King Khalid Equestrian Field in Taif witnessed a prominent sporting event yesterday, Wednesday, with the eighth race meeting of the 1447 AH winter horse racing season. The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, where horses competed for the "Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Cup (may God have mercy on him)," as well as the Dreams Holding Group Shield, amidst a notable attendance of officials, horse owners, and enthusiasts of this noble sport.
The race meeting featured eight exciting races with varying grades and age groups of participating horses, reflecting the high level of competition and the excellent preparation of the stables. The mare "Rose Yes Return" stole the show in the eighth and main race, a 1600-meter contest for locally bred and imported horses (aged four and older). Owned by Abdulaziz bin Mualla Al-Sahli, trained by the experienced Ahmed Makki, and ridden by the skilled jockey Nawaf Al-Mudhyani, the mare secured the title and won the coveted trophy.
Horse racing in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Taif, holds a special significance that transcends mere sporting competition. The city of Taif boasts a long history of hosting summer and winter races, making it a prime destination for horse owners and trainers from across the Kingdom. This interest stems from the deep-rooted Saudi cultural heritage that holds the Arabian horse in high esteem, and aligns with the strong support provided by the wise leadership to the sports and equestrian sector as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals to enhance quality of life and preserve national heritage.
The continued sponsorship of these championships by Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and the private sector contributes to revitalizing the region's sporting and economic activity, as well as supporting horse owners and breeders to further improve horse breeds and develop the capabilities of Saudi stables to compete in local and regional events. Prince Abdullah bin Saud's patronage of these events is a testament to his ongoing commitment to supporting the sport of our forefathers and encouraging young Saudis to engage in various equestrian disciplines.
At the conclusion of the competitions, the awards ceremony took place, during which Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed presented the Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Cup to Abdulaziz Al-Sahli's stable, in recognition of their well-deserved victory. In a related event, Prince Shaqran bin Abdullah bin Saud presented the Dreams Holding Group Shield to Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Sahli, owner of the mare "Bahith," which secured first place in the sixth race.
For its part, the King Khalid Equestrian Field management expressed its deep gratitude and appreciation to Prince Abdullah bin Saud for his continuous and unwavering support of equestrian sports throughout all seasons. The management explained that this support embodies his constant commitment to assisting and encouraging horse owners, in accordance with the directives of the country's leadership to promote this time-honored sport. Prince Abdullah bin Saud reciprocated the thanks, praising the excellent organization and the efforts made to ensure the success of this major sporting event.
