Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz crowned the horse Emblem Road, owned by Prince Saud bin Salman, with the title of the 2022 Saudi Cup, in a large equestrian event that took place Saturday at the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Square in Riyadh.
Last year’s edition of the Saudi Cup was also won by a Saudi racehorse called Mishriff.
The crown prince congratulated Prince Saud bin Salman, owner of winning horse Emblem Road, as he lifted the Saudi Cup and was crowned winner of the race.
He also congratulated the horse's trainers Miteb Al-Mallouh, Al-Khayal, and Giberto Ramos.
The Saudi Cup is the largest and most expensive race in the world, with prizes worth about $35 million.
The most prominent horses, trainers and riders in the world participated in the annual event which included major races and preliminary and final competitions on grass and dirt tracks amid global follow-up and a large presence of fans of various nationalities.
240 horses participated in all runs, and 16 horses from several countries participated in the Saudi Cup run, which is classified in the first category.
A large number of horses from abroad also participated, led by 13 from each of the UK and the UAE, 12 from Japan, 11 from France, 9 from the US, 6 from Qatar, 5 from Ireland and Bahrain, 2 from Argentina and Spain, and 1 from Germany and Greece.
The Saudi Cup competitions were accompanied by several other cultural events that are inherently related to the customs and traditions inherited historically in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Culture Ministry participated at the event by organizing the Saudi Coffee Pavilion to showcase diversity associated with coffee in the Kingdom.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal participated in the folklore shows accompanying the tournament.