The 2025 Saudi Cup race day is set to be one of the most exciting events on the horse racing calendar, taking place on February 22, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This prestigious race day will feature not only the main event, the Saudi Cup, with its unparalleled prize pool of $10 million (approximately 1.5 billion yen), but also several other high-stakes races, showcasing top-tier horse racing talent from across the globe.
A total of six graded races are scheduled, with significant participation from Japanese horses, known for their strong performance on international platforms. The event has garnered attention as numerous talented Japanese competitors have made their way to Riyadh, eager to make their mark at this notable racing festivity.
Among the standout competitors for the Saudi Cup is Forever Young, who has been regarded as the frontrunner by many experts. With impressive credentials, he will be joined by fellow Japanese competitors Ushba Tesoro, Wilson Tesoro, and Lam Jet, all of whom are aiming for glory on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
The first race, the Saudi Derby, is set to kick off at 22:20 JST and will feature three Japanese contenders: Symphony Ever, Mistress, and Myriad Love. The latter is notable for her winning streak, having won all of her previous three races. Piggybacked by the expertise of jockey Akira Sugawara, the expectations are high for her performance against strong international competition.
The Riyadh Dirt Sprint, another significant race scheduled for 23:00 JST, will also see participation from Japanese horses, including the previous year’s winner, Remake, and rising stars like Gaby's Sister and Chikappa. The race has been known to favor Japanese contenders, who boast a solid track record of success.
Following at 24:25 JST is the Neom Turf Cup, expected to draw attention due to the participation of Killer Ability and Shin Emperor, who aims to achieve another victory following his second-place finish at the Japan Cup.
The Thrilling 1351 Turf Sprint will follow at 25:10 JST, where Japanese horses have previously made headlines with their performances. Notable entries this year include Ascari Piceno and Ten Happy Rose, both previous G1 winners.
Finally, at 26:40 JST, the main event will commence: the Saudi Cup itself. This premier race will crown the champion of champions, with competing horses including former Breeders’ Cup competitor Ushba Tesoro, the much-anticipated Forever Young, and last year's second-place winner, Wilson Tesoro. Each horse is backed by elite trainers confident of their chances for glory.
These preparations are taking place under the watchful eyes of trainers who have expressed assurance about their horses’ readiness. Yasuhito Yagaki, handling the training for Forever Young, stated, "We have strong contenders preparing for the race," highlighting the intense training regimen and commitment involved before the race day.
The highly competitive nature of the races at Saudi Cup day compels participants to adapt quickly to track conditions which vary annually. Trainers and jockeys alike have been commenting on how the preparation has been impacted by their training environment leading up to the event. "The track surfaces change considerably and can significantly affect race strategies," noted Yagaki, reinforcing the unpredictable element of the races.
While international competitors like Romantic Warrior, trained by C. Shams, also eye victory, there remains considerable focus on the Japanese horses who have garnered favorable odds based on their past performances. Shams expressed positivity about Romantic Warrior's training phase leading to the event, emphasizing the horse's adaptability and fitness.
Overall, the 2025 Saudi Cup promises to be an exhilarating array of equestrian talent, featuring the finest competitors from Japan and beyond. With heightened anticipation surrounding the performance of Japanese horses, encapsulating both local and international interests, this event is anticipated to capture the best of what horse racing has to offer across the globe.
With the preparations underway and excitement building, all eyes will soon turn to Riyadh, eager to witness who will emerge victorious at one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.