The $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday doesn’t appear to be getting much attention, despite being the biggest horse race in the world. Even though the winner will receive $10 million—yes, $10 million!—only a handful of the most well-liked competitors were formally entered in Wednesday’s 14-horse race.
14 people entered the richest race in the world
However, if the two favorites, Forever Young (8-5) and Romantic Warrior (2-1), lose the 1 1/8-mile race over the dirt track at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, it may be a major win for horse racing bettors. Since gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia, the early betting line is based on international odds.
One of the four Japan-bred horses in the event, Forever Young, drew the outside 14 post. He has won all seven races outside of America. After reading the post, trainer Yoshito Yahagi grinned. “I’d rather have outside than inside, but I don’t really have a gate preference.” Other noteworthy entries include Rattle N Roll (10-1, post 7), trained by Kenny McPeek and the sole American-based horse in the field, and Ushba Tesoro (14-1, post 1), who finished second in the Saudi Cup the previous year.
A number of horses, including 2024 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Laurel River (injury), Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winners Sierra Leone (2024) and White Abarrio (2023), BC Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winner Song of an Angel, and Todd Pletcher-trained Locked, runner-up in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), took a break during the lengthy trip to the desert. Romantic Warrior, a 10-time Grade 1 winner with a bankroll of $22,798,595 for owner Peter Lau and a record of 18 triumphs in 23 outings, will make his maiden dirt start in the sixth running of the Saudi Cup. “We missed the Gold Cup and Stewards’ Cup in Hong Kong, so it wasn’t an easy decision for the owner,” trainer Danny Shum remarked. “We could easily win on the turf if we stayed there, but Peter was determined to take on the challenge of the richest race in the world and attend the Saudi Cup.” We are eagerly anticipating it. Yahagi is too, particularly after Forever Young finished a last training at the Ritto Training Center outside of Kyoto on February 12. “His ability to train in the stable is fantastic. “He is currently at his best,” Yahagi remarked.
Yuki Araki, an assistant trainer, added: “He is getting better and did well both mentally and physically.” As he gets ready to “conquer the world,” there are no worries regarding his health. Romantic Warrior’s usual rider, James McDonald, has nothing but praise for the three-time Hong Kong Cup champion. Going to these major races like that is amazing, McDonald remarked. “Every time I get on him, I feel like he is unbeatable – he just gives you that feeling.” “He seems to be improving steadily right now, so there’s no reason why he can’t be the leading horse in Saudi Arabia.”He is still at the height of his abilities and on an upward trajectory. Rattle N Roll entered the event fresh off a win on January 25 in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G3). The 7-year-old has a “little advantage because we’ve won over this track,” according to McPeek. Intense For Me, Wilson Tesero, Wootton’son, Wait To Excel, Al Musmak, Defunded, and El Kodigo are the half of the field with odds of 30-1 or greater.
