Glittering Cast Of Group 1 Winners Signed On For 2025 Saudi Cup Meeting

[Wandering Eyes]

The two-day $38.1-million Saudi Cup meeting nominations at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Feb. 21-22 were released by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia on Friday. A total of 81 Grade/Group 1 winners are among the 1,123 entries from 21 countries that have stepped up, with Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) throwing his hat in the ring for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. (Click here for an in depth dive into the nominations for the Saudi Cup, G3 Saudi Derby, and G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint).

Leading the charge for the 2500-metre $2.5-million G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap is 2024 G1 Melbourne Cup runner-up Warp Speed (Jpn) (Drefong). The 6-year-old entire could be joined by fellow Japanese runner and G1 Hopeful Stakes victor Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) for Takashi Saito. Last year's fourth-place finisher Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) has been entered, as has Bhupat Seemar's listed winner Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The Coolmore partners and Aidan O'Brien have nominated 2023 G1 St Leger Hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), a Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed for John and Thady Gosden, and listed scorer King Of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) for Charlie Appleby have also been nominated.

A similarly international cast will contest the 2100-metre $2-million G2 Neom Turf Cup, with the Sir Alex Ferguson co-owned Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) back to defend his title. G1 Japan Cup second Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), a full-brother to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Sottsass (Fr), has been entered by Yoshito Yahagi. Two-time Group 1 winners Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will fly the flags of the UAE and Ireland, respectively. Owen Burrows has nominated multiple group winner Alflaila (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) for Great Britain, with Andrew Balding's group winner and GI Belmont Derby second The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) ready to rumble, as well. Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), a Group 1 winner in Germany, will try his hand for Fawzi Nass and Bahrain. Charlie Appleby, who has Measured Time, has also entered Group 1 victor Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).

The $2-million G2 1351 Turf Sprint features another defending champ in Mick Appleby's Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}). His goal of consecutive victories here will be difficult, with Jerome Reynier's G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest scorer Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) also entered. Japan has a strong presence as well, with Group 1 winners Ten Happy Rose (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) and Yoichi Kuroiwa's Ascoli Piceno (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) joining the fray. Another for Japan is Ryo Takei's Strauss (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}). Saeed bin Suroor will send Ghaly (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), while Karl Burke will saddle group winner Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}).

HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia said, “On behalf of everyone at the JCSA, I would like to extend my thanks to owners and trainers from around the world for their nominations for the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting. We are proud to be top of mind for the trainers of the world's best from more than 20 countries, including so many that have won at the highest level.

“Horse racing thrives on international competition, and we believe that the Saudi Cup is the perfect event to showcase the best of global racing. The Saudi Cup itself is the pinnacle of our racing season and in a few short years has become a truly global race. This year's renewal looks perhaps the strongest yet.

“Horse racing and celebrating the brilliance of both the Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian are at the heart of traditional culture in Saudi Arabia, and events such as the Saudi Cup play a big role in engaging the local community in all aspects of the sport. As we continually improve our offering, through race upgrades and further investment, The Kingdom continues to grow as a destination for horse racing, both domestically and internationally.

“We look forward to welcoming all connections to King Abdulaziz Racecourse next month for what promises to be another unforgettable Saudi Cup meeting.”

For the full list of Saudi Cup meeting entries, please click here.

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