Latest news with #TheUAEPresident'sCupSeries
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Fifth round of UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabians to be held in Italy
Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Capannelle Racecourse in Rome will host the fifth round of the 32nd edition of the The UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday. The prestigious series continues to reinforce its prominent standing on the global Arabian horse racing calendar. Held in support of long-term efforts to promote and develop Arabian horse racing worldwide, the series aims to encourage owners and breeders across the globe to care for and invest in the heritage and future of the Arabian horse, ensuring its sustained presence in elite international competitions. The Italian leg promises a high-caliber European showdown, with 16 elite horses representing top Arabian horse stables across Italy and Europe. The race will be contested over 2,000 meters on turf, classified as a Group 2 event, and boasts a prize fund of €300,000. Open to horses aged four and older, the race has attracted a highly competitive field of seasoned contenders. Leading the field is SHM Al Shaheen (Al Mourtajez x Al Shayhaneh by Munjiz), representing the UAE. Owned 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. Under the conditioning of Jean De Mieulle and the experienced ride of Olivier D'Andigne, Afjan looks ready to deliver a top performance. Another contender is Al Zair (Munjiz x Asmaa Al Khalediah), owned by Mohammed Bin Fahd Bin Abdullah Hamad Al Attiyah and trained by François Rohaut. With Guillaume Guedj-Gay in the saddle, Al Zair brings depth and balance to a competitive field. Raed (Amer x Ondara by Munjiz) represents Wathnan Racing, also trained by Jean De Mieulle, and will be ridden by Tomas Lukasek. A consistent performer, Raed adds further intrigue to a stacked lineup. Additional contenders include a host of Italian and international hopefuls: Tigiani VDC, Delirio, Diamante di Tressenta, El Paso T, Elinio di Tressenta, Extra Time, Fola di Gallura, Virus, Vesperoy, Mercurio Jo, Orlando Jo, and Zefiro di Chia. Each brings local pride and the possibility of an upset. Since its inception, the Italian stage of the President's Cup has consistently crowned world-class champions. In 2017, Lightning Bolt, representing Yas Horse Racing Management, captured the title, setting a high standard for the years to come. The following year, Fazza Al Khalediah triumphed for Al Khalediah Stables, while Akoya, racing for Landgoed Waterland, claimed victory in 2019. In 2020, Jazma Athbah secured the win for Athbah Racing, followed by Hayyan, who returned the trophy to Yas Horse Racing Management in 2021. The 2022 and 2023 editions were dominated by the exceptional Jarif, racing under the banner of Haif Bin Mohammed Al Qahtani. Most recently, in 2024, Ska de L'Ergole added his name to the honor roll, delivering a memorable performance for owner Abdullah Bin Fahd Al Attiyah. The momentum continues with the Sweden leg on June 6, featuring a €100,000 prize purse. Germany follows on July 6, hosting its round with an impressive €250,000 on offer. On August 3, the Netherlands welcomes competitors with another €100,000 at stake. Spain joins the series on August 15, presenting a €200,000 purse, ahead of Russia's turn on August 30 with $100,000 in prize money. Belgium steps into the spotlight on September 2 with €200,000, followed by Turkey on September 7, offering a substantial $250,000. One of the richest stages takes place in England on September 13, where a remarkable £400,000 purse awaits the contenders.
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.
