Riyadh: In a significant milestone that highlights the Kingdom's growing presence in international horse racing, the Saudi Derby has been approved as a qualifying race for the renowned Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs in the US. Starting with its next edition, the Saudi Derby will be a key event in the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series. Chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal hailed this achievement as a crucial step in advancing Saudi Arabia's horse racing industry. Since the inception of the Saudi Cup in 2020, the Kingdom has made significant strides, enhancing its position on the global racing stage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Prince Bandar noted that this qualification will offer Saudi horse owners an invaluable opportunity to accumulate points toward participation in the prestigious Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in May 2026. He also underscored the strategic importance of this new partnership between the Jockey Club and Churchill Downs, which opens the door to further collaboration in the future.
CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated William 'Bill' C. Carstanjen expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing that including the Saudi Derby as a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby is a significant step forward. He noted that this collaboration further strengthens the ties between Saudi Arabia's burgeoning racing scene and the world's most prestigious horse racing event, while also enhancing the Kingdom's global standing in the sport.
The Kentucky Derby is a historic event attracting global attention, drawing over 100,000 spectators yearly. With the Saudi Derby scheduled for February 14, 2026, it aligns perfectly for participating horses, offering ample time for travel and preparation before the race at Churchill Downs.