In an evening that blended historical significance with the excitement of sporting competition, stc Group , the platinum partner of the Riyadh and Taif racing seasons, celebrated the champions of the Diriyah Cup, a qualifying race for the prestigious Abiyah Cup. The awards ceremony took place during the King Abdulaziz and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cups event, where the group presented the first-place trophy to the winner at the conclusion of the race held at the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field.
A well-deserved victory and fierce competition
The race witnessed fierce competition among 12 elite jockeys, culminating in a victory for the horse "Maestro du Croate" from Ajmal Stables, who claimed first place amidst cheers from the crowd. This win marks a significant milestone in the racing season, given that the Diriyah Cup serves as a gateway to the larger competitions in the world of purebred Arabian horses.
Horsemanship: A cultural heritage and historical depth
The importance of these races extends beyond the purely sporting aspect, touching the very heart of Saudi society. Arabian horses are inextricably linked to the history of the Kingdom and its unification by the founding King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him. stc's sponsorship of this event, specifically the Diriyah Cup, named after the capital of the first Saudi state, underscores the group's commitment to preserving this rich cultural heritage and strengthening national identity by supporting sports that are an integral part of the Arabian Peninsula's heritage.
Modern technologies to serve authenticity
In its commitment to blending tradition with modernity, stc Group went beyond traditional sponsorship, leveraging its digital infrastructure to serve equestrian enthusiasts and visitors. The group introduced innovative digital solutions designed to enhance the visitor experience comprehensively, from planning attendance to departing the arena. Among the most prominent of these services was enabling members of the Qitaf loyalty program to redeem their points for ticket bookings via the digital platform, directly contributing to increased public satisfaction and facilitating access to major sporting events.
Strategic support for the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This sponsorship aligns perfectly with stc Group’s strategy to empower the sports and entertainment sectors, two key pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life and diversify the economy. This sponsorship adds to the Group’s proven track record of supporting major events, such as Riyadh Season, the Esports World Cup, the stc Saudi Grand Prix Formula 1 race, and Diriyah Gate. These integrated efforts contribute to solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination that attracts tourists and athletes from around the world.
Exciting racing seasons
It is worth noting that the Kingdom's horse racing calendar is experiencing significant momentum. The Riyadh racing season spans 50 evenings, including 12 races each weekend, providing attendees with a comprehensive entertainment experience. Meanwhile, the Taif summer racing season takes place over 20 evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, with each race featuring 10 exciting heats, ensuring the continuity of equestrian activity throughout the year in various regions of the Kingdom.
