Racing gets underway in Taif as the Summer Season kicks off

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia resumes action with several notable names set to appear over the weekend

Taif Racecourse kicks off its season/ JCSA

TAIF, Arabia Saudita (Special for Turf Diario).- The curtain will rise this Friday on a new edition of the Taif Summer Season, marking the return of racing in Saudi Arabia. The meet will span 10 weeks and feature 20 race days held every Friday and Saturday at King Khalid Racecourse, located in the heart of the picturesque city of Taif.

Situated 1,900 meters above sea level in the mountainous western region of the country, Taif is known for its cool, comfortable climate, making it a popular summer destination for both residents and visitors. That same environment has played a key role in the continued growth of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA)’s summer program.

This year’s calendar features 200 races—160 for Thoroughbreds and 40 for Arabians—with 29 championship trophies on offer. September will feature two headline events for Arabians: the G3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup and the Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup, each worth SAR 1 million (approx. $260,000).

Among the standouts set to compete during the opening weekend are familiar names from Saudi Cup weekend, including Irish-breds Muqtahem (Soldier’s Call) and Honky Tonk Man (Tamayuz). Runner-up in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, Muqtahem is trained by Thamer AlDaihani, while Honky Tonk Man, a winner during the International Jockeys’ Challenge, now represents the barn of Hadi Gharawi.

Saturday’s eighth race, an open 1200-meter contest, promises to be one of the most anticipated events of opening weekend, as Muqtahem squares off not only with Honky Tonk Man, but also with stablemate Transferred (Dark Angel), who comes in riding a four-race win streak from Riyadh.

Another name to watch is the unbeaten local filly Aeadat (Premium Tap), who will look to extend her perfect record to eight in the Um Alqura Cup Prep for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud. Among her challengers are Istita’aeh and Pretty Flag (U S Navy Flag), the latter a winner of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Cup and also trained by AlDaihani.

Friday’s card will also offer key performances, including the return of Saodad (Tapizar), trained by Sami Alharabi for His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz. Fifth behind Straight No Chaser (Speightster) in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, Saodad boasts 21 career victories and looks a strong contender in the Shubra Cup Prep for locally bred horses.

In the Al Hada Cup Prep, Fallat Kheir, also from the Mohamoud barn, returns after a solid third-place finish in the Fillies’ Mile on Saudi Cup weekend and faces a competitive field of 14 fillies.

Among the juveniles, all eyes will be on Kanzie, a son of McKinzie purchased for $200,000 at the Keeneland Yearling Sale by the white silks of the sons of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz. He is set to debut in Saturday’s third race under Colombian rider Camilo Ospina.

The weekend will also mark the start of the Taif Summer Jockeys’ Championship, sponsored by His Highness Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz. The competition will run through September 27, awarding the title to the rider who accumulates the most points throughout the meet.