SIS (Sports Information Services) has signed a new deal to add races from Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid Racecourse to its horse racing roster.
Held in the city of Ta’if, the new season starts 4 July and goes on until 28 September. The racing calendar includes events taking place on Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays.
Ta’if itself is located 1,800m above sea level in the Hijaz Mountains, offering its large population moderate weather that has hosted summer racing in the Middle East since 1965.
A total of 273 Thoroughbred and 78 Purebred Arabians races will feature in the 39 race days calendar, with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) offering the opportunity for horses to rise through the ranks during the Riyadh season.
There has been an increase of 24% in prize money from last year, with the average per race being SAR104,378 (approx. US$27,800).
Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services, commented: “The quality of racing in Saudi Arabia continues to improve each year and it is great that we are now able to provide our partners with content from King Khalid Racecourse in Ta’if, the only racecourse in the region that races throughout the summer months.
“The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has worked tirelessly to produce an engaging racing calendar and we are sure the addition of racing from Ta’if will lead to even more interest in Saudi Arabian racing.”