Latest news with #President'sCupSeries
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
No place for veteran Harrif in Sea Games cycling team
KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran cyclist Harrif Saleh's hopes of competing at the Thailand Sea Games on Dec 9-20 are over. National track endurance coach Amir Mustafa Rusli revealed that the President's Cup Series, held in February, served as the selection meet for the Sea Games, and unfortunately, Harrif did not make the cut. He added that all cyclists were well informed of the qualification criteria, and the selected riders are now focused on delivering results at the biennial Games. "The selection criteria were set by a panel, including national cycling programme technical director John Beasley, and athletes were picked based on their performances at the President's Cup. It was a fair process for everyone," said Amir. "Thailand, as hosts, have only listed two track endurance events — the team pursuit and points race. These events aren't suitable for Harrif, who finished well below the other Malaysian riders in these disciplines during the President's Cup Series." "It's good that Harrif still wants to contribute to the national team, and we appreciate his enthusiasm. "But we also have to be fair to the other riders who have been selected. We've picked the best-performing athletes, and they are now training for the Sea Games." The current national track endurance line-up includes Lau New Joe and Hafiq Jafri, Abdul Azim Aliyas and Yusri Shaari. Azim won silver in the scratch race at the International Track Cup in Hong Kong in April, while the other riders made the finals of their respective events. Track cycling is not a fixed event in the Sea Games programme. The last time it was held, Harrif, now 37, won gold in the scratch race at the 2011 Indonesia Sea Games, while Irwandie Lakasek clinched gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur edition.
Gulf Today
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Morocco to host 2nd leg of UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses
Under the patronage and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the second leg of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses will take place on Saturday at the Anfa sand racetrack in Casablanca, Morocco. This race marks a key milestone in the 32nd edition of the prestigious series. Held as part of the UAE-Moroccan Festival, this special edition of the UAE President's Cup brings together eight competitive races and boasts a total prize fund of €250,000— making it one of the most valuable Arabian horse racing events in Morocco's history. The President's Cup Series continues to enjoy unwavering support from the UAE leadership, with the vision of elevating the Arabian horse racing industry globally, empowering breeders and owners, and preserving the enduring legacy of the Arabian horse. The race will feature the participation of 17 horses representing leading Arabian stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe. They will compete over a distance of 2,100 meters in this Group 3 race, open to horses aged four and above. Among the leading contenders is Buraak, a powerful colt by Mahabb out of Shumoos, trained and owned by Mohamed Daissaoui. Returning to defend his crown is Ghasham, the pride of Atlas Stud. Fannae Rachid, who won last year's H.M. King Mohammed VI Grand Prize, trains the son of Dahess. But hot on their heels is Vica Grine, the French-trained warrior who once shared the glory of this Group 3 title and recently placed a strong fourth in the prestigious Al Ubayyah Cup. With Bernard Jean Francois guiding his training, he's ready to climb back to the top. Then there's Gassaan, another Atlas Stud representative, by RB Burn out of Djezika, under the careful eye of trainer Al Mourtaki Mohammed. A rising star with much to prove, his powerful stride hints at greatness. The Moroccan leg of the prestigious series promises an electric showcase of talent, with a rich field of contenders blending local pride and international pedigree. Leading the charge is Lamine Bouznika, owned and trained by Ajghough Hassan, alongside Mamouni Fal and Amine Grine, both owned and trained by Taleb Rabia and El Mouhib Fouad. Veteran names like Al Awal, Al Zaraffa Cham, and Matrix Al Ashai add depth to the lineup, while international entries such as Al Najeeb, under the watchful eye of Bernard Jean Francois for Ecuries Royales d'Oman, bring global prestige to the field. From the powerhouse Zain El Hala and Zayash Maamora of Al Ssakab Racing, to Nayel Maamora of Al Mortajez Racing, each entry is poised to leave a mark. Sawt Essalam RM and Rislou Fal represent their stables with confidence, while all eyes will be on Der'h Al Shahania, a royal runner from the stables of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, trained by the renowned Fourcy Thomas. Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the Higher Organizing Committee for the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, said: 'The participation of 17 horses in Morocco is a testament to the growing prestige and international impact of the UAE President's Cup. Thanks to the vision and support of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, we are seeing record engagement from elite owners and stables. This race not only highlights the strength of the Arabian Horse but also represents a key step in our strategy to create a modern, globally recognized racing ecosystem.' He added: 'The UAE-Moroccan Festival, held for the first time under the banner of the President's Cup, features 103 horses across eight races—a major boost to our global strategy and a proud opportunity for Moroccan owners to showcase their talent on a world stage.' Next leg of the will be held in France on May 11 with an impressive €350,000 purse. The series then crosses the Atlantic to the United States on May 17, where a $200,000 prize is up for grabs. The momentum carries on with the Italian leg on May 18, presenting €300,000 in prize money, followed by Sweden on June 6 with €100,000. Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
