Latest news with #SOREC
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Buraak wins 2nd leg of UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in Morocco
Magnificent colt Buraak claimed the title of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in the second international race of the Cup's 32nd edition, held at the Anfa sand racetrack in Casablanca on Saturday. The UAE President's Cup series is being held under the support 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, to elevate the status of purebred Arabian horses, promote their presence in the global racing scene, support owners and breeders worldwide, and encourage the acquisition and breeding of Arabian horses, in line with efforts to preserve this noble heritage. Buraak, a colt sired by Mahabb x Shumoos, owned and trained by Daissaoui Mohamed, bred by YAS Horse Racing Management, and ridden by jockey Faddoul Abderrahim, delivered a commanding performance, securing a deserved and impressive victory in the Moroccan round. He asserted his dominance from the final turn through to the finish line in the 2,100-meter sand race, open to horses aged four years and above (Group III). The race featured 17 horses representing elite Arabian horse stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe. Buraak completed the race in 2:27:33 minutes. Runner-up was Vica Grine (sired by Af Albahar and out of Darka Du Falgas), while Mamouni Fal (by Al Mamun Monlau and out of Vestale) finished third. The UAE-Moroccan Festival was organized in celebration of the strong historical ties and distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. It was held under the auspices of the UAE President's Cup series in its exceptional edition this year with substantial prize money, and featured diverse activities involving all segments of Moroccan society alongside eight race rounds. The race was attended by Muslim Al Ameri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series and Director General of the Emirates International Endurance Village; Omar Al Tunaiji, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Morocco; Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the UAE President's Cup Series Committee; Omar Skalli, General Manager of the Royal Company for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC); and Hisham Dabbagh, Deputy General Manager of SOREC. Ameri commented: 'We witnessed the UAE-Moroccan Festival, which reaffirmed the strength and depth of the brotherly ties and partnership between the two countries. 'The UAE President's Cup race saw a remarkable turnout of elite owners and stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe, reflecting the Cup's prestigious status and pioneering history across international racetracks. We highly value the generous support of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his great efforts in elevating the status of Arabian horses globally.' Rahmani said: 'First, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 'Reviver of the Arabian Horse Worldwide,' for his wise vision and guidance, which have led us to the brilliant successes witnessed during the UAE-Moroccan Festival. The event highlighted the prestigious status and historical leadership of the UAE President's Cup within major global races, while also witnessing strong participation from elite stables and top names in the racing world. 'I am delighted with the successes and milestones achieved at the Morocco round, and its important contribution to enhancing our race calendar this year.' He added: 'We also commend the efforts of our brothers in Morocco, especially the Royal Company for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC), for their outstanding organization. Congratulations to our Moroccan brothers as well for winning the UAE President's Cup race, which stands as the most prestigious and valuable title in the history of purebred Arabian horse racing worldwide.' The next race is set for May 11 in France, featuring an impressive €350,000 purse. The series then heads across the Atlantic to the United States on May 17, where a $200,000 prize will be contested.
Ya Biladi
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan jockeys dominate at the inaugural UAE-Moroccan Festival in Casablanca
The Anfa Sand Track in Casablanca hosted the first edition of the UAE-Moroccan Festival on Saturday, celebrating the two nations' shared passion for the equestrian world. Organized by Morocco's national agency for the promotion and development of the horse industry, SOREC, in partnership with the UAE President's Cup (Group 3 PA)—a prestigious international race for Purebred Arabians—the festival featured eight exciting races. Two of the festival's prestigious races were claimed by Moroccan jockeys. Notably, the UAE President's Cup race, considered one of the most well-endowed races on the Moroccan equestrian calendar, was won by Moroccan jockey Faddoul Abderrahim, representing Daissaoui Mohamed Studs and riding Buraak. The race, which saw 17 jockeys participate, offered generous prize allocations of up to 2,500,000 dirhams for the winners. The second major race of the day, the Abu Dhabi Cup, was also won by a Moroccan jockey. This time, it was Khalid Ibba who triumphed on Almohiba Fal from the FAL Stud. «We are happy today that the horses of the Moroccan owners have won the two important races of the day», commented Omar Skalli, SOREC's General Director, after presenting the prizes to the two jockeys. «This is the result of a very important and fruitful collaboration between the organizers of the UAE President's Cup and SOREC», Skalli said, reflecting on the first edition of the UAE-Moroccan Festival. Celebrating a strong partnership He further emphasized the significance of the partnership: «We have already worked together. This race (the UAE President's Cup race) was organized during the 10th edition of the Morocco International Meeting in November, but together with the organizers, we decided to dedicate it to a full festival, highlighting not only the importance of our collaboration but also the quality of the Moroccan races». Skalli also highlighted Morocco's special position in the international racing world, noting that while the UAE President's Cup race is organized in about 15 countries, «Morocco is the only country to host an entire festival dedicated to it». Faisal Al Rahmani, the General Secretary of the UAE President's Cup Series High Committee for Purebred Arabian Horses, echoed this enthusiasm, sharing his excitement about the event: «I am very happy to be here with SOREC, which has a long history of achievements. I believe this is just the beginning, not the end. The future will bring surprises and even better rewards». «As time passes, next year's event will be much bigger and more regular, far beyond what you see today», Al Rahmani continued, offering a hopeful outlook for future editions. In addition to these two international races, the UAE-Moroccan Festival also included six national races. The Prix Damas was won by Khalid Ibba on Ibn Dahess FAL, while the Prix Floralys went to Omar Lakjal on Tulip Grine. The Prix Mayar was claimed by Kacem Faddoul on Volver, and the Prix Qadem was won by Zouhair Madihi on Bint Metrag Angad. Omar Lakjal triumphed again in the Prix Sprint, this time on Frere Grine, and the Prix Dragon was claimed by Rachid Ban Doukia on Chahid Green.
Ya Biladi
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan jockeys dominate at the inaugural UAE-Moroccan Festival in Casablanca
The Anfa Sand Track in Casablanca hosted the first edition of the UAE-Moroccan Festival on Saturday, celebrating the two nations' shared passion for the equestrian world. Organized by Morocco's national agency for the promotion and development of the horse industry, SOREC, in partnership with the UAE President's Cup (Group 3 PA)—a prestigious international race for Purebred Arabians—the festival featured eight exciting races. Two of the festival's prestigious races were claimed by Moroccan jockeys. Notably, the UAE President's Cup race, considered one of the most well-endowed races on the Moroccan equestrian calendar, was won by Moroccan jockey Faddoul Abderrahim, representing Daissaoui Mohamed Studs and riding Buraak. The race, which saw 17 jockeys participate, offered generous prize allocations of up to 2,500,000 dirhams for the winners. The second major race of the day, the Abu Dhabi Cup, was also won by a Moroccan jockey. This time, it was Khalid Ibba who triumphed on Almohiba Fal from the FAL Stud. «We are happy today that the horses of the Moroccan owners have won the two important races of the day», commented Omar Skalli, SOREC's General Director, after presenting the prizes to the two jockeys. «This is the result of a very important and fruitful collaboration between the organizers of the UAE President's Cup and SOREC», Skalli said, reflecting on the first edition of the UAE-Moroccan Festival. Celebrating a strong partnership He further emphasized the significance of the partnership: «We have already worked together. This race (the UAE President's Cup race) was organized during the 10th edition of the Morocco International Meeting in November, but together with the organizers, we decided to dedicate it to a full festival, highlighting not only the importance of our collaboration but also the quality of the Moroccan races». Skalli also highlighted Morocco's special position in the international racing world, noting that while the UAE President's Cup race is organized in about 15 countries, «Morocco is the only country to host an entire festival dedicated to it». Faisal Al Rahmani, the General Secretary of the UAE President's Cup Series High Committee for Purebred Arabian Horses, echoed this enthusiasm, sharing his excitement about the event: «I am very happy to be here with SOREC, which has a long history of achievements. I believe this is just the beginning, not the end. The future will bring surprises and even better rewards». «As time passes, next year's event will be much bigger and more regular, far beyond what you see today», Al Rahmani continued, offering a hopeful outlook for future editions. In addition to these two international races, the UAE-Moroccan Festival also included six national races. The Prix Damas was won by Khalid Ibba on Ibn Dahess FAL, while the Prix Floralys went to Omar Lakjal on Tulip Grine. The Prix Mayar was claimed by Kacem Faddoul on Volver, and the Prix Qadem was won by Zouhair Madihi on Bint Metrag Angad. Omar Lakjal triumphed again in the Prix Sprint, this time on Frere Grine, and the Prix Dragon was claimed by Rachid Ban Doukia on Chahid Green.
Morocco World
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
New Partnership to Preserve Morocco's Traditional Equestrian Art of Tbourida
Doha - Rabat witnessed on Monday the signing of a significant partnership agreement to preserve and develop Tbourida, Morocco's traditional equestrian art form that was recognized by UNESCO in 2021 as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. The agreement brings together four key institutions: the State Secretariat for Crafts and Social Economy, the Royal Society for Horse Encouragement (SOREC), the Craftsman's House, and the National Association of Traditional Equestrian Arts – Tbourida. Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari attended the signing ceremony. The partnership aims to protect Morocco's equestrian heritage by focusing on knowledge transfer and developing traditional crafts associated with this ancestral art. According to State Secretary Lahcen Essaadi, the initiative will particularly support artisans who create essential Tbourida equipment, including embroidery, sewing, ironwork, and leatherwork. 'This agreement focuses on preserving the artisanal heritage associated with Tbourida, supporting craftsmen in this field to strengthen their skills and expertise, improving product quality and safety standards, and enhancing marketing opportunities,' Essaadi stated during the ceremony. SOREC Director General Omar Skalli emphasized the collective commitment to protecting this heritage, noting that specialized training programs and incentive grants have been launched to help artisans develop their skills while maintaining artistic authenticity. The partnership includes the establishment of two distinction awards: a National Prize to be awarded at the El Jadida Horse Show for outstanding artisans specializing in Tbourida-related products, and a Regional Prize for the best 'sarbates' (teams of riders) based on the quality of their traditional equipment. Read also: The Bardia: The Story of a Brave Female Moroccan Equestrian Traditionally, Tbourida performances involve groups of 15 to 25 riders and horses lined side by side, led by a central commander. The display consists of two main parts: the 'hadda' (a greeting parade with acrobatic weapon handling) and the 'talqa' (a simulated collective departure for war featuring blank gunfire). Riders wear period costumes including turbans, draped clothing, and traditional babouches, while horses are decorated with traditionally sewn and decorated equipment. The agreement is part of the State Secretariat's 2025 action plan, focusing on developing and marketing artisanal products, strengthening human capital, and promoting events related to this traditional equestrian art. It also aims to structure the entire value chain and support various sector stakeholders. National Association of Traditional Equestrian Arts President Yassine Oukacha noted that the partnership will facilitate skill transmission and sector development while establishing new quality labels and updating existing ones to ensure product quality and support both artisans and riders.
