Everything you need to know about The Saudi Cup 2023
The world’s richest horse race is heading back to the capital…
It’s the perfect combination of family and sporty fun, and The Saudi Cup 2023 is racing back to the capital this month. So, mark your calendars for Friday February 24 and Saturday February 25 as the world’s most valuable horse race will be staged at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racetrack.
Tickets for the massive horse race are on sale now for the fourth edition of the event, priced from SAR199.
Ready to take the reins? Here’s everything you need to know about The Saudi Cup.
Expect a weekend full of excitement
The top tier racing tournament is organized by Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and has attracted over 1,400 entries from 22 countries.
Captivating international and local audiences, The Saudi Cup has an eyewatering total prize purse of USD35.35 million making it one of (if not the) the most sought-after horse racing events worldwide.
Each year, the race hosts some of the world’s most famous horses, jockeys and trainers.
All the racing details
The Saudi Cup 2023 card will see five Group 3 races, USD20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup (1,800 metres), an upgraded version of the Group 1 Obaiya Arabian Classic and the Group 2 Al Mneefah Cup for Purebred Arabians (2,100 metres).
There will also be an International Jockeys Challenge and the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap. Additionally, you can also check out nine top-class races on dirt and turf.
Family fun to look forward to
It’s not all horses though. At The Saudi Cup 2023, there’s also a photography area where you and the fam can snap a shot for the ‘gram. Make sure to charge up your phone.
Art lovers will be thrilled to check out the Sara Shakeel’s Oasis Gallery. You can catch artworks showcasing stunning dunes, shiny oasis and the desert landscape. You can also explore the Saudi House and learn all about Najdi architecture by solving interactive puzzles and moving between rooms.
Kiddos can play in an outdoor playing area, which combines traditional and modern games along with various fun activities. Walk through the cultural corridor, dine in on authentic local cuisine and satisfy your sweet tooth at the cultural kitchen with Chef Mona Mosly.
Moreover, you can also head on over to Minstry of Culture (MOC) booth. Here, you can learn all about the prominent regions of the Kingdom plus all the activities coming soon by the MOC.
The Mayyas dance crew will also be putting on an incredible dance show. The Saudi Idol finalists will also be performing, and there will also be an orchestral performance with Saudi melodies.
Lastly, at the end of the ceremony, DJ Bedouin will be taking the stage.
Definitely dress to impress at The Saudi Cup 2023
The Saudi Cup is also known for it’s top class fashion. So fashion lovers, put on your best abayas and thobes and brace for the camera flashes.
That’s not all, as there will also be a Saudi Fashion Exhibition that will display unique pieces and designs that reflect the culture of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Cup, Fri Feb 24 & Sat Feb 25, King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh. Tickets here. SAR199 for a one-day pass, SAR275 for a two-day pass.
Images: The Saudi Cup