Buy a racehorse in Saudi Arabia: a private guide for owners

By the Silk Road Bloodstock team · Updated 21 October 2026

The 2026–27 Riyadh Racing Season runs from 16 October 2026 to 17 April 2027: 50 race days and US$62.95 million in prize money, with the Saudi Cup meeting on 5–6 February 2027. We find European horses with the right pedigree and form for Saudi racing, buy them in your name and bring them to your trainer.

Why European horses for Saudi racing

• The great turf bloodlines are bred in Britain, Ireland and France, and the Saudi Cup meeting now includes big turf races.
• A horse already racing in Europe has real form and an official rating, so you know what you are buying.
• Owners can keep the horse in Europe and travel it to Riyadh for the big weekend, or move it to a trainer in Saudi Arabia for the season.

Two ways to own

1. Race in Saudi Arabia

We buy the horse in Europe. A licensed shipper handles the export papers, health tests and flights, and the horse joins a Saudi trainer of your choice. Your trainer handles registration with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, and the rules for owners and imports are confirmed with them before we buy.

2. Keep the horse in Europe

The horse stays with a leading European trainer and targets the big European meetings, travelling to Riyadh for the Saudi Cup weekend if it is good enough. Our management service starts from US$2,000 per horse per month.

Key dates 2026–27

How we buy for you

1. Your brief: budget, target races and trainer. Send it here or on WhatsApp.
2. A private shortlist with pedigree, form, ratings and videos.
3. Inspection and independent vetting (X-rays and a wind scope).
4. Your written authority before any bid or offer.
5. You pay the seller directly. Your purchase money never passes through us.
6. Shipping to your trainer with licensed companies.

What it costs

• The horse: from US$50,000.
• Our fee: 5% of the price, minimum US$5,000, agreed in writing. Cost calculator.
• Also allow for: vetting, insurance, shipping, import costs and training fees.

Racing is never certain, and we never promise wins or returns. We promise a careful search and advice that works only for you.

Source: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia season announcement via Trade Arabia. Always confirm race conditions with the organiser.

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