Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is set to return to King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next week with the goal of capturing his first win in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), a prestigious race he is eager to add to his impressive list of global achievements. Baffert’s entries include Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Nisos and Goodwood (G1) winner Nevada Beach, both competing in Saturday’s main event, alongside last year’s champion Forever Young (JPN), whom Baffert welcomes as a significant challenge.
Reflecting on past attempts, Baffert remarked, “I’ve often felt victory was within reach, especially when watching the Saudi Cup live, but that final 100 meters has been brutally tough. We’re usually leading at that point, and then suddenly it slips away.” His close calls emphasize how those last few strides have proven costly over the years.
Among Baffert’s three runners competing on the night is Imagination, who will run in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2). All horses arrived in Riyadh in good health, much to the satisfaction of Baffert and his veteran team member Jimmy Barnes. “It was a long journey, but they adapted well,” Baffert said. “My assistant confirmed they’re all in good spirits. I even jogged on the track Thursday morning, and everything looks promising. It’s remarkable how tough these horses are after such travel.”
With a history of near misses, Baffert’s reflection on his struggles in this event is understandable. Last year, fans were thrilled watching Forever Young and Romantic Warrior battle through a fierce, runnerless stretch, while in 2024, National Treasure finished fourth. Country Grammar held second place in 2023 and 2022, Charlatan was runner-up in 2021, and Mucho Gusto secured third in the inaugural 2020 race.
“The Saudi Cup is unique, and winning requires top-level horses. Looking at last year’s efforts from Romantic Warrior and Forever Young, they ran superb races,” Baffert said. “We’ve planned carefully with Nisos. After deciding not to run him in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, we entered him in the Dirt Mile and then chose to keep him active for another year. The Saudi Cup has been on our radar since.”
Regarding Nevada Beach, Baffert noted, “After the Breeders’ Cup, I realized he’s a horse who covers the ground well with big strides. He wants to run a mile and a quarter, and although the Riyadh track presents challenges, he reminds me a bit of Country Grammar, who performed admirably there.”
Baffert will oversee this week’s preparations and hopes both horses will be ready to race. “The prize money is significant, and every big event is a challenge as a trainer. This is one race I haven’t won yet, so I’d be thrilled to finally do it,” he said. “It’s a tough field, but all major races are. We’re excited and hoping for a smooth week—at least the weather won’t be a problem!”
Flavien Prat is set to ride Imagination in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and Nisos in the Saudi Cup, while Irad Ortiz Jr. will partner with Nevada Beach. Baffert added, “Imagination works well here. He’s a slow starter but improves as the race progresses. He should be very competitive, though you never know until race day.”
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on February 8, 2026, in the News section.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts because Bob Baffert’s pursuit of his first Saudi Cup win highlights how even legendary trainers face tough, high-stakes challenges. A victory here would not only cement his legacy further but also showcase international competition at its finest, raising the sport’s global profile.
