Riyadh Season 26/27 HORSEMEN’S INFORMATION GUIDE
King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
WELCOME
This guide has been published to provide information to horse connections interested in participating in Riyadh Season races with horses trained outside of KSA.
Race Programme
3-4
Nomination Procedures
5
Licensing
6
Field Selection System & Prize money
6
Track Information
7
Horse Connections Travel
7
& Accommodation Shipping/Quarantine/Stabling
8-16
Medication, Testing & Safety
17-19
Training
20
JCSA Rules of Racing & General Information
21
Map of King Abdulaziz Racecourse
22-23
Contacts
24
Major Races 2026/2027 - Thoroughbred Date
Race
Prize Money
Class
Age
Distance Surface
Nov 27, 2026
Crown Prince Cup
SAR 1,500,000
Listed
3YO+
2400M
Dirt
Dec 18, 2026
Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Cup
SAR 800,000
G2 Domestic
3YO
1600M
Dirt
Dec 18, 2026
Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Cup (Fillies & Mares)
SAR 800,000
G2 Domestic
3YO+
2000M
Dirt
Dec 19, 2026
King Faisal Cup
SAR 1,000,000
Listed
1600M
Dirt
Dec 19, 2026
King Saud Cup
SAR 1,000,000
Listed
3YO+
2000M
Dirt
Jan 8, 2027
Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier
SAR 165,000
3YO+
1200M
Dirt
Jan 8, 2027
KSA 2000 Guineas (Saudi Derby Qualifier)
SAR 465,000
3YO
1600M
Dirt
Jan 8, 2027
KSA 1000 Guineas (Fillies)
SAR 300,000
3YO
1600M
Dirt
Jan 8, 2027
Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup (Howden Neom Turf Cup Qualifier)
SAR 1,000,000
Listed
4YO+
2100M
Turf
Jan 8, 2027
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (Saudi Cup Qualifier)
SAR 2,000,000
G3
4YO+
1800M
Dirt
Jan 9, 2027
1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier
SAR 165,000
4YO+
1351M
Turf
Jan 9, 2027
Red Sea Turf Handicap Qualifier
SAR 165,000
4YO+
3000M
Turf
2000M
Dirt
Feb 5 & 6 2027
Apr 16, 2027
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3YO+
Saudi Cup Weekend King Abdulaziz Racetrack Champion
SAR 500,000
Listed
4YO+
Major Races 2026/2027 – Purebred Arabian Date
Race
Prize Money
Class
Age
Distance Surface
Nov 14, 2026
JCSA Cup
SAR 150,000
Listed
4YO+
2000M
Dirt
Nov 20, 2026
The UAE President Cup
SAR 1,500,000
G1
4YO+
1800M
Dirt
Nov 21, 2026
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Cup
SAR 1,500,000
3YO
1600M
Dirt
Dec 5, 2026
Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Bin Jalawi Cup
3YO+
1600M
Dirt
Dec 19, 2026
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Sword
SAR 900,000
G2
3YO+
1600M
Dirt
Jan 8, 2027
Al Dareyah Cup (Obaiyah Qualifier)
SAR 165,000
G3
4YO+
2000M
Dirt
Jan 9, 2027
Sprint Championship Cup
SAR 150,000
G3
4YO+
1200M
Dirt
Jan 9, 2027
Al Mneefah Qualifier
SAR 165,000
4YO+
2100M
Turf
Jan 15, 2027
Al Khalediah Stables International Cup
US$ 500,000
G2
4YO+
1600M
Dirt
Jan 16, 2027
The Princess Munirah bint Abdulaziz bin Musaad bin Jiluwi Cup (Fillies & Mares)
US$ 300,000
G3
4YO+
1600M
Dirt
Jan 16, 2027
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Cup
US$ 1,500,000
G1
4YO+
1800M
Dirt
1600M
Dirt
1600M
Dirt
SAR 300,000
Saudi Cup Weekend
Feb 5 & 6 2027
Mar 12, 2027
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Cup (Fillies & Mares)
SAR 300,000
Apr 16, 2027
King Abdulaziz Racetrack Champion
SAR 300,000
G3
G3
4YO+
4YO+
Please click here to view the complete 2026/2027 Riyadh race program: Link To JCSA 2026/2027 Race Program
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Nominations The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) reserves the right to refuse the entry of any horse, at the JCSA’s sole discretion, for any reason, including but not limited to situations where any connection (e.g. owner, trainer, jockey) of such horse has engaged or may have engaged in conduct, or become the subject of a regulatory or law enforcement inquiry or action alleging conduct that is unlawful, unethical or which may otherwise compromise the integrityof racing. Please refer to the race conditions for the qualification rules. Nominations to be made a minimum of three weeks before each race date, for all trainers based outside of KSA to allow for shipping and import procedures. Nominations to be forwarded to Yousef Albhaijani via email yalbhaijani@jcsa.sa, CC Faisal Alatawi Falatawi@jcsa.sa and Salwa Abuljadayel Sabuljadayel@jcsa.sa Clearly stating the details below: Race Name:
Country of Birth:
Trainer:
Sex:
Owner:
Colour:
Horse Name:
Sire:
Date of Birth:
Dam:
Please ensure you receive an emailed reply confirming receipt of your entry.
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LICENSING If an international horse runs once, connections will run under their own national licenses. If an international horse races more than once the connections will need to be registered with the JCSA. Jockeys will need clearances from their national governing body.
FIELD SELECTION SYSTEM The JCSA Handicappers will assign a rating to each horse that is entered for these races. The JCSA reserves the right and has the sole authority to decide on the number of runners in the race, after careful consideration of any entry’s overall standing and potential to perform adequately in the race. The JCSA reserves the right to invite a representative field of horses from a variety of countries where relevant.
PRIZE MONEY Prize Money Distribution
Owner – 80% Jockey – 10% Trainer – 10% Please note that this will differ for the races held on The Saudi Cup weekend of racing. PRIZE MONEY WILL NOT BE TAXED BY THE KSA AUTHORITIES
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TRACK INFORMATION Dirt Course Characteristics The dirt track is 2000m with a 450m chute and a 400m home straight. The turns are 500m in length and the width of the track is 25m wide. Turf Course Characteristics The turf course is 1828m around with a 400m home straight to the winning post. The turns are 400m in length and the track width is 19m.
HORSE CONNECTIONS TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION (Non Saudi Cup Races) Travel Information All travel for horse connections will be at the owners’ expense. The JCSA will assist with visas to enter KSA, please contact Faisal Alatawi Falatawi@jcsa.sa for assistance. Accommodation No hotel accommodation will be provided. Subject to availability, grooms may be accommodated in the on-site villas at the racecourse near the quarantine stables. If long term accommodation is required (over 10 days) a cost will be incurred. Transport Service On-site buggies or bicycles will be provided for movement between the villas and the quarantine stables. |7|
SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING (Non Saudi Cup Races)
All horses and connections (including jockeys and grooms) should have their own insurance arrangements in place. Shipment of horses must be arranged by the owner/trainer and will be at the owner’s expense. Stables, bedding, hay and bottled water will be provided free of charge if coming to Riyadh to participate in one race. If the horse is to stay for a prolonged period (longer than 10 days) there will be a cost incurred Please note all horses must enter the quarantine stables a minimum of 72 hours prior to race day. IMPORTATION OF GCC HORSES INTO KSA Conditions for the importation into KSA of horses to compete in any of the above races and return to their country of origin: Horses from all GCC countries will be assumed to be travelling on a GCC certificate and are required to meet, as a minimum, the KSA temporary import conditions* appropriate to the country of origin. See Conditions below. Whilst in the KSA, International Racehorses will be stabled in Regional Groups, in designated Isolation Stables, separately from local horses. Access will be restricted. Horses will be isolated, disease tested and treated as necessary. Any variation will be by negotiation and availability. See also Return Conditions.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… KSA Import conditions applicable to all horses. 1. No pre-export quarantine is required 2. All horses will require certain blood tests (negative) within 30 days of export to meet the KSA Import conditions. 3. All horses must have received, during the 90 days immediately prior to export but not within 14 days: • Either, two primary vaccinations against Equine Influenza, between 21 and 42 days apart with the same vaccine; Or a booster vaccination against equine influenza which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it and any previous booster vaccinations, had been administered annually within a regular 12-month period since the primary course. All vaccinations need to be certified. *Import Conditions applicable to all horses from the GCC •
For KSA import purposes a primary course of vaccinations against equine influenza will be considered to consist of at least two doses of the same vaccine between 21 and 42 days apart. Original certification showing all relevant vaccinations must travel with the horse.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… Post Arrival Recovery Period Note: After arrival in the KSA, horses will be restricted to the allocated compound at the quarantine facility for 48 hours, post arrival, if they have travelled more than six hours stable door to stable door. If a horse has travelled less than six hours, they will be confined to the barn area for 12 hours. They will not be allowed access to the main track during this time. These rules are intended to reduce the risk of respiratory disease developing in the horses and possibly spreading to earlier arrivals. Each compound has a walking area. Additionally, during the post-arrival recovery period, any horse showing signs of injury or any other clinical concern must be reported immediately to JCSA Veterinary Services and/or Quarantine Management. JCSA Veterinary Services may require further examination, diagnostic testing, restricted exercise, extended isolation or other measures before the horse is permitted to resume training or proceed toward racing.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… Return Conditions Please note; the conditions below are for horses returning directly to the country of origin (the country from which they were exported to KSA). Horses exiting to a country other than the country of origin may have to meet different conditions. Your shipping agents will be able to advise you on this matter. All horses - Insecticide Treatment In order to meet most countries return conditions and KSA temporary import protocols all horses must be treated with an approved insecticide/ repellent every time they leave the stables for training. The products approved for use in KSA contain pyrethroids and have been used for several years without problem. If trainers know of any problems related to the use of such products on their horses, they should advise JCSA prior to horses being shipped so alternative products can be considered and obtained. If the horse is not returning directly to your home country after the race, please discuss with the appointed shipping agent on the various logistics and certification required.
International Quarantine Barns There are 18 barns of six to ten boxes each in the International Quarantine Stable area with a minimum of 50m between each barn. Horse contact areas are double fenced with a 5m separation between the fences. Each barn is a separate unit that is separated from the other barns by mesh fencing with signs indicating that this is a restricted area.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… Each separate barn is linked by a sand track to a light work track. The entire quarantine complex is approximately 400m (1/4 mile) from the main track. Horses will be permitted to train on the main track, both dirt and turf, at training times organised according to the regional group to which the horse belongs. Apart from the time of racing, all horses will be kept separated in the regional groups.
Biosecurity Procedures for the Quarantine Facility 1.
Only accredited visiting international stable personnel and essential JCSA employees will be allowed access to the quarantine facility. No children under 12 years old are permitted without permission.
2.
No animals, other than quarantine horses, may be brought into the facility.
3.
No media (private photography of own horses and personnel allowed).
4.
A maximum of two registered owners per trainer permitted during visiting hours of 6am to 10.30am and 4pm to 5.30pm. All owners must be accompanied by a trainer or representative at all times. The JCSA reserves the right to refuse admission or expel from the premises any person.
5.
Only the trainer and/or an authorized representative and the horses’ groom(s) will be permitted access to horses in quarantine for the first 48 hours after arrival.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… 6.
7. 8.
All visitors (not including trainers/grooms) must wear protective clothing provided, wash hands before and after entry to the barn and sign the visitors record forms. Trainers and grooms will not have access to barns where they do not have horses.
Only official accredited vehicles will be allowed in the quarantine area. Only TEH or TEH-approved veterinarians, JCSA Veterinary Services, approved therapists and farriers are allowed to tend to international horses, and only medications and treatments dispensed by TEH or approved JCSA Veterinarians is permitted. 9. Treatment records: All veterinary treatments, therapeutic procedures, farriery interventions, physiotherapy or other treatments performed during the horse's stay in KSA must be recorded and made available to JCSA Veterinary Services upon request. TEH veterinarians will be prepared to liaise and work with home veterinarians when required. Freelance veterinarians will not be permitted access to the quarantine facilities unless expressly approved by JCSA Veterinary Services. 10. Vector screens must be closed at all times and only opened for the entry/exit of horses. 11. It is the trainers/representative’s responsibility to ensure all horses exercising outside the barns are wiped down with the insect repellent provided in each barn prior to exiting the barns. Where required the daily treatment must be recorded and signed. 12. During exercise periods instructions of track marshals must be obeyed and a minimum 50m separation maintained between groups of horses. Failure to do so may result in a revision of export requirements and an extended quarantine period. 13. Safety vests and skull caps to be worn at all times when mounted in the Quarantine facility. 14. Horses and personnel must enter and leave the Quarantine Facilities through approved gateways.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… 15. Any suspected infectious disease, injury or other clinical concern must be reported immediately to JCSA Veterinary Services and/or Quarantine Management. JCSA may require examination, testing, isolation, movement restriction, treatment, referral to the Stewards or withdrawal where appropriate. 16. No smoking or alcohol is permitted in the quarantine facilities. 17. All persons attending horses in the facility are subject to the Rules and Regulations of the JCSA. 18. The trainer or an authorized representative must monitor and record each horse's temperature twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, using the recording system or temperature sheet provided. Any abnormal temperature or clinical concern must be reported immediately to JCSA Veterinary Services and Quarantine Management.
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SHIPPING, QUARANTINE & STABLING Cont… The JCSA and its transport agents will not be liable for any death of injury or illness to any invited horses during transportation to and from the KSA or while in the KSA. The JCSA or its agents, will not be responsible for horse insurance. The JCSA will not provide any local horse to serve as a companion horse. The JCSA reserves the right to carry out random inspections of all trainers’ equipment during their time in Riyadh. The JCSA reserves the right to put any horse under CC TV surveillance. No prohibited substances – alcohol – medicine or veterinary products are permitted on the JCSA premises. No prohibited substances, alcohol, medicine or veterinary products may be shipped with the horse unless approval is provided in writing by the JCSA Director of Veterinary Services or a JCSA authorized delegate and the product complies with KSA law. Veterinary product declaration: Any medicine, veterinary product, topical preparation, supplement, therapeutic device, feed additive or product with potential medication or regulatory relevance must be declared in advance and must not be shipped with the horse unless written approval has been provided by the JCSA. Approved items must be included on the itemized packing list and may be inspected by JCSA delegates or the relevant authorities on arrival and at any time during the horse's stay in KSA. All horses must travel with their passport and any other official identification papers, which must be available for inspection and collection by the veterinary authorities upon their arrival at the quarantine barns. These documents will be endorsed and returned prior to the horses’ departure from KSA. All requested documents must be submitted to the shippers in a timely manner where time frames are requested. Trainers are to ensure these are fully completed and eligible.
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MEDICATION, TESTING & SAFETY All trainers must complete a medication declaration and vet history form for each horse prior to shipping. A link will be sent to you after we receive your nomination. This form will include the following: Pre-Travel Veterinary History Declaration The veterinary history declaration must: • Disclose all relevant recent veterinary history including routine and ongoing medications; • Disclose any previous episode of visible blood from one or both nostrils, including any previous diagnosis or regulatory record of ExerciseInduced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). • Disclose previous episodes of cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation; • Provide details of previous surgeries performed including but not limited to orthopedic and respiratory tract procedures; and • Confirm that the Influenza vaccination is compliant for travelling to KSA and JCSA Rules of Racing. Gait-analysis/trot-up Video: The trainer will be sent a link to the SLEIP app, where they will be required to upload a trot-up video recording. . Recordings must reflect the horse's normal action and should not be submitted if the horse has recently received analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, sedatives or any treatment that could mask discomfort or alter gait. Two separate trot up videos are required, One by the trainer 21 to 14 days prior to shipping and one by the treating Veterinarian 7 days prior to shipping. JCSA Veterinary Services may request repeat recordings where the video quality, gait information or clinical context is insufficient. For more information on the SLEIP App please click here
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MEDICATION, TESTING & SAFETY Cont… Medication Declaration The MDF will require the trainer to list any long acting medications administered within six months prior to departure for KSA as well as all other medications administered within four weeks of departure. The Veterinary Inspection (IN RIYADH) All horses will be subject to veterinary inspections prior to their race by JCSA Veterinary Services. The examination will include a trot-up in hand on a firm level surface (a video for gait analysis may be taken). JCSA Veterinary Services may re-examine any horse at any time, including after training, following any incident, upon review of veterinary information or where a clinical concern arises. Failure to cooperate with any veterinary examination or request for information may be referred to the Stewards. Upon arrival into KSA, all horses may have blood and hair samples taken at any time for analysis for prohibited substances, including those substances that are prohibited at all times and those that are considered to have a legitimate therapeutic use. Please click here to view the JCSA prohibited substances and medication rules: JCSA Rules & Regulations
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MEDICATION, TESTING & SAFETY Cont… The Equine Hospital The JCSA Equine Hospital clinical veterinary team can provide medical services and procedures to visiting horses. All costs incurred are the responsibility of the owner/trainer in accordance with JCSA and The Equine Hospital procedures. For further information Tel: +966 112540162
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TRAINING Track Work for Visiting Horses The JCSA will inform you of the training times for your region and will schedule turf works with the trainer. Work on outside of the turf track • Only fast work must take place on the rail of the dirt track. • Ponies can be made available for training upon request. • Ponies will be ridden by the JCSA outriders only Pre-Race Parade Ring Schooling The JCSA will provide the opportunity to school horses in the Pre-Parade/ Parade Ring at scheduled times. Safety Helmet The JCSA will not permit any person to be mounted on a horse, or work as a member of the gate crew on any racing surface, unless the person is wearing a properly fastened safety helmet. All helmets must have chin straps. .,
Safety Vest No jockey, apprentice jockey, or exercise rider shall train or exercise any horse unless wearing a safety vest.
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JCSA Rules of Racing All participating horse connections are reminded that it is their responsibility to be familiar with the JCSA Rules of Racing. Please click here for a detailed summary of the JCSA Race Rules & Regulations: JCSA Rules & Regulations If you are unsure about the meaning or application of any Rules, please ask Stipendiary Steward Rion Charles Hitchener on the racecourse or, in advance of a meeting, by email: rcharles@jcsa.sa. For enquiries in Arabic, please direct your queries to Chairman of the Racing and Judging Committee Mukhlid Alotaibi: M.alotaibi@jcsa.sa Insurance It is strongly recommended that all international jockeys ensure that they have their own insurance policy in place prior to riding in Riyadh.
GENERAL INFORMATION Address: The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia PO Box 26323 Riyadh 11486 Saudi Arabia
Web Address: www.jcsa.sa X: @JockeyClub_SA @JockeyClubSA_EN
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خريطة ميدان امللك عبدالعزيز
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King Abdulaziz Racecourse
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Contact Information
Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia Mukhled Alotabi Chairman of the Stewards Mobile: +966 50 545 3960 E-mail: M.alotaibi@jcsa.sa
International Racing Department
Rion Charles Hitchener Chief Steward (English Speaking) Mobile: +966 53 894 4049 E-mail: rcharles@jcsa.sa
Faisal Alatawi E-mail: Falatawi@jcsa.sa
Saeed Omar Quarantine Manager Mobile: +966 54 084 9668 E-mail: saeed@jcsa.sa Yousef Albhaijani Director of Registrations Mobile: +966 55 445 0749 Email: yalbhaijani@jcsa.sa Sam Watson Handicapping Manager Mobile: +966 53 815 7449 E-mail: swatson@jcsa.sa
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Salwa Abuljadayel E-mail: Sabuljadayel@jcsa.sa
Keith Ottesen Clerk of the Course Director Mobile: +966 53 767 2054 E-mail: kottesen@jcsa.sa Dr. Abdulhakim Almutawa Director of Veterinary Services Phone: +966 58 304 0316 Email : ahakeem@jcsa.sa Ibrahim Bin Khulaif Race Planning Manager Phone: +966 59 999 2442 Email: ikhulaif@jcsa.sa
Riyadh Season 26/27 HORSEMEN’S INFORMATION GUIDE
King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia