Taif Launches 2026 Horse Racing Season at King Khalid Equestrian Field

A Saudi journalists delegation visited the King Khalid Equestrian Field in Al‑Hawiyah, Taif, to witness the opening of the 2026 horse‑racing season. The event was attended by Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the horse‑racing club, Prince Fawaz bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Taif, and Prince Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman, chief executive of the club.

The season runs for ten consecutive weeks from 24 July to 26 September 2026, featuring 20 race nights each Friday and Saturday, a total of 220 races, and prize money of about 1.5 million Saudi riyals for the first week. Winners of the opening races included the gelding “Falh Zain” (120 km h⁻¹, 120 000 riyal), “Toufan Najd” (140 km h⁻¹, 120 000 riyal), and the mare “Al‑Khanasa”. The club offers free entry through the “WeBook” app and a full family‑entertainment program with cultural performances, children’s activities, and on‑track hospitality.

The organizers highlighted the moderate summer climate of Taif as ideal for the season, positioning the venue as a key preparatory stage for the national Saudi Cup series.