At the King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 14, two American-trained sprinters secured victories in $2 million stakes races, despite the $20 million Saudi Cup being won by Japan’s Forever Young. California-based Imagination, trained by Bob Baffert, won the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) with a strong late surge after a troubled start, earning an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint this fall. Meanwhile, Florida-based Reef Runner, trained by David Fawkes, upset the favorite Lazzat to win the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T), with connections eyeing a potential invitation to the Dubai Turf Sprint.

Other notable graded stakes results included Royal Champion winning the $3 million Neom Turf Cup (G1T) and Sons And Lovers taking the $2.5 million Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2T). These performances highlight the international competition and strong showings by American horses on the global racing stage.