Global Giants Clash in Riyadh: Preview of the 2026 Neom Turf Cup

By Archie Brookes (@abracing0)

Shin Emperor won impressively last year and bids to go back-to-back in this year's renewal

The eyes of the racing world turn to Riyadh on 14th February, as the Neom Turf Cup marks its historic first renewal as a Group 1 event. Now boasting a massive $3,000,000 purse - a significant increase from previous years - this 2100-metre feature has undergone a rapid and prestigious evolution. From its humble beginnings in 2020, the race has ascended through the classification tiers with remarkable speed, moving from Group 3 in 2022 to Group 2 in 2024, and finally reaching the top flight this season. This elevation reflects the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to establish Riyadh as a primary hub for elite international competition.

Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes Saudi Cup meeting at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, the Neom Turf Cup has matured into a definitive cornerstone of the global middle-distance calendar. The 2026 field represents a masterclass in international bloodstock, bringing together an elite assembly of talent from Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. These runners are not just regional stars but global icons, each seeking to etch their name into the history books during this landmark Group 1 debut. The unique "cushion" of the Riyadh turf course ensures a fair and competitive platform, setting the stage for a clash that epitomises the very best of modern thoroughbred racing.

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The Japanese Vanguard: A Title Defence

Japan's dominance in Saudi Arabia is well-documented, and the 2026 contingent looks formidable as they aim to keep the trophy in the Far East.

Shin Emperor: The Defending Champion's Return

The defending champion returns to familiar soil following a 2025 campaign that further cemented his status as a global icon. A full brother to Arc winner Sottsass, Shin Emperor proved his class last year with a clinical victory in this very race under Ryusei Sakai, demonstrating a perfect affinity for the specialised Riyadh turf (below). However, his subsequent international exploits in 2025 were mixed; he notably disappointed with a 6th-place finish in the 2025 G1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, failing to fire against high-density European competition.

His return to domestic action in the G1 Japan Cup in November also proved challenging, where he finished 8th in a high-quality field. His season concluded on a frustrating note in the Arima Kinen in December, where he finished 14th after a luckless run. Despite saving ground on the inner rail, he was trapped when a rival in front began to fade, leaving him with no room to challenge. Jockey Ryusei Sakai noted that with a clearer passage, he would have likely finished much closer.

His preparation for the 2026 defence at Ritto Training Centre indicates a horse returning to his very best form. In his final piece of fast work before departing for Saudi Arabia, he was lightly urged to clock 81.6 seconds for six furlongs, including a sharp final furlong of 11.2 seconds. Sakai reported a significant improvement in the colt's action, noting that the spark and atmosphere of his best days have returned. Having faced frustrations in recent starts, this Group 1 renewal represents a vital opportunity for him to finally secure a long-awaited top-flight title. With the tactical versatility to sit close to the lead or strike from midfield, he remains the definitive benchmark for this field.

Alohi Alii: The Progressive Elite

If Shin Emperor is the established star, Alohi Alii is the rising force. A son of the late champion sire Duramente, his three-year-old season in 2025 was highlighted by a significant victory in the G2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville, where he defeated a high-quality European field over 2000 metres (below). Alohi Alii’s profile is characterised by an exceptional cruising speed that allows him to maintain relentless pressure on his rivals before quickening decisively in the closing stages.

However, his following trip to Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October proved to be a difficult assignment. Despite being a grandson of the legendary Orfevre - who twice finished second in the Arc - Alohi Alii struggled significantly on the poor track conditions. His race was further compromised by being jostled and bumped in the pack, leading to a disappointing 16th-place finish.

His eighth-place finish in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) last year suggests he is perhaps more effective in the open tactical landscapes of international racing than the high-pressure environment of domestic Japanese classics. As a four-year-old representing the next generation of Japanese superstars, he appears perfectly suited to the sweeping turns of Riyadh, where his ability to sustain a high tempo could prove a major tactical advantage on a surface far superior to the one he encountered in Paris.

Yamanin Bouclier: The Stamina Factor

Adding a distinct layer of stamina to the Japanese challenge is Yamanin Bouclier, a talented four-year-old colt by the legendary Kitasan Black. Trained by Mikio Matsunaga, he has demonstrated consistent progression through the Japanese graded ranks, most notably with a strong second-place finish in the G2 Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen in September last year (below).

His Autumn campaign in 2025 saw him test his mettle in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), though he finished a distant 16th after tracking the leader early and fading when the stamina-sapping 3000-metre trip began to take its toll. He recently returned to action in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai last month, finishing 7th in a competitive handicap at Kyoto. While the result was mid-division, the run was an important fitness-builder ahead of his international debut.

His pedigree - by a seven-time Group 1 champion known for extreme toughness - suggests he possesses the physical and mental fortitude to thrive in high-pressure environments. If the Neom Turf Cup becomes a sustained test of endurance in the final 400 metres, Yamanin Bouclier’s ability to grind out a result could see him outstay the speedier specialists. He provides the Japanese squad with a versatile "Plan C" should the race turn into a war of attrition.

European Heavyweights: Class and Consistency

The European challenge is arguably the strongest in the race's history, led by proven Group 1 performers.

Facteur Cheval: The Return to Preferred Surfaces

The 2024 Dubai Turf (below) hero returns to his preferred surface following a bold and punishing international campaign throughout 2025. His victory in Dubai, where he defeated Namur and a star-studded field, established him as a premier 1800-2100 metre specialist. Following that, his connections made the brave decision to contest the $20 million Saudi Cup on dirt; his seventh-place finish there proved his immense physical hardiness against the world's best.

However, his subsequent runs in 2025 were demanding. He returned to the turf for a defence of his Dubai Turf title, finishing a respectable 6th, before a gruelling effort in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot where he again finished 6th on firm ground. That race in particular took a significant toll on the gelding, requiring a lengthy period of recovery. He made his final start of the year in October, finishing 9th in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

For the 2026 campaign, trainer Jerome Reynier has pivoted back to the turf earlier, recognising the Neom Turf Cup as the ideal tactical preparation for a second assault on his Dubai title. Facteur Cheval is noted for his remarkable calm and perfect synchronisation with his work rider, Gregory Tavignot. Reynier asserts that the horse now considers the Riyadh environment "home," and his proven ability to handle fast ground makes the King Abdulaziz turf an ideal surface for his potent late acceleration. He remains a massive threat on the long home straight.

Royal Champion: Yorkshire’s Bahraini Hero

Royal Champion enters the Neom Turf Cup in the form of his life, having secured the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy in November (below). Trained by Karl Burke for the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the seven-year-old Shamardal gelding has flourished since returning from an unsuccessful spell in Australia in late 2024. Burke describes Royal Champion as a horse that performs best when fresh, a characteristic that was utilised to great effect during his Bahraini victory under James Doyle.

His tactical profile - stalking the pace before launching a late challenge - is perfectly suited to the technical specifications and long home straight in Riyadh. The passing of his owner, a legendary figure in the bloodstock world who bred the great sire Dubawi, adds a layer of emotional weight to his challenge. As he carries the famous yellow and black silks, he looks to uphold the dominant record of Yorkshire-trained horses in Middle Eastern features, aiming to provide a fitting tribute on this inaugural Group 1 stage.

Survie: The Source of International Intrigue

Survie, a high-class five-year-old, brings elite French form to the stable of George Boughey. Formerly trained by Nicolas Clement, she was a winner of the G2 Prix de Malleret (below) and consistently placed at the highest level, including a second-place finish in the G1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) and the G1 Prix Jean Romanet. Now carrying the colours of Doreen Tabor, Survie arrives in Riyadh as a source of significant international intrigue in this inaugural Group 1 renewal, particularly following a successful Newmarket-based preparation.

She enters the race on the back of a perfectly timed prep, having recently secured a determined victory in the Winter Derby Trial. This success not only confirmed her well-being since joining Boughey's yard but also demonstrated her readiness for a high-stakes middle-distance contest. Her tactical flexibility - being able to settle in various positions within the pack - makes her an exceptionally dangerous contender in a race that can often be dictated by early positioning at the first bend.

Her pedigree suggests a potent blend of attributes; by a Classic-winning miler out of a Le Havre mare, she possesses both the sharp speed required for a 2100-metre tactical battle and the deep stamina inherited from the Le Havre line. This combination makes her a formidable dark horse capable of thriving under the unique conditions of the Riyadh turf.

Galen: The Consistent Irish Challenger

Adding further depth to the European challenge is Galen, a high-class performer representing the powerful yard of Joseph O'Brien. A son of Gleneagles, Galen has demonstrated significant upward mobility over the past twelve months, most notably with a runner-up finish in the Bahrain International Trophy behind Royal Champion. That performance served as a vital reconnaissance mission for Middle Eastern conditions, proving his ability to travel and compete at an elite level.

Galen has since continued to prove his mettle against the world's best, arriving in Riyadh following a most recent fourth-place finish in the prestigious G1 Hong Kong Cup in December (above). Bred to excel over these intermediate distances, he possesses the physical scope to handle the technical turns of King Abdulaziz. His trainer has targeted this race as a major seasonal objective, banking on the colt's tactical speed to negate the potentially tricky start on the homestretch. If Galen can find a smooth rhythm early, his ability to grind out a finish makes him a significant threat to the established Group 1 stars in the field.

Phantom Flight: The Victorious Forward Challenge

Phantom Flight, a seven-year-old Siyouni gelding, has found a second career peak since moving to the yard of George Scott and competing in the Victorious Forever colours. He arrives in peak fitness having won the Al Adiyat Cup in Bahrain last month, demonstrating a clear affinity for regional turf conditions. This followed a strong victory in the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk in Ireland back in September, showing his versatility across different surfaces.

His trainer notes that the horse arguably produced a career-best performance at Sandown back in May (above), a track with a stiff finish similar to the demands of King Abdulaziz. This suggests he possesses the grit and resolve necessary to stay in the fight when the sprint for the line intensifies in the final furlong.

Silawi: The Wathnan Front-Runner

Silawi, a six-year-old gelding by Dubawi, represents the fast-growing Wathnan Racing operation of the Emir of Qatar. Trained by Hamad Al Jehani, Silawi secured a career-defining victory in the G1 Canadian International at Woodbine in October (below), providing his stable with their second North American Graded-stakes win.

Silawi is characterised as a front-runner who thrives when allowed to dictate the tempo of a race. His victory in Toronto was a gate-to-wire performance that set a track record, highlighting his efficiency when unpressured. Although he struggled in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, he quickly regained his form upon returning to the Middle East - where his sire line has traditionally dominated - finishing a gallant second in the G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan last month. This return to the frame makes him a formidable tactical element; if allowed to lead the Neom Turf Cup field unchallenged, he possesses the speed to make a decisive break in the final turn.

The Local Hopes

Bolide Porto: The Local Benchmark

Bolide Porto, a five-year-old son of Le Havre, is the leading light for the host nation. Representing the White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Sons, he secured his place in the Neom Turf Cup by achieving back-to-back victories in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup in January (below).

Bolide Porto’s tactical edge lies in his intimate familiarity with the Riyadh turf. Under jockey Camilo Ospina, he has mastered the "ground-saving ride," hugging the inner rails and saving energy for a late surge. This tactical discipline allowed him to win his qualifier by a head in a titanic tussle, proving his tenacity in high-pressure finishes. As a five-year-old at the peak of his physical powers, he represents the best chance for a local winner in the race's first Group 1 renewal.

Direct Security: The Improving Challenger

Direct Security, a six-year-old mare, has emerged as the primary domestic rival to Bolide Porto. She finished second to him in that titanic tussle during the qualifier, and her performance under Joel Rosario demonstrated that she is a Group-calibre performer in her own right. Owned by Nassar Moazi O Alotabib and trained by Fahad Naser, she has a rating of 101 on the dirt but has shown even greater potential on the grass. Her ability to stay close to a fast pace and sustain a challenge in the final 300 metres will be crucial for her chances in this elite field.

Tactical Crossroads: The 2100m Dynamic

The Neom Turf Cup distance sits at a unique intersection between speed and stamina. Because the race starts on the homestretch, jockeys have only 300 metres to find a position before the first turn.

The King Abdulaziz turf is celebrated for its specialised "cushion," which provides a fair platform for both firm-ground specialists and those accustomed to softer European going. This neutralises many traditional environmental advantages, ensuring that the 2026 renewal will be decided by pure tactical brilliance and a sustained turn of foot.

Verdict

While Shin Emperor remains the definitive benchmark and the horse they all have to beat given his flawless course record, the return of Facteur Cheval to the grass presents a mouth-watering clash of tactical styles. This inaugural Group 1 renewal promises to be a high-speed game of chess, where the initial jockeying for a clear path at the first bend will prove just as decisive as the final, heart-pounding sprint to the wire.