Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup set to showcase purebred Arabian racing excellence with over $500,000 prize purse

Arab News

12-02-2025

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Turf Club has announced that the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will take place on Feb. 16, with the transition from the traditional 11th Race Meeting set to showcase the best of purebred Arabian racing.
The 11th Race Meeting has long been a cornerstone of purebred Arabian racing, consistently attracting elite horses from across the UAE. The transition to the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents both a continuation of this proud heritage and an ambitious step forward in elevating the event's profile.
The centerpiece of the event, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Group 1, over 2200m, offers a purse of $272,000. This premier race is designed to test both speed and stamina, attracting the finest purebred Arabian horses from leading stables across the UAE. The day's racing program also features the Group 2 Liwa Oasis over 1400m with a prize of almost $82,000.
Other races include Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic ($27,000, 1400m), Abu Dhabi Colts Classic ($27,000, 1400m), Arabian Triple Crown ($63,000, 1600m), Wathba Stallions Cup ($19,000, 2200m) and Louvre Abu Dhabi ($18,000, 1400m).
Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, commented: 'We are proud to welcome top contenders to Abu Dhabi Turf Club for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Race Meet. As we approach the final stages of the 2024-2025 racing season, we welcome new audiences from around the world and celebrate the excellence, dedication, and commitment of our partners, racegoers, and all those involved in the sport.'
Event schedule
Gates open: 3:00 p.m. (UAE)
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