Luwsail lands glory as UAE President's Cup makes historic European debut
The 32nd edition of the prestigious UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses made a spectacular debut on European soil, captivating the global equestrian community with a breathtaking showcase of heritage and horsemanship at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse on Sunday.
The event, part of a prestigious card featuring the Emirates French Guineas, drew top-tier competitors, renowned trainers, and high-profile guests from around the world.
The electric atmosphere at one of France's most celebrated racecourses matched the grandeur of the occasion, where the rich traditions of Arabian horse racing met the elegance and prestige of European turf.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the series aims to preserve the heritage of Arabian horse racing while supporting breeders and owners internationally.
The iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse bore witness to an unforgettable evening of elite Arabian horse racing as Luwsail, representing Al Shaqab Racing, delivered a commanding performance to win the highly anticipated President of the UAE Cup — Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Gr1 PA).
The headline race, a €350,000 feature event run over 2,000 meters, marked the highlight of the 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses – and Luwsail rose to the occasion with breathtaking authority.
Trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, Luwsail (by Al Mourtajez out of Doha, by Manganate) stormed to victory, securing his second UAE President's Cup crown after his earlier triumph at Doncaster.
The powerful colt showed his class in the final stretch, accelerating decisively to cross the finish line well ahead of a high-caliber international field.
Close behind in second place was the strong-finishing RB Kingmaker (by Baseq Al Khalediah out of RB Royal Madam), trained by J. Bernard and ridden by Cristian Demuro, while Muraad (by Thaqib out of Jabara), trained by D. de Watrigant and partnered with top jockey Maxime Guyon, claimed third place.
The victory added another prestigious title to Luwsail's growing resume and underscored the dominance of Al Shaqab Racing in the world of Purebred Arabian racing.
Two additional Group 1 classics, both held under the Emirates banner, were also contested during the day's racing programme.
These two races — the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains and the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches — crowned new champions in impressive fashion.
In the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), it was Henri Matisse, the impeccably bred son of Wootton Bassett and Immortal Verse, who stormed to glory.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien and masterfully ridden by Ryan Moore, Henri Matisse displayed a blistering turn of foot in the final furlong to seal victory over 1,600 meters, earning a lucrative €650,000 for his connections. The win further cements O'Brien and Moore's legendary status in European racing.
The fillies' equivalent, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas), offered drama of its own as Zarigana, a homebred daughter of Siyouni and Zarkamia, carried the iconic silks of The Aga Khan to a memorable triumph.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and expertly guided by jockey Mickael Barzalona, Zarigana showed class and courage to hold off a strong field over the mile, capturing the €550,000 prize.
Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organizing Committee for the UAE President's Cup Series; Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Galop; and Ali Abdullah Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, alongside other dignitaries and industry leaders graced the occasion.
Commenting on the event, Muslim Al Amri, member of the Higher Organizing Committee for the UAE President's Cup Series, stated:
'The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed has propelled the UAE President's Cup to the forefront of global Arabian racing.'
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