Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

British Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy set to shine on track

This week, the season’s standout fixture unfolds at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where on Friday four SAR 1 million contests are scheduled, led by the Listed Crown Prince Cup. For instance, supporters anticipating big atmospheres can expect parades and paddock views before the off.

Among the feature entries are runners from The Saudi Cup, while the weekend itself brims with plotlines. In addition, turf racing resumes ahead of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural international Group 1 on grass next February—the Howden Neom Turf Cup; think of it as a dress rehearsal for tempo and tactics.

A maximum line-up of 20 has been declared for the Listed Crown Prince Cup, and the 110-rated Argentine recruit Intense For Me (ARG) gets another opportunity at 2,400 metres after returning with a fourth in October. As a simple illustration, a cleaner break or quieter early sectionals could influence how he settles.

Having landed the G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini at home over this trip, the four-year-old ended up last in The Saudi Cup on his local debut in February. However, with the step back up from 2,000 m after finishing behind the reopposing Haqeet (USA), improvement is anticipated; for example, a steadier early gallop might bring him on.

Wootton’sun (FR), eighth in The Saudi Cup, returned with a polished win at 2,000 m under Ricardo Ferreira after having captured this event over the same track and trip last season. The title defense is targeted by the Red Stable of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz, who fields four, including Jack Red Cloud (IRE)—the Eastern Governance Region Cup victor last month and runner-up in the Crown Prince Cup in 2024; for example, his late kick is often saved for the closing 200 m.

For the 2,400 m domestic Group 1 Crown Prince Cup restricted to Local Bred horses, 16 have been confirmed. The 2025 edition is dominated by the two powerhouse ownership teams: the White Stable of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons and the Red Stable, each slated to saddle four; for instance, that depth can shape pace as well as race position.

Flying in to Riyadh, British champion jockey Oisin Murphy links with White Stable’s Aelam Beladi (KSA), though their principal hope appears to be Almaqam (KSA), a recent track-and-trip scorer. By contrast, the Red Stable may rely on Tahzeem (KSA), partnered by Ferreira, who has twice won at this distance; as an example, he often cruises before quickening.

Also on Friday, two further 1,600 m juvenile contests each offer SAR 1 million in prize money: the HRH Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Cup and the Princess Setah Bint Fahad Aldamer Cup. For clarity, these are restricted to younger horses in flat racing.

In the fillies’ event—the latter title—Murphy is booked for the White Stable’s Laha Alhaybah (KSA), and that team holds a solid hand with three entries headed by Camilo Ospina’s top-rated ride Taqaarir (KSA), who was last seen taking the Taif Cup Local Bred Fillies Open in September. As a small example, a pace-setting teammate can help secure a good stall exit.

Within the HRH Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Cup, the Red Stable sends the top-rated contender, Raei Althaminah (KSA), who finished fourth in the King Khalid Military Academy Cup, to face Bono (KSA)—third in that same contest—representing White Stable with Murphy aboard. For instance, that shared form line provides a clear benchmark.

Even so, Ospina also partners a lightly raced option, Reda Al Aziz (KSA), who beat Bono when winning his sole Taif start in September by four lengths. As an illustration, such a margin can stem from a decisive mid-race surge.

Saturday’s card features four separate races run under the GCC Horse Owners Cups umbrella, with a combined SAR 750,000 on offer. For example, the funds are allocated per race rather than gathered as a single pot.

The programme includes: a 1,200 m race for two-year-olds of either sex, separate 1,600 m contests for older fillies and for colts/geldings, plus a 1,400 m event for Purebred Arabian Horses. As a quick example, the 1,600 m heats can favour strong closers off an even pace.

In that Purebred Arabian test, Baseqm And Bake (USA) meets Jade De Faust (FR) once more, having finished second to her in the Taif Spring Championship. Meanwhile, race 11 for colts and geldings features well-known Thoroughbreds—Defunded (USA), Final Destination (GB), The King’s General (IRE), Waqtuk (USA), Uncle (GB), plus the Red Stable’s Zefzaf (USA); for example, punters may gravitate to familiar stakes performers.

Turf returns for the first time this season on Friday with two races: the curtain-raising 1,600 m Handicap Sponsored by Kinza and, as race four, a 2,100 m Handicap Sponsored by Saudia. As an example, fresh ground can nudge sectional times faster or slower.

Catch every moment via the live broadcast on Live Stream or DAZN; for example, bookmark both options before post time.

For further details, consult . As a simple tip, looking again on race day helps avoid outdated schedules.