Riyadh Governor Attends Founder’s Cup and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup Event

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on behalf of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh Region Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar attended the prestigious annual horse racing event at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Al-Janadriyah.

The event featured the King Abdulaziz (Founder) Cup and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ two cups for local and international races. These Grade 1 races are some of the most anticipated in the Saudi horse racing calendar.

Key Race Highlights

1. Eighth Race – King Abdulaziz Cup (Local Production)
   • Winner: “Kathir”
   • Owner: Hamad Mohammed Hamad Al-Merri
2. Ninth Race – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (Grade 1, Local)
   • Winner: “Yaroa”
   • Owner: Stables of the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
   • Award Presented By: Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar to Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
3. Tenth Race – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (Grade 3, International)
   • Winner: “Rattle ‘N’ Roll”
   • Owners: Sharaf Mohammed Al-Hariri and Lucky Seven Stables
   • This race is a qualifier for the Saudi Cup.
4. Eleventh Race – King Abdulaziz Cup for Arabian Horses (Local)
   • Winner: “Saif Barzan”
   • Owner: Mutaib Saleh Mohammed
5. Twelfth Race – King Abdulaziz (Founder) Cup (Grade 1, Local)
   • Winner: “Taj Biladi”
   • Owner: Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz

Importance of the Event

The Founder’s Cup and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ two cups are highly regarded in Saudi Arabia’s racing season. These races showcase the best locally bred horses, including Arabian and thoroughbred breeds.

The international Grade 3 race also serves as a qualifier for the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race. Events like this strengthen Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a global leader in horse racing and contribute to the development of local horse breeding and training.

The evening concluded with celebration and pride in the growing achievements of Saudi Arabia’s horse racing industry.