Tilal Al Khalediah the hero once again in the Obaiyah Arabian Classic

Third victory in a row at The Saudi Cup for champion Purebred Arabian

Image: Tilal Al Khalediah (KSA) comes home well clear under Adel Alfouraidi in the US$2m Obaiyah Arabian Classic presented by Diriyah

Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia //Mathea Kelly

Saturday 22 February, 2025 – Brilliant Purebred Arabian Tilal Al Khalediah (KSA) gained yet another decisive victory at The Saudi Cup meeting as he claimed the US$2m Obaiyah Arabian Classic presented by Diriyah.

It was the third year in a row that the ultra-consistent performer on all surfaces has struck here, having landed the same race in 2023 and the Al Mneefah Cup 12 months ago. He would continue a fine 2024 by running away with the Dubai Kahayla Classic.

Ridden by his regular jockey Adel Alfouraidi for trainer Nasser Mutlaq and the Alkhalediah Stables, Tilal Al Khalediah was always to the fore and disputed the lead with Barakka (GB) but the event was over turning into the straight as he galloped three and a half lengths clear of Eifrit (FR) in a time of 2:16.382.

Quotes

Adel Alfouraidi, jockey, Tilal Al Khalediah, 1st: "It’s an honour to win this race again. I know this horse, he loves this track, and I was not afraid of any of the other horses."

Nasser Mutlaq, trainer, Tilal Al Khalediah: "This horse, I love him so much. Group 1 after Group 1, he does it every time. He can go for the Kahayla in Dubai now. He makes me happy. I’ve known him for five years and he’s a champion. I have a great team."

Marco Casamento, jockey, Eifrit, 2nd: "He ran well. This is his first time to run in Riyadh, and I am looking forward to his next start."

Nawaf Almudiani, jockey, Nirehazz, 3rd: "He ran OK. He is a good horse."

Elisabeth Bernard, trainer, Vica Grine, 4th: "This horse has changed a lot, he is a little quicker on his feet. Last year, he was struggling a bit to follow, but this time round, he kept pace with them.

"He asked for a breather probably at the wrong time and lost a couple of places, but he finished really well with his courage and great heart.

"I am very happy and I hope this fourth place is sufficient to be invited to Dubai, which is his target. We beat some horses who have good form in Dubai, so I am crossing my fingers."