30 May 2023 – Racing in Saudi Arabia resumes on Thursday June 1 with a significantly expanded programme at King Khalid Racecourse in Taif.

The 2023 campaign gets underway two weeks earlier than in 2022 meaning the total number of meetings has increased to 54, with the season culminating on Saturday 7 October.

There will be a record number of races in 2023, with 187 contests for local and imported horses (up from 147), 193 for locally-bred horses only (up from 188) and 108 for Purebred Arabian horses (up from 49). A total of 486 races will take place during the season – up from 384 in 2022.

Highlights on the calendar include the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Cup on Saturday 2 September, which is run on the same day as the Listed King Faisal Cup, while the Taif Derby takes place on Friday 22 September.

As well as the increased fixture list, the new Taif season will feature greater prize money, with a 25% increase announced for each Thursday meeting.

Prince Abdullah Bin Khaled Al Saud, Chairman of the JCSA’s Technical Committee, said: “The growth of racing in Taif for the 2023 season further demonstrates our aim to develop the sport of horse racing in Saudi Arabia and underscores our commitment to securing a bright future for Purebred Arabian racing.

“The expanded fixture list as well as the significant increase in prize money offers trainers more opportunity for all categories of horse.

“Our 193 races tailored specifically to locally bred horses supports our all-important domestic breeding industry and Purebred Arabian horses now have more than double the opportunity when compared to last season.

“Coupled with our juvenile racing schedule we see Taif as a significant season in its own right, but it also serves as an excellent launch pad to the Riyadh racing season and gives visitors the chance to view the equine superstars of tomorrow.”

The venue in Taif has undergone extensive renovation works in the last season to ensure that it offers the best experience to our guests on race day. With award-winning cuisine and unrivalled views of all the action on the track race goers are provided with an excellent option for a fun-filled day out for the whole family.

Taif is situated at a higher altitude and is closer to the coast than Riyadh, making it cooler and perfect for hosting racing throughout the summer months. The racing season is another competitive advantage added to the top Saudi summer tourist city's list of features, making it an exceptional destination to enjoy horse racing.

Attend

General admission is free and provides trackside views of an evening of top-class racing with access to grandstand seating, live music, a night food market, restaurant and several retail shops. You can also win great prizes by guessing the winning horse for each race. Please register to access your free ticket.

Other categories of General Admission are available on special racedays which include access to big-name musical acts and range from SAR35 per person for groups of up to four people to SAR50 for individual adults.

General Admission Premium tickets costing SAR100 provide all the benefits of General Admission plus access to the prestigious Owners & Trainers building and lawns offering even closer proximity to the thoroughbreds plus access to lounge areas and two restaurants overseen by award-winning Executive Chef, Pascal Weigel.

**ENDS**