UAE President's Cup to make historic Spanish splash

Al Etihad

a day ago

15 Aug 2025 01:02
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)San Sebastian Racecourse will break new ground on Friday as it hosts the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian horses for the first time, marking the ninth stop of this year's series and the 32nd running of the prestigious competition.The event, held under the directives and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, will be staged in Spain in its new format and stands as the richest Arabian race in the nation's history.With a total purse of €200,000, the Group 3 contest over 1,600 metres will feature an elite field of Purebred Arabians aged four years and above from across Europe, alongside strong UAE representation. The series, which is designed to promote and preserve the heritage of the Purebred Arabian horse while supporting owners and breeders worldwide, continues its tradition of expanding to new territories and elevating the sport's global profile.Among the UAE's leading contenders is Alwarry (No Risk Al Maury x Aljazi by AF Albahar), owned by Faisal Al Rahmani, trained by Thomas Fourcy, and partnered by Mickaël Forest. He is joined by RB Malexis (Al Mourtajez x Rich Kinka by TH Richie), owned by Saif Bakheet Saif Murshed Al Marar, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, and ridden by Hugo Mouesan.Qatari interest comes via Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab) and Al Zwair (TM Fred Texas x Zenhobie by Dormane), both trained by Jean de Mieulle. The former is owned by Al Shaqab Racing and will be ridden by Olivier d'Andigné, while the latter, owned by Mme. D. Waldron, will be piloted by Ricardo Sousa.The field also features notable European and regional challengers. Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand), owned by Guy Neivens and trained by David Morrison, will be ridden by Fabrice Veron. Kanti de Bozouls (No Risk Al Maury x Mesk de Bozouls by Dahess) carries the silks of Ibrahim Mohammed Al Fadala, trained by Fourcy and ridden by Ikeim Gian Bernard. France's Lino (AF Albahar x Ezza by Kerbella), trained by and co-owned by Eric Dell'Ova alongside Yannick Schulz, will be ridden by Antoine Werle. Spanish interest rests with Zakyna Al Zarayan (Al Mamun Monlau x Lyna Al Zarayan by Kerbella), owned, trained, and ridden by Alfonso Lezama.Matar Suhail Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, said the Spanish debut marked 'a significant new chapter' for the competition. 'This reflects our commitment to geographical diversity in staging the series and to supporting Purebred Arabian horse owners and breeders in Europe and worldwide,' Al Dhaheri said.'Reaching our ninth stop this season with exceptional feedback and the richest prize money in Spanish Arabian racing history is a testament to the positive impact and major gains achieved by the UAE President's Cup in various racecourses around the world.'He added that the series 'has become the top destination for leading studs and stables, boasting the highest levels of competition – which in turn benefits breeding, production, and global interest in the Purebred Arabian.'
The UAE President's Cup has been a fixture on the international racing calendar since its inception, with the 2025 edition already spanning multiple continents. The Spanish leg is expected to attract significant attention from the European Arabian racing community and could set a precedent for further expansion in the years ahead.