Latest news with #UAE-MoroccanFestival
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.
Khaleej Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Buraak wins UAE President's Cup for purebred Arabian horses in Morocco
Colt Buraak won 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 as part of the UAE-Moroccan Festival. The UAE President's Cup series is held under the support and guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, 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 and exceptional 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 metres sand race, open to horses aged four years and above in Group III category. 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 organised in celebration of the strong historical ties and distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. It was held under the patronage 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.
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
