Race details
The race is notable for its 20 million dollar purse,[3] which makes it the most lucrative event in horse racing.[4]
The race is held four weeks after the $3 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, Florida, and four weeks before the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, making it possible for horses in those races to compete.[3]
In 2021, the Pegasus World Cup in the United States and the Champions Cup in Japan were "Win and You're In" qualifiers for the Saudi Cup.[citation needed]
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee assigned Group 1 status to the Saudi Cup before its third running, scheduled for February 2022.[5]
History
2020
The first edition of the race was held on February 29, 2020. It was won by an American horse, Maximum Security, ridden by Luis Saez. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announced two months later that it would withhold Maximum Security's purse money pending an investigation, following the indictment of trainer Jason Servis in the United States.[6] Nearly four years after the inaugural race, in January 2024 the Jockey Club formally recommended Maximum Security's disqualification. The Jockey Club claimed that Servis, who was convicted in December 2022 by pleading guilty to two charges related to drug misbranding and adulteration, committed "substantial breaches of the rules." The matter was referred to the Stewards' Committee, which will conduct a hearing into the matter at a later date.[7]
Winners
*Maximum Security's first-place purse has been held pending an investigation by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.[6]
