Forever Young secured a direct berth for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, while the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) awarded a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Thoroughbred Daily News).— The world’s richest race will now serve as a direct gateway to the most valuable race in the United States. As of last Saturday’s renewal, the Saudi Cup (G1) has officially joined the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, granting an automatic berth to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), which carries a $7 million purse and will be run at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California.
This year, the world’s most prestigious racing series will celebrate its 42nd edition on October 31 and November 1, 2025, at Del Mar, featuring 14 Grade 1 races and more than $34 million in purses and bonuses.
Now in its sixth edition at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, the Saudi Cup, with its $20 million prize fund, has cemented itself as one of the premier international events of the early-season calendar. Its new connection to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a longstanding year-end highlight, further strengthens its global significance. Three of the five previous Saudi Cup winners—Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute), Mishriff (Make Believe), and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft)—have gone on to compete in the Breeders’ Cup.
As part of the Challenge Series benefits, Breeders’ Cup Ltd. will cover the entry fees for the Saudi Cup winner—Forever Young (Real Steel)—in the Classic.
Additionally, the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2, 1200m, $2 million) has also been designated as a Win and You’re In race, providing a direct berth to the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1, $2 million).
Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, emphasized the significance of this expansion:"We are thrilled to welcome the Saudi Cup and Riyadh Dirt Sprint to our program. This further reinforces our commitment to elite competition and provides a tremendous opportunity for the world’s best horses to reach the Breeders’ Cup."
His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khaled AlFaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, echoed the sentiment:"There is a natural synergy between the Breeders’ Cup and the Saudi Cup. We are honored to be part of this circuit and the global Breeders’ Cup family. The added incentive for the winners of the Saudi Cup and Riyadh Dirt Sprint brings even more excitement to our event."
