The Governor of Riyadh crowns the winners of the Crown Prince's Horse Cups in Janadriyah
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Janadriyah witnessed a prominent sporting event yesterday evening, where His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, crowned the winners of the Crown Prince’s Cups for horses, on behalf of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Details of the evening and the major races
This event was part of the 43rd meeting of the Riyadh racing season, with all eyes on the two main races, which offered a combined prize purse of two million riyals. The two cups were designated for locally bred horses and an open race (locally bred and imported) internationally classified as Listed, reflecting the high caliber of the participating horses.
Upon the arrival of His Highness the Prince of Riyadh to the venue of the ceremony, he was received by a group of princes and officials, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority and the Horse Racing Club.
"White Stable" dominates both cups
The races witnessed fierce competition and high-level tactics, resulting in the dominance of the horses owned by the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (the White Stable). In the eighth race, designated for locally bred horses (Group 1) over a distance of 2400 meters, the horse "Wa Na'meen" deservedly claimed first place. Following the race, the Governor of Riyadh presented the trophy to His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
The dominance continued in the ninth race for the internationally classified (Listed) Cup over the same distance, where the horse “Sayyah” owned by the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz won the title, and Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah received the second cup on an exceptional night for the White Stable.
The importance of the event and its place on the Saudi equestrian map
The Crown Prince Cup holds immense significance beyond being a mere race; bearing the name of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the architect of the Vision and the leader of change, it carries considerable prestige. This championship is one of the most important events on the Saudi racing calendar, serving as a true indicator of the horses' readiness for larger international competitions, such as the prestigious Saudi Cup.
The classification of one of the races as an international “Listed” class confirms the tremendous development that equestrian sport is witnessing in the Kingdom, as Saudi races have become the focus of attention for owners and trainers worldwide, thanks to the high technical standards and rewarding prizes that have been allocated to advance this ancient sport.
Supporting leadership and preserving cultural heritage
This grand event reflects the unwavering support that the wise leadership – may God protect them – provides to the sports sector in general, and equestrian sports in particular, considering them an integral part of the cultural and heritage identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through Vision 2030, the Kingdom seeks to solidify its position as a global destination for horse racing by developing the infrastructure of racecourses, raising the standards of local races, and attracting the finest breeds to compete on Saudi soil.
