Assalamu alaikum - Saudi Derby added to the Road to the Kentucky Derby
Assalamu alaikum - some good news for racing fans here. Alhamdulillah, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Churchill Downs Inc. have announced that The Saudi Derby will now award qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby.
The 1,600‑meter Group 3 race on The Saudi Cup undercard has been included in the international series called “The Road to the Kentucky Derby.” This should make it easier for Saudi owners and trainers to aim for a spot in one of the world’s most famous races, held at Churchill Downs in early May.
A few quick details: the $1.5 million Saudi Derby will run at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Feb. 14, and the winner can earn up to 30 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2. Two other UAE races at Meydan - the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes - have also been added to the European/Middle East qualifying path.
The full series now has 10 races and offers up to two invitations to the Kentucky Derby, with points awarded down to fifth place in each event. Since its start in 2020 The Saudi Derby has grown into a strong international contest - in 2024 the Japanese runner Forever Young won in Riyadh and then went on to finish third in the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al‑Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said this step is important for Saudi racing and thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their vision and support. He also described the new link with Churchill Downs as the start of a promising partnership that could lead to more cooperation in the future. Insha'Allah this will keep strengthening the appeal of The Saudi Cup weekend and the Middle East winter racing circuit.
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., said they are excited to work with Saudi Arabia and to add The Saudi Derby as a key international qualifier on the Road to the Kentucky Derby - a race many call “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Insha'Allah this connection will give more local owners and horses a real shot at competing on the big American stage.
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