Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
GROUP 3 SAUDI DERBY A NEW GATEWAY TO KENTUCKY DERBY
The Straits Times
|October 27, 2025
Points will be up for grabs to qualify for Run For The Roses
-
Runners in the Saudi Derby will now be eligible to collect points for the Kentucky Derby in an exciting new link announced by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated.
The1,600m Group 3 event on the Saudi Cup undercard has been added to a worldwide series of events known as “The Road to The Kentucky Derby”.
It will make it easier for Saudi Arabian owners to have runners in one of the most prestigious horse races in the world — attended annually by over 100,000 people.
The US$L5 million (S$1.95 million) Saudi Derby, which will be staged at King Abdulaziz racecourse in Riyadh on Feb 14, 2026, will have a maximum of 30 points available to the winner to try and qualify for the Group 1 Kentucky Derby (2,000m) at Churchill Downs on May 2.
Two other races, the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes (formerly the Al Bastakiya) at Meydan racecourse, have also been added as races with qualifying points for the European/Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The series now consists of 10 races, and has up to two invitations for the Kentucky Derby, with further points issued behind the winner of each leg down to fifth place.
This story is from the October 27, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
At 80, the jeepney is still King of the Road, but for how long?
The colourful vehicle is a symbol of Filipino creativity and the country's traffic challenges. The age of EVs will be a test of its days on the road.
5 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
GROUP 3 SAUDI DERBY A NEW GATEWAY TO KENTUCKY DERBY
Points will be up for grabs to qualify for Run For The Roses
3 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Time to relook 'many helping hands' approach and have a unified aid response
The tragic death of little Megan Khung has left an ineffable ache in the nation's heart.
1 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Slot didn't expect 4 losses; needs to find answers fast
Their title defence had begun well but losses at Brentford, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, plus the previous weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United, have knocked Liverpool off the rails.
2 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
After Megan Khung: Family, abuse and the reckoning around child safety
The case should prompt a deeper reflection on what we could have done better and the challenges in dealing with family abuse.
6 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Singaporean, Canadian pen pals finally meet after 43 years
The letters between Michelle Anne Ng and Sonya Clarke Casey forged a friendship that saw them share about their life experiences and secrets
5 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Thai-Cambodian 'peace accord' is Trump-centric but may prove to be more than just optics
If there ever was any doubt over the intended audience for the signing of the “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord”, the answer came shortly after Thailand’s royal palace announced the death of the Queen Mother Sirikit on the night of Oct 24.
4 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Tan crosses $lm mark in less than two years on tour
Even as heavy rain and fog brought uncertainty to the Wistron Ladies Open in Taiwan, it did not stop Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan from reaching her latest milestone as she surpassed the $1 million mark in career earnings with a joint-44th finish on Oct 26.
4 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Lifelong learning Effective training is a shared responsibility
We thank Mr Ives Tay for his letter “Let's see real results from lifelong learning” (Oct 7).
1 mins
October 27, 2025
The Straits Times
Trump turns on the charm - and so does Asean
US President's visit has left an indelible mark on his hosts, Malaysia and Asean
4 mins
October 27, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size