Saudi Derby upgraded to G2 status as Saudi Arabia boosts its 2026/2027 season

The 1600-meter race that forms part of the extraordinary Saudi Cup card received an upgrade from the Asian Pattern Committee; additionally, the new season in Riyadh will feature 50 meetings and new series for local juveniles

Forever Young won the Saudi Derby in 2024 / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—The rapid international expansion of racing in Saudi Arabia will enter a new chapter during the 2026/2027 season, headlined by official news that the Saudi Derby has been upgraded to G2 status by the Asian Pattern Committee.

The promotion represents another step forward for a contest that, despite its short history, has established itself as one of the key fixtures of the Saudi Cup meeting while developing a strong global profile. Run over a mile for 3-year-olds, the Saudi Derby consistently attracts elite contenders from every corner of the racing world.

Japan holds the most successful record in the event, capturing the inaugural running with Full Flat (Speightstown), the 2021 renewal with Pink Kamehameha (Leontes), and the 2024 edition with eventual international superstar Forever Young (Real Steel). The latter’s rise to the top of his generation further solidified the Saudi Derby as a major springboard toward top-level international targets.

The United States joined the Honor Roll in 2022 with Pinehurst (Twirling Candy), while the United Arab Emiratescaptured the 2025 running with Golden Vekoma (Vekoma). Local runners have also stood tall: Commissioner King(Commissioner) kept the trophy at home in 2023, and the unbeaten Al Haram (Iffraaj) accomplished the same feat this past season.

The upgrade to G2 status stands out as a focal point of the 2026/2027 fixture list released by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA). The new meeting in Riyadh kicks off October 16 and runs through April 17, 2027, featuring weekly racing every Friday and Saturday.

The six-month season will comprise 50 fixtures offering total prize money of SAR 236.3 million, with SAR 197.8 million dedicated to feature races. The schedule includes 21 premier race days anchored by seven major festival weekends, including the Juvenile Championship, Crown Prince Cup, Kings’ Weekend, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Weekend, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Festival, Saudi Cup, and the King Abdulaziz Cup.

Another major highlight is the introduction of two new racing series designed to develop domestic talent. The Riyadh Crown Series, restricted to Saudi Arabia-bred colts, fillies, and geldings, will offer SAR 6 million across three legs. The series begins December 4 over seven furlongs for 2-year-olds, continues January 22 for newly turned 3-year-olds, and culminates March 12 in the local G1 King Abdulaziz Cup over a mile, carrying a SAR 5 million purse.

For 3-year-old fillies, the JCSA has launched the Riyadh Sword Series, offering SAR 1.53 million in total purses. The trail opens December 5 with the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Cup for 2-year-olds, moves to the seven-furlong 1000 Guineas on January 8, and concludes with the $250,000 Fillies Mile on Saudi Cup day, which will also be open to imported contenders.

Purse increases will also take effect across several key stakes. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G3) rises from SAR 1.5 million to SAR 2 million, while the Crown Prince Cup (L) grows from SAR 1 million to SAR 1.5 million. Additional purse bumps were announced for the King Saud Cup, King Faisal Cup (L), Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Cup, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Cup, and the King Abdulaziz Racecourse Championship (L).

"This support has helped consolidate the Kingdom's position on the global racing map," stated Prince Bandar Bin Khalid AlFaisal, Chairman of the JCSA, during the calendar unveiling, reinforcing the commitment to raising competitive standards across Saudi racing.

With the Saudi Cup established as one of the most lucrative and influential fixtures on the global calendar, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen both its domestic framework and international reach. The Saudi Derby's elevation to G2 status marks another clear sign of that progress: a young race, international from its inception, continuing to build prestige on the world stage.