Riyadh, 27 February 2024 – The 5th edition of the annual Saudi Cup, which took place over the weekend of 23rd and 24th February, was not only a celebration of equestrian talent but also a showcase of Saudi heritage and culture. The Saudi Cup, organized by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, is the paramount event in the Kingdom’s equestrian calendar and hosts a selection of dirt and turf races, including the Saudi Invest International Jockey Challenge, the Al Mneefah Cup sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, and the $20m eponymous Saudi Cup race. The weekend equestrian contest and social calendar staple welcomed the world’s finest thoroughbreds, purebred Arabian horses, trainers and jockeys.
The Ministry of Culture created a unique cultural experience themed around the Bisht, the traditional men’s cloak, within the Obaiya enclosure. Guests enjoyed a wide range of activities honoring Saudi culture and heritage. Among the various themes explored were traditional fashion, various artistic displays and live music performances. The Bardakh stage, named after the last stage of the creation of the Bisht, hosted several performances. Contemporary live music featuring “Saheel” explored the close relationship between purebred Arabian horses and Saudis, inspired by tales passed down through generations.
The Saudi Cup has long been an ideal setting for attendees to pay homage to the heritage and culture of the Kingdom's 13 regions through colorful displays of traditional attires and eye-catching accessories. Some of the finest interpretations of this dress code are completed by individually inspired modern touches. In celebration of this creative atmosphere, The Fashion Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, hosted a display of the ‘Saudi 100 Brands’ initiative, showcasing the designs Saudi designers revisiting fashion styles of the past through their unique lens. In collaboration with Hia magazine, the Walk of Fame created a celebrity-carpet-entrance moment for racegoers to put their fashion sense and style on full display.
The Saudi Cup weekend remains one of the most illustrious and anticipated events of the year, for both culture and sport. The event has hosted some of the world’s best racehorses, jockeys and trainers, and demonstrated some of the finest aspects of Saudi sport, culture and fashion.
This year’s prestigious Saudi Cup was won by Senor Buscado and Jockey Junior Alvarado, along with winning the biggest prize of the race, the prizewinner was also presented with a handcrafted rug designed by the Ministry of Culture.
Held for the fifth time in 2024, the Saudi Cup is the annual sporting and social event of the Riyadh calendar. It offers racegoers an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of world-class racing, immerse themselves in the culture and display their finest attire. The wide array of cultural activities organized by the Ministry of Culture also provided guests a stunning experience of Saudi heritage and equestrian tradition.
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