A Devastating Blow to the Saudi Cup: A Champion Horse is Out Due to Illness!
It's with a heavy heart that we share the news that Magnitude, a horse celebrated for his multiple graded stakes victories, will be unable to compete in the prestigious $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) scheduled for February 14th. This brilliant 4-year-old has unfortunately fallen ill, forcing him to miss this highly anticipated international event.
But here's where it gets tough to swallow... The acclaimed Hall of Fame trainer, Steve Asmussen, shared the somber update with the Daily Racing Form on February 1st. He revealed that Magnitude, a striking son of Not This Time, developed a fever. This meant he wouldn't be making the journey from his current base at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana. The original plan was for him to travel to South Florida, where a flight to Saudi Arabia was slated to depart on February 2nd. Sadly, this illness has put an end to those travel plans.
Magnitude has had an incredible run as a 3-year-old, capping off his season with a commanding victory in the Clark Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs back in November. Before that impressive win, he demonstrated his class with two top-tier placings, securing a third-place finish in the highly competitive Travers Stakes (G1) and a second-place finish in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Earlier in 2025, he also proved his mettle by winning the Risen Star Stakes (G2). His consistent performances have marked him as a true contender.
And this is the part most people miss... While the immediate focus is on Magnitude's health, the absence of such a talented horse from a race of this magnitude undeniably shifts the dynamics of the competition. It raises questions about the resilience of racing plans and the unpredictable nature of the sport we all love.
What are your thoughts on this unfortunate turn of events? Do you believe such high-stakes races should have contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances like illness? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
