The Saudi Cup Brings Glitz and Glamour to North Carolina’s Horse Racing Scene
The Saudi Cup is an ultra-luxurious horse racing event that recently decided to hold its 2024 edition in North Carolina. This event brings thoroughbreds and jockeys from around the world to compete for a $20 million top prize. It offers not just world-class racing but also fashion shows, art exhibits, fine dining, and concerts. though originally launched in Saudi Arabia in 2020, Saudi Cup organizers chose North Carolina for 2024 to take advantage of its beautiful racecourses and growing appetite for upscale entertainment.
Hefty Prize Purses Up for Grabs
The total Saudi Cup 2024 prize purse in North Carolina comes out to around $37.6 million. The Saudi Cup race itself has a purse of $20 million, making it the world’s most lucrative horse racing event. Other big-money races that weekend include the $1.5 million Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup, the $2 million Howden Neom Turf Cup, the $2.5 million Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, and the $1.5 million Boutique Group Saudi Derby. With so much cash available, the Saudi Cup attracts the top thoroughbreds and jockeys globally.
Lavish Off-Track Entertainment and Exhibits
The Saudi Cup offers more than just racing. It features over 100 fashion brands displaying designer clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and fragrances. Attendees can browse and shop from global luxury names during breaks in the action. There are also innovative art experiences and displays of authentic Saudi culture through virtual reality workshops. An after-racing concert caps the final night. So people come not just for the races but for Riyadh-style fun and extravagance.
Fine Dining With Exclusive Access
The dining options at the Saudi Cup exemplify its over-the-top style. General admission ticket holders can enjoy bountiful buffets at the Grandstand Executive Restaurant and Irth Restaurant. But those with deeper pockets get exclusive restaurants. Private suite guests have their own personal menus. The ultra-exclusive Owner’s Lounge on the grandstand’s third floor is reserved for the richest and most influential attendees. Other restaurants like Al Thuraya and Panorama require paid bookings costing over $500 per person. So people pay for status to access the cup’s best cuisine.
No Bets or Alcohol Allowed
One aspect that makes the Saudi Cup unique is its ban on any gambling or drinking. As an event held in accordance with Saudi law, betting and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. So while race-goers can enjoy extravagant privileges, they cannot legally place wagers or drink liquor. This remains true even with the event’s move to North Carolina.
North Carolina’s Embrace of Sports Betting
Although banned at the Saudi Cup itself, sports betting is now fully legal and regulated in North Carolina. The state approved sports wagering in 2021. Major sportsbooks like BetMGM quickly opened North Carolina operations through partnerships with Harrah’s Cherokee casinos. Bettors can now use the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code to access a $1000 risk-free bet and other offers. So horse racing fans have plentiful regulated betting options even if the Saudi Cup does not allow it on-site.
The Saudi Cup Brings Newfound Prominence to North Carolina’s Horse Racing Industry
North Carolina has a long history of horse racing and breeding, with tracks like the Colonial Downs. However, it has never hosted a racing event on the scale of the Saudi Cup. Bringing this mega event to North Carolina has greatly elevated the prominence of its equine sports scene nationally and globally. It has also introduced thousands of new visitors to North Carolina’s beautiful racecourses. They get to experience the very best of North Carolina hospitality alongside the lavishness for which the Saudi Cup is renowned. With any luck, this will make the Saudi Cup a frequent North Carolina visitor for years to come.
