Riyadh's Best Races | Five Of The Best Finishes From The Inaugural Saudi Cup | 2020 Saudi Cup

Saudi Arabia first opened the gates to the international horse racing community on February 29th 2020, when Maximum Security powered to victory at King Abdulaziz Racetrack to take the $10 Million USD winner's purse in the inaugural running of The Saudi Cup.

After a tough battle in early stretch with Bob Baffert's Mucho Gusto ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz, Maximum Security prevailed over American mare Midnight Bisou to take half of the $20 million purse in the world's richest horse race and a major step in the Saudi government's effort to open the Kingdom to other nations and cultures.

"It was a very impressive show today," said winning jockey Luis Saez from Panama. "That's what the world was waiting for, and we did it. He's amazing and has a big heart."

Maximum Security (now in the colours of Coolmore Stud) boasts an enviable race record:
Notable victories include...
Grade 1 Cigar Mile
Grade 3 Bold Ruler
Grade 1 Haskell Invitational
(Disqualified) Kentucky Derby
Grade 1 Florida Derby

A fan favourite, Maximum Security was famously disqualified from the 2019 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, despite being first past the post ahead of Country House who was later called the winner.

Final result The Saudi Cup 2020
1st Maximum Security (Luis Saez)
2nd Midnight Bisou (Mike Smith)
3rd Benbatl (Oisin Murphy)
4th Mucho Gusto (Irad Ortiz Jr.)
5th Tacitus (Jose Lezcano)

Other pulsating finishes at the 2020 event included Matera Sky vs. New York Central, Port Lions, Jennifer and more. Does your favourite feature in our Top 5?

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The 2021 Saudi Cup field comprises:
CHUWA WIZARD
BANGKOK
GREAT SCOT
MAX PLAYER
KNICKS GO
GLOBAL GIANT
TACITUS
SLEEPY EYES TODD
CHARLATAN
MILITARY LAW
MISHRIFF
DEREVO
EXTRA ELUSIVE

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