Ghost Dancer | Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
From Heather Anderson
At the top of the 2,500-meter, $2.5 million G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap is the 2024 G1 Melbourne Cup runner-up Warp speed (Jpn) (Drefong). The 6-year-old could be joined by a fellow Japanese runner and G1 Hopeful Stakes winner Killer Skill (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) for Takashi Saito. The fourth of last year Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was reported, as was Bhupat Seemar's listed winner Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Irish}). The Coolmore partners and Aidan O'Brien have nominated the 2023 G1 St Leger Hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). Gregory (UK) (Golden Horn {GB}), a Group 2 winner and Group 1 runner-up for John and Thady Gosden and listed goalscorer King of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) for Charlie Appleby were also nominated.
A similarly international line-up will contest the 2,100-metre, $2 million G2 Neom Turf Cup, which features Sir Alex Ferguson Ghost Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is back to defend his title. Second in the G1 Japan Cup Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), a full brother of the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-Helden Sottsass (Fr), was entered by Yoshito Yahagi. Two-time Group 1 winner Measured time (UK) (Frankel {GB}) and Al Riffa (Fri) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will fly the flags of the United Arab Emirates and Ireland respectively. Owen Burrows has nominated the multiple group winner Alfalaila (GB) (Gloomy Angel {Ire}) for Great Britain, with Andrew Baldings group winner and GI Belmont Derby second The Foxes (Irish) (Churchill {Ire}) is also ready to rumble. California (German) (Areion {Ger}), a Group 1 winner in Germany, will try out for Fawzi Nass and Bahrain. Charlie Appleby, who set the time, also emerged as Group 1 winner Pride of Nations (Irish) (Theophilus {Ire}).
The $2 million G2 1351 Turf Sprint features another defending champion in Mick Appleby Annaf (Irish) (Muhaarar {GB}). His goal of securing back-to-back wins here will be challenging as Jerome Reynier's G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest is the top scorer Lazzat (Fri) (Territories {Ire}) also entered. Japan is also well represented with the winners of Group 1 Ten Ecstatic Rose (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) and Yoichi Kuroiwas Ascoli Piceno (Japan) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) joins the fight. Another one for Japan is Ryo Takei's Strauss (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}). Saeed bin Suroor will broadcast Ghaly (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), while Karl Burke will saddle the group winner Spycatcher (Irish) (Vadamos {Fr}).
His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “On behalf of everyone at the JCSA, I would like to express my gratitude to the owners and trainers from around the world for their nominations for the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting .” . We are proud to be at the forefront of coaching the world's best coaches from more than 20 countries, including so many who have won at the highest level.
“Horse racing thrives on international competition and we believe the Saudi Cup is the perfect event to showcase the best of global racing. The Saudi Cup itself is the highlight of our racing season and in just a few years has developed into a truly global race. This year's renewal looks to be perhaps the strongest yet.
“Horse racing and celebrating the brilliance of Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred Arabians is at the heart of classic culture in Saudi Arabia, and events like the Saudi Cup play a huge role in involving the local community in all aspects of the sport. As we continue to improve our offering through racing upgrades and further investment, the Kingdom continues to grow as a horse racing destination both domestically and internationally.
“We look forward to welcoming all participants to King Abdulaziz Racecourse next month for another unforgettable Saudi Cup meeting.”
For the full list of registrations for the Saudi Cup meeting, please click here.
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