Latest news with #AlShaqabRacing
Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Fifth round of 32nd UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses starts in Rome
18 May 2025 15:40 ROME (WAM)With the support and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the fifth round of the 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses commenced on Sunday at the historic Capannelle Racecourse in Rome, stage of the series is part of the global racing calendar dedicated to Purebred Arabian horses, reinforcing efforts to ensure the sustainability and advancement of Arabian horse aims to encourage breeders and owners around the world to continue raising and caring for Arabian horses, thereby enhancing their prominence on the world's most elite Italian leg promises a high-calibre European showdown, with 16 elite horses representing top Arabian horse stables across Italy and race is being contested over 2,000 metres on turf, classified as a Group 2 event, and boasts a prize fund of €300, the field is SHM Al Shaheen (Al Mourtajez x Al Shayhaneh bint Munjiz), representing the by Hilal Al Alawi, trained by Elizabeth Bernard Jean Francois, and ridden by Cristian Demuro, this powerful runner enters with high expectations, carrying both exceptional bloodlines and recent form. Joining the battle is Afjan (TM Fred Texas x Mozon by Amer), a strong contender from Al Shaqab Racing and others.
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
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.'
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Luwsail shows fight to win The President Of The UAE Cup at ParisLongchamp
Tribune News Network Paris Luwsail (Al Mourtajez) returned to Europe with a strong and determined performance to land the Gr.1 (PA) The President of the UAE Cup – Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes at ParisLongchamp on Sunday. Trained by Jean De Mieulle, owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, the five-year-old horse was ridden to victory by Faleh Nasser Bughenaim. Run over 2000 metres, the race featured a field of six top Purebred Zwair (TM Fred Texas) set a strong early pace. Luwsail tracked the leader in second, with the favourite Muraad (Thakif) racing a bit keenly in third. Ch'Ezza (Af Albahar), Nour Al Maury (Azadi), and RB Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah) followed behind. As they entered the false straight, Al Zwair drifted off the rail, giving Luwsail the perfect opportunity to slip through on the inside. He did just that and took the lead with ease, still full of running turning into the final straight. The favourite Muraad moved up to challenge and looked ready to take control, but Luwsail had more to offer. Showing real determination, he dug deep and fought back, pulling away again to win by three-quarters of a length. Muraad finished second, while RB Kingmaker ran on strongly from last to grab third. This victory marks Luwsail's third Gr.1 (PA) success, following his win in the Qatar Gold Sword (Gr.1 PA) at Al Uqda earlier this year. Winning trainer said after the race: 'Like with every Group 1 race, it's always a challenge. But the horse came into this in top form, especially since he had just won a Group 1 race in Qatar four weeks ago. The main concern was managing the transport. I want to thank STH, they did an excellent job. Honestly, the horse arrived at the stable in perfect condition. We only had to maintain him. I also want to sincerely thank Olivier D'Andigne, who always does a great job leading the way. 'It's real teamwork. Faleh is the main jockey, and Olivier is always there to support us, he also won a Group 1 this year. Everything is going really well. This is my first Group 1 win in France, and my fourth overall. We're starting the summer season after a great winter season, let's hope it continues. When you've got the horses, it's easier' Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Luwsail is out of the unraced mare Al Dowha (Munjiz), a half-sister to Al Hayyem (Amer), who was Gr.3 (PA) placed at Casablanca over 1900m and at Ostende over 1600m at four.
Gulf Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Global spotlight on Purebred Arabians as UAE President's Cup returns to Longchamp
Under the generous patronage and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 32nd edition of The UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses makes its highly anticipated European debut on Sunday. The event will take place at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse, established in 1857. Held as part of the internationally celebrated Emirates Poules d'Essai French Guineas weekend, this year's French stop of the series features Race 7: The UAE President's Cup – Coup d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Group 1 PA), over 2,000 metres with a prize purse of €350,000. Organized in collaboration with France Galop, the event continues to elevate the status of Arabian horse racing globally, preserving heritage while encouraging international participation. Elite Contenders Take the Stage: Six of the most accomplished Purebred Arabians aged four and up are ready to ignite the turf in a hotly anticipated Group 1 clash, as top owners, trainers, and jockeys from across the region come together for one of the season's marquee races. Leading the charge is Murad, a son of Thaqib out of Jabara by Dormane, representing the powerful YAS Horse Racing Management operation of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Trained by Damien Watrigant and set to be ridden by the experienced Maxime Guyon, Murad enters the race with a reputation as a serious contender. Looking to challenge him is RB Kingmaker, a homebred of Hilal Al Alawi, sired by Baseq Al Khalediah out of RB Royal Madame. Under the expert guidance of renowned trainer Élisabeth Bernard and with Cristian Demuro aboard, Kingmaker's recent form suggests he'll be in the thick of the finish. Dual representation comes from the prestigious Al Shaqab Racing, fielding both Al Zubair and Lusail, trained by Jean de Mieulle. Al Zubair, by TM Fred Texas out of Zenobia, will be partnered by Olivier D'Andigné, while Lusail, a son of Al Mourtajez out of Doha by Munjiz, will have the capable hands of Faleh Nassir Bughanaim in the irons. France's Thomas Fourcy sends out Noor Al Maury, a striking daughter of Azadi out of Nektarina Al Maury, who gets a massive boost with Christophe Soumillon taking the ride—adding even more class to an already elite field. Rounding out the field is Shezza, a filly by AF Al Bahr out of Shirazade by Dormane, representing Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah. Trained by François Rohaut and with James Vincent Crowley up, Shezza brings a mix of speed and stamina that could make her a dark horse in this competitive line-up. With pedigrees rich in champions and connections steeped in racing prestige, this Group 1 battle promises fireworks from the starting gate to the finish line. This stellar lineup underscores the race's growing stature on the international Arabian racing calendar. Past French winners of the UAE President's Cup include Doha (2024), Shezza (2023), Hattal (2022, 2021), Deryan (2020), Tayf (2019), Shahm (2018), Muraqib (2017), and Al Mourtajez (2016) — underscoring the lasting impact of UAE-bred excellence on Europe's premier Purebred Arabian stage. Supporting the global equine community, This prestigious race is held alongside two of France's most iconic Group 1 thoroughbred contests — the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. These historic mile-long races, first held in 1883, mark the traditional start of the French flat racing classic season. This year's Poulains (Colts) drew 18 of the world's top three-year-old colts, contesting a €650,000 purse in Race 5, while the Pouliches (Fillies), with 13 elite runners, vie for €550,000 in Race 6. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of The UAE President's Cup Series, stated: 'We are proud of the remarkable success achieved in the series' earlier stops in Tunisia and Morocco. Our presence in France at the Emirates Poules d'Essai reflects the vision and ongoing support of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, whose leadership has elevated the UAE Cup to the highest international standards for Arabian racing.' He added: 'France is one of the most competitive legs on the circuit, and its hosting of this race underscores the UAE's leading role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Arabian horse. The quality of entries and the prize structure continue to inspire owners and breeders to deepen their investment in the breed and participate on the world stage.'
Al Etihad
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE President's Cup set for Paris Longchamp on Sunday
10 May 2025 16:54 PARIS (WAM) , Under the patronage and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 32nd edition of The UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses makes its highly anticipated European debut on Sunday May 11, 2025, at the iconic Paris Longchamp Racecourse, established in 1857. Held as part of the internationally celebrated Emirates Poules d'Essai French Guineas weekend, this year's French stop of the series features Race 7: The UAE President's Cup – Coup d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Group 1 PA), over 2,000 meters with a prize purse of €350,000. Organised in collaboration with France Galop, the event continues to elevate the status of Arabian horse racing globally, preserving heritage while encouraging international Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of The UAE President's Cup Series, stated, "We are proud of the remarkable success achieved in the series' earlier stops in Tunisia and Morocco. Our presence in France at the Emirates Poules d'Essai reflects the vision and ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, whose leadership has elevated the UAE Cup to the highest international standards for Arabian racing."He added, "France is one of the most competitive legs on the circuit, and its hosting of this race underscores the UAE's leading role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Arabian horse. The quality of entries and the prize structure continue to inspire owners and breeders to deepen their investment in the breed and participate on the world stage."This Group 1 Purebred Arabian showdown gathers six of the most accomplished horses aged four and above, representing the region's top owners and stables:• Murad (Thaqib × Jabara by Dormane) – representing YAS Horse Racing Management (His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan), trained by Damien Watrigant and ridden by Maxime Guyon• RB Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah × RB Royal Madame by Majd Al Arab) – owned by Hilal Al Alawi, trained by Élisabeth Bernard, with Cristian Demuro in the saddle• Al Zubair (TM Fred Texas × Zenobia) – owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle, jockeyed by Olivier D'Andigné• Lusail (Al Mourtajez × Doha by Munjiz) – also from Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Nassir Bughanaim• Noor Al Maury (Azadi × Nektarina Al Maury) – trained by Thomas Fourcy and partnered with Christophe Soumillon• Shezza (AF Al Bahr × Shirazade by Dormane) – owned by Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah, trained by François Rohaut, with James Vincent Crowley stellar lineup underscores the race's growing stature on the international Arabian racing prestigious race is held alongside the iconic Group 1 thoroughbred events:• Race 5: EMIRATES POULE D'ESSAI DES POULAINS (Colts) – 1,600m – €650,000 – featuring 18 of the world's top 3-year-old colts• Race 6: EMIRATES POULE D'ESSAI DES POULICHES (Fillies) – 1,600m – €550,000 – showcasing 13 elite 3-year-old fillies These races represent the kickoff of France's classic flat season and date back to 1883.
