Magnitude has been withdrawn from the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) set for February 14th due to health concerns, according to daily racing form. Trainer Steve Asmussen announced on Sunday that the 4-year-old Not This Time stallion developed a fever and will not be traveling from his Fair Grounds base to Florida, where he was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia on Monday morning.
Magnitude made a significant impact as a 3-year-old last year by winning the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds by nearly 9 3/4 lengths, quickly becoming a top Kentucky Derby contender. However, he was sidelined in March because of a bruised front left ankle. Returning to action in July, he won the Iowa Derby (L) at Prairie Meadows, placed third in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga in August, second in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx in September, and finished the season with a narrow win in the Clark (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 28.
Magnitude had been preparing for the Saudi Cup after a workout of five furlongs in 1:00.40 at the Fair Grounds on January 29. Several American horses are expected to participate in the prestigious race, including last year’s Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Hit Show, Clark’s runner-up and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Nysos, as well as Nevada Beach, Vanishing, Bishop’s Bay, Latrun Roll, and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner and reigning U.S. champion older dirt horse Forever Young.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on February 1, 2026, under the News section. To make the Paulick Report your preferred news source, click here.
Fan Take: Magnitude’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the Saudi Cup field, removing a powerful contender from what could be one of the year’s most competitive races. For fans, this highlights the unpredictable nature of horse racing and underscores the importance of the health and welfare of these stellar athletes, shaping the sport’s narrative moving forward.
