What Is the 2025 Saudi Cup?
The Saudi Cup is the world’s richest horse race, run on dirt for thoroughbreds aged four and up at weight-for-age terms. The total purse stands at USD $20 million, with a remarkable USD $10 million awarded to the winner. The race is contested over 1800m (9 furlongs) and consistently attracts the finest equine athletes and top jockeys from across the globe.

When Is the 2025 Saudi Cup?
The race takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 20:00 Japan time. This day of racing action at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh will feature not only the headline Saudi Cup but also a star-studded undercard of international contests on both the new inside turf course and the dirt track. Racing fans are set for an unmissable afternoon and evening of world-class competition.

Where to watch 2025 Saudi Cup?
Race lovers in Japan can catch the action live on Green Channel, which is run by the Satellite Broadcasting Foundation for Horseracing, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Where Is the 2025 Saudi Cup Held?
The Saudi Cup is run on the one-turn dirt oval at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Since its inauguration in 2020, this world-class venue has expanded its facilities to accommodate a 1800m turf course, offering racing fans the unique experience of high-profile turf and dirt events on the same weekend.

How to Bet on the Saudi Cup with Sportsbet.io
1. Understand the Race Conditions:
・ The Saudi Cup is run over 1800m (about 1⅛ miles) on dirt.

・ Pace is crucial: With a high-quality international field, some horses excel when setting the early fractions, while others prefer to close from behind.

2. Review Past Performances and International Form:
・ Compare the Japanese and American form lines—both regions boast highly competitive dirt circuits, but track conditions and racing styles can differ.

・ Don’t overlook horses from lesser-highlighted stables; the Saudi Cup often produces surprises.

3. Check the Odds Closer to Race Day:
・ While it’s tempting to pick an early favorite, the final odds can change drastically as overseas money pours in.

4. Use Multiple Betting Markets:
・ Win/Place/Show: Perfect for beginners looking for straightforward wagers.

・ Exacta/Quinella/Trifecta: For more experienced bettors aiming for larger payouts.

・ Exotic Bets: Multi-race wagers or special props that some bookmakers may offer.

Saudi cup overseas odds
While official odds for the Saudi Cup 2025 will become available closer to race day, you can still get a head start by creating your Sportsbet.io account now. By signing up early, you’ll be able to:

・ Explore a variety of sports and horse racing markets.
・ Stay informed about promotions and offers leading up to the Saudi Cup.
・ Familiarise yourself with the platform so you’re ready to place your bets once the odds are live.

Sportsbet.io will publish comprehensive odds for each of the horses, along with specials and promotions for this world-class event. Keep an eye on your emails for the latest news, tips, and expert insights.

Spotlight: The World’s Richest Race Weekend
Headlined by the USD $20 million Saudi Cup, this international race meeting will again draw elite thoroughbreds from the USA, Japan, Europe, and beyond. The two-day festival (February 21-22) boasts a combined USD $38.1 million in prize money, spread across a series of prestigious races:

・ Ministry of Culture Jockey Club Local Handicap
・ Group 1 DGDA Obaiya Arabian Classic (for Purebred Arabians)
・ $2 million Howden Neom Turf Cup
・ $2.5 million Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap
・ $1.5 million Boutique Group Saudi Derby
・ National Housing Commission Saudi International Handicap
・ Sports Boulevard Riyadh Dirt Sprint (now a Group 2)
・ STC 1351 Turf Sprint

Beyond the racing itself, the Saudi Cup weekend has become a showcase of Saudi culture, style, and entertainment—truly Riyadh’s social event of the season.

2025 Saudi Cup: Prize Breakdown
・ 1st: $10,000,000
・ 2nd: $3,500,000
・ 3rd: $2,000,000
・ 4th: $1,500,000
・ 5th: $1,000,000
・ 6th: $600,000
・ 7th: $500,000
・ 8th: $400,000
・ 9th: $300,000
・ 10th: $200,000

Additional notes:
・ Open to Northern Hemisphere four-year-olds and upwards and Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds and upwards.
・ Free to enter and free to run, with a USD $200,000 supplementary entry fee for late nominations.
・ No Lasix or Bute permitted.
・ A maximum of 14 runners will go to post.
・ Horses finishing first, second, or third in the Pegasus World Cup automatically receive an invitation to the Saudi Cup (even if not previously entered).

Horse Racing Stars Lined Up for 2025
This year’s Saudi Cup has drawn a stellar list of entries, including an impressive 28 Group/Grade 1 winners from around the world. Anticipated runners include:

・ Laurel River (USA): Last year’s Dubai World Cup hero
・ Sierra Leone (USA): Breeders’ Cup Classic champion
・ Romantic Warrior (IRE): Three-time Hong Kong Cup victor
・ Mystik Dan (USA): 2024 Kentucky Derby winner
・ Señor Buscador (USA): Defending Saudi Cup champion

Other top contenders could feature in the 1800m showdown:
・ Forever Young (JPN): 2024 Saudi Derby winner
・ Danon Decile (JPN): 2024 Japanese Derby champion
・ Soul Of An Angel (USA): Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint star
・ El Kodigo (ARG): Five-time Argentine Group 1 winner

International Undercard Highlights
Alongside the headline event, the Saudi Cup weekend includes an array of competitive races:

・ Newly Upgraded Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap

・ Japanese runner Warp Speed (JPN)—last seen finishing runner-up in the Melbourne Cup—could line up.

・ 2024 fourth-place finisher Al Nayyir (GB) may return.

・ Group 2 Neom Turf Cup

・ Defending champion Spirit Dancer (GB) could face strong global contenders like Shin Emperor (FR) and Danon Beluga (JPN).

・ Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint

・ Last year’s winner Annaf (IRE) squares off against 2024 Prix Maurice de Gheest star Lazzat (FR), plus top Japanese sprinters Ten Happy Rose (JPN) and Ascoli Piceno (JPN).

・ Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint

・ Looking to defend his title, Remake (JPN) meets Golden Shaheen winner Tuz (USA) and Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Straight No Chaser (USA).

・ Group 3 Saudi Derby

・ Unbeaten Japanese contender Myriad Love (JPN) heads the entries alongside Getaway Car (USA) and Al Qudra (IRE).

Purebred Arabian Action
The schedule features the Group 1 Obaiya Arabian Classic and the Saudi International Handicap, as well as the Group 1 Al Mneefah Cup for Purebred Arabians on Friday, February 21.

International Jockeys’ Challenge (IJC)
The International Jockeys’ Challenge returns on February 21, pitting 14 (seven male and seven female) of the world’s top riders against each other across four specially selected races (two on dirt, two on turf). Standout names include:

・ James McDonald (NZ): The newly crowned Longines World’s Best Jockey, aiming to defend Romantic Warrior’s chances in the Saudi Cup.
・ John Velazquez (USA): Legendary rider with over 6,000 career wins.
・ Christophe Soumillon (BEL): Multiple Group 1 winner on the global stage.
・ Hollie Doyle (GB): Dual Group 1-winning jockey in the UK and Ireland last season.
・ Oisin Murphy (GB): Four-time British Champion Jockey.

Points are awarded for finishing positions in each race, with the overall champion claiming the IJC title and a share of the USD $100,000 prize fund. Jockeys also earn 15% of all prize money won in the challenge races.

Race Upgrades & Riyadh Season Enhancements
Beyond the Saudi Cup weekend, Saudi Arabia continues to upgrade its domestic racing program. Highlights include:

・ Sports Boulevard Riyadh Dirt Sprint: Upgraded to Group 2 with prize money now at USD $2 million.
・ Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap: Retains Group 2 status with a USD $2.5 million purse.
・ Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (Jan 25): Elevated to Group 3 status, serving as a Saudi Cup qualifier.
・ Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup (Jan 24): Promoted to Listed status, qualifying runners for the Neom Turf Cup.

With more than 62 racedays and 710 total races, the 2024/25 Riyadh racing season—running from mid-October to mid-March—offers a record USD $22.5 million in prize money outside the Saudi Cup meeting.

Saudi Cup: A Celebration of Racing and Culture
Since its inception in 2020, the Saudi Cup has grown to embody the spirit and heritage of horse racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It not only places local talent on the global stage but also welcomes international visitors to discover Riyadh’s hospitality, culture, and ambition.

Key Stats & Facts
・ First run in 2020
・ Held annually at King Abdulaziz Racecourse
・ Showcases the best in Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian racing
・ USD $31.5 million in total prize money across the two-day festival in 2025
・ A hallmark of Saudi Arabia’s drive toward global sporting excellence

Bet on the 2025 Saudi Cup at Sportsbet.io
At Sportsbet.io, we’re gearing up to bring you the best wagering experience for the 2025 Saudi Cup. From the International Jockeys’ Challenge to the big day itself, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Create your account now to be the first in line for a fun, fast and fair betting experience.