Horse Racing
What is the TAIF horse racing season? Everything you need to know
Watch the TAIF Racing season for free on DAZN
Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of horse racing's fastest-growing destinations. While the Saudi Cup has become one of the richest races in the world, the country's domestic calendar extends far beyond a single weekend.
Each summer, the focus shifts from Riyadh to the cooler mountain city of Taif, where the annual TAIF horse racing season brings together many of the Kingdom's leading owners, trainers and jockeys for more than two months of competition.
Staged at King Khalid Racecourse, the TAIF season plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabian racing, featuring prestigious domestic races for both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses before attention returns to Riyadh later in the year.
Here's everything you need to know about the TAIF horse racing season.
What is the TAIF horse racing season?
The TAIF horse racing season is Saudi Arabia's annual summer racing programme, organised by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA).
Held at King Khalid Racecourse in the city of Taif, the meeting serves as the country's summer headquarters for horse racing, bringing together many of Saudi Arabia's leading stables to compete across a packed calendar of domestic races.
The season forms an important part of the Saudi racing pathway, providing opportunities for horses at every level while also acting as a stepping stone towards the Riyadh campaign and some of the Kingdom's biggest races later in the year.
When is the TAIF horse racing season?
The 2026 Taif horse racing season runs from July 24 until September 26.
Racing is scheduled every Friday and Saturday, giving fans regular opportunities to follow the action throughout the summer before the domestic season returns to Riyadh later in the year.
Where does the TAIF horse racing season take place?
Every meeting is staged at King Khalid Racecourse in TAIF.
The racecourse is one of Saudi Arabia's two major racing venues alongside King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh and hosts the Kingdom's entire summer programme.
Surrounded by the mountains of western Saudi Arabia, the venue has become synonymous with summer racing and regularly welcomes many of the country's leading horses and connections.
Which are the biggest races of the TAIF season?
The TAIF horse racing season features several prestigious races for both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses.
Among the highlights are:
- King Faisal Cup
- King Khalid Cup
- Taif Cups
The season concludes with King Faisal Cup Weekend, one of the standout fixtures on the Saudi racing calendar and a fitting finale to the summer campaign.
How to watch for TAIF Racing Seasonfree on DAZN
Watching the 2026 TAIF Racing Season on DAZN is simple:
- Create a free DAZN account or sign in to your existing account.
- Visit the TAIF Racing page or search for the race meeting you want to watch.
- Select the live stream and start watching.
Every race from the 2026 TAIF Racing Season will be streamed live and free worldwide on DAZN, meaning fans across the globe can follow the action from TAIF Racecourse throughout the summer at no extra cost.
