The 2026 Saudi Cup returns to Riyadh this Saturday with a mouth‑watering renewal that pits defending champion Forever Young against a truly international cast over 1m1f on the dirt.
With $20 million in prize money and $10 million to the winner, it remains the world’s richest horse race and a huge focal point for owners, trainers, and punters alike.
Launched in 2020, the Saudi Cup was designed to sit at the top of the global dirt racing pyramid, complementing but also rivaling established fixtures such as the Dubai World Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Run at level weights for four‑year‑olds and up over 1800m at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, it has quickly drawn champions from the United States, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East.
The purse has been key to that rise: the Saudi Cup’s $20 million pot eclipses other major dirt races, making Riyadh an irresistible target for connections of top‑class horses.
Runners & Odds For The 2026 Saudi Cup
This year’s field of 14 has a familiar look, headed by Japanese superstar Forever Young, who trades at odds of around 4/6 ON, and is widely seen as the most likely winner if he runs to form.
His presence compresses the market, pushing classy rivals such as Nysos (7/2) and Nevada Beach (11/1) into value territory for each‑way players looking to oppose the favourite at bigger prices.
Behind the front three, Bishops Bay and Luxor Cafe sit at about 16/1, offering a blend of solid graded form and untapped upside that will appeal to those who believe the Riyadh surface can spring surprises.
Sunrise Zipangu (22/1), Rattle N Roll (33/1), and Tumbarumba (both 20/1) form a credible second wave, while Banishing, Mhally, Star Of Wonder, Thundersquall, Ameerat Alzamaan, and Haqeet make up a group of double‑figure and triple‑figure outsiders who could sneak into the frame if the race collapses late.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Forever Young | 4/6 |
| Nysos | 7/2 |
| Nevada Beach | 11/1 |
| Bishops Bay | 11/1 |
| Luxor Cafe | 16/1 |
| Tumbarumba | 20/1 |
| Sunrise Zipangu | 22/1 |
| Rattle N Roll | 25/1 |
| Tumbarumba | 25/1 |
| Banishing | 40/1 |
| Ameerat Alzamaan | 40/1 |
| Thundersquall | 50/1 |
| Mhally | 66/1 |
| Star Of Wonder | 66/1 |
| Haqeet | 100/1 |
Forever Young: Champion With A Target On His Back
Forever Young arrives as defending Saudi Cup hero and one of the most accomplished dirt horses on the planet, thanks to a CV that already includes a Saudi Derby, Saudi Cup, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, he has made a habit of shining on the road, travelling seamlessly between Japan, the Middle East and the United States while maintaining a remarkably high level of performance.
Last year’s Saudi Cup win came from this same track and trip, where he overcame a strong international field and a thrilling battle with Romantic Warrior to land the 10‑million‑dollar first prize.
Yahagi and regular rider Ryusei Sakai now look to repeat the trick from stall 6, a draw that should allow Forever Young to secure a handy stalking position without burning too much petrol early.
His blend of tactical speed, stamina, and determination under pressure makes him an obvious banker for many punters.
Dangers In Behind: Can Anyone Topple The Favourite?
If there is to be an upset, the most likely source appears to be the American challenge led by Bob Baffert’s pair Nysos and Nevada Beach.
Nysos has advertised his class in US Grade 1 company and brings genuine gate speed and a high cruising rhythm that often wins top‑level American dirt races.
Nevada Beach, meanwhile, is a hardy four‑year‑old who has already mixed it with elite performers and looks tailor‑made for a strong‑run nine furlongs.
Bishops Bay could be the dark horse of the race: a tough US‑bred performer now carrying the famous colours of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Sons, he shapes as the type to sit just off the pace and stay on when others crack.
Japan’s Luxor Cafe is another with an appealing profile, having racked up wins at home and now stepping up to test his mettle in the world’s richest race under Joao Moreira.
One Eye On The Dubai World Cup
This year, Forever Young attempts to become the first dual Saudi Cup winner, and he does so with the added narrative that he is already clear favourite for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in a few weeks.
Ante‑post lists have him at the head of the market following last year’s third in the Dubai World Cup and his subsequent Breeders’ Cup Classic triumph, and bookmakers are poised to cut his price further if he wins again in Riyadh.
For connections, a second Saudi Cup would be a huge achievement in its own right and a perfect springboard to Dubai, while for punters the calculation is whether to take short odds twice in quick succession or try to catch him on an off‑day.
Either way, the 2026 Saudi Cup looks set to shape not just the immediate betting markets, but the narrative of the entire international dirt season.
BETFRED
