SIS (Sports Information Services) is a leading provider of all-day live betting services and multi-content, now incorporating horse racing from the King Khalid Racetrack in Taif into its comprehensive horse racing portfolio, which will further enhance the visibility of horse racing in Saudi Arabia.
The 2024 Taif season will be held from July 4 to September 28, with races and simulcasts taking place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the King Khalid Racetrack.
Located on the picturesque slopes of the Hijaz Mountains, Taif city, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, has a mild climate and a large population, making it an ideal location for summer horse racing in the Middle East since 1965.
The season features 39 events including 273 thoroughbred races and 78 Arabian horse races. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) has scheduled more steeplechases and preparatory races for all major cups this season, providing a clear campaign path for horse racing and opportunities for advancement during the Riyadh season. The prize money has increased by 24% from last season, with an average prize of 104,378 Saudi Riyals (approximately $27,800).
Key events include the Taif Arabian Horse Derby on September 6, the Prince Abdullah Faisal Cup (listed race) and the King Faisal Cup (listed race) on September 20, both for Arabian horses.
The extended agreement with JCSA enhances SIS's annual hosting of over 36,000 horse racing events, including the Riyadh season held at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack. SIS distributes horse racing events from JCSA's two racetracks to over 70 countries, with the most notable being the Saudi Cup held in February with a prize of up to $20 million.
SIS Vice President of Content Services Michele Fischer stated:
The quality of horse racing in Saudi Arabia is improving every year, and now we are able to offer our partners the racing content from King Khalid Racetrack in Taif, which is fantastic. The Taif Racetrack is the only one in the region that hosts races throughout the entire summer. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia tirelessly produces an engaging racing calendar, and we believe the inclusion of Taif racing will generate more interest in Saudi Arabian horse racing.
