SME/ Abdullah Al-Harazi – Riyadh
The Saudi Racing Club announced that the Saudi Derby, which has been held for six years as part of the Saudi World Cup, has been classified as a Group 3 race internationally and will be approved starting with the next edition, scheduled for February 2026, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Janadriyah. It will be part of the global qualifying series for the prestigious Kentucky Derby (known as the Road to Kentucky Series), which has been held annually on the first Saturday of May in the United States since 1885. Qualifying races are held in ten racecourses around the world and bring together the elite of horses each year.
On this occasion, Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club, stated: “The inclusion of the Saudi Derby as a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby within the Europe and Middle East track is a pivotal step in the development of Saudi horse racing. It is the result of the wise vision of His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (may God protect them). Since the launch of the Saudi Cup in 2020, horse racing in the Kingdom has achieved qualitative leaps, strengthening its position on the international stage.”
His Highness added: “This accreditation gives Saudi owners a valuable opportunity to earn points and pave the way for their horses to participate at Churchill Downs Racecourse in May 2026. It also marks the beginning of a promising strategic partnership between the Jockey Club and Churchill Downs, opening up broad horizons for future cooperation.” This new development solidifies the Saudi Cup’s position and positions the Saudi Derby as part of a prestigious racing series alongside the UAE’s, further strengthening the Middle East’s presence on the global winter racing calendar.”
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and include the Saudi Derby as a major international qualifier for the Kentucky Derby.
“The Kentucky Derby, known worldwide as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports,’ is a symbol of the history and tradition of horse racing. This partnership builds on the Kingdom’s achievements in developing thoroughbred racing and strengthening the bond between Saudi racing fans and the finest horse racing in the United States.”
The historic Kentucky Derby enjoys a global following, with attendance exceeding 100,000 spectators annually. The timing of the Saudi Derby, February 14, 2026, is ideal for participating horses, as it gives them ample time for travel and early preparation compared to their counterparts in other races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
