Prince Abdullah bin Saud crowns Al-Sahli with the Prince Saud bin Mohammed Equestrian Cup
The King Khalid Equestrian Field in Taif witnessed a prominent sporting event last Wednesday: the eighth race meeting of the 1447 AH winter horse racing season. The event was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz. The meeting featured the Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Cup (may God have mercy on him) and the Dreams Holding Group Shield, and was attended by a large number of officials, dignitaries from the region, and a significant gathering of horse owners and enthusiasts of this traditional sport.
The event featured eight exciting races with varying grades and age groups of participating horses, reflecting the high level of competition and the stables' excellent preparation for the season. Attention was focused on the sixth race, dedicated to the Dreams Holding Group Shield, and the eighth and final race, which served as the grand finale of the competition for the prestigious Prince Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Cup. This final race was for locally bred and imported horses aged four years and older, covering a distance of 1600 meters in a closely contested and thrilling contest.
The mare “Rose Yes Return” managed to steal the spotlight and win the big title, dedicating the victory to her owner Abdulaziz bin Mualla Al-Sahli, with outstanding technical supervision from trainer Ahmed Makki, and successful leadership from jockey Nawaf Al-Mudhyani, thus confirming her high readiness and ability to win the main races.
During the coronation ceremony, Prince Abdullah bin Saud presented the cup to Abdulaziz Al-Sahli’s stable, and Prince Shaqran bin Abdullah bin Saud presented the Dreams Holding Group shield to Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Sahli, the owner of the mare “Bahith”.
The importance of Taif races and their historical significance
Horse racing in Taif Governorate holds special significance, as King Khalid Racecourse is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Saudi Arabia. These championships are a continuation of the Kingdom's long-standing tradition of equestrianism, and equestrian sports enjoy unwavering support from the wise leadership, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the sports sector and the development of cultural heritage.
The continued organization of these championships, such as the Prince Saud bin Mohammed Cup, reflects loyalty to national symbols and encourages Saudi owners and breeders to develop horse breeds and compete with them locally and regionally. These events contribute to boosting sports and tourism in Taif Governorate, known as the Kingdom's premier summer resort and a hub for major camel and equestrian races.
For its part, the management of King Khalid Equestrian Field expressed its high appreciation for the continued support of Prince Abdullah bin Saud, stressing that his ongoing patronage constitutes a great incentive for owners and trainers, and contributes to the development of Saudi equestrian sport, which has begun to achieve global accomplishments.
