Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Cup Lands Group 3 Status

Wednesday July 22, 2026 – Just days before the 2026 Taif Racing Season kicks off on Friday, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has announced the upgrade of the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup for Purebred Arabians to Group 3 status.

The race, held this year on September 25, 2026 received the new classification from the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing.

Won for the last two years by Saudi Arabian equine star, Tilal Al-Khalediah, the 2000m race has risen through the ranks since its inception in 2021. It was upgraded to Listed status in its second running and has now achieved Group status just four years later.

The USD$266,000 contest is part of the grand finale to the 10 weeks of racing at King Khalid Racecourse, and sits alongside the Group 3 King Faisal Cup – also for Purebred Arabians – on the penultimate day of the season.

“The promotion of the Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Cup to an international Group 3 represents another important milestone in the development of Purebred Arabian horseracing in The Kingdom, and reflects the growing status that our racing has reached on the international stage,” said His Highness Prince Salman bin Abdullah Al Saud, CEO of the JCSA.

“This step is an extension of the Club’s strategy to build a competitive racing calendar that elevates the quality of racing and strengthens The Kingdom’s presence as a leading destination for our sport.

“This achievement embodies our continuous commitment to developing Purebred Arabian horseracing in accordance with the highest international standards, to enhance the national position on the global horseracing map, keeping pace with the historical and cultural heritage represented by Purebred Arabian horses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

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