia to stage world's richest race in 2020". Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- "Saudi Cup Draws 140 Nominations, Including 32 Individual Group/Grade 1 Winners". Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- Hersch, Marcus (5 October 2021). "Saudi Cup made a Group 1 race". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- Hammonds, Evan (13 April 2020). "JC of Saudi Arabia Puts Hold on Saudi Cup Payments". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
- Kieckhefer, Bob (28 October 2021). "Third Running of Saudi Cup Set for Feb. 26". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
Maximum Security won the first running, though his purse money remains held up pending resolution of charges in the United States against trainer Jason Servis.