Latest news with #UAEPresident'sCupSeries
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE's HM Al Shahen triumphs in Rome, remarkable victory in UAE President's Cup Series
19 May 2025 15:14 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE's HM ALCHAHINE delivered a standout performance to capture the title in the fifth leg of the prestigious UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, held at the historic Capannelle Racecourse in Rome, Italy, on Sunday, 18th May race forms part of the 32nd edition of the globally recognised UAE President's Cup continues to make its mark across major European racing circuits, further strengthening its presence and impact in the international Arabian racing series is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, whose visionary leadership has elevated the global profile of Arabian horse racing. The Cup Series aligns with long-term goals to support breeders, owners, and the Arabian horse industry from by Al Mourtajez x Al Chyhanah by Munjiz, HM ALCHAHINE is owned by Hilal Al Alawi, trained by Élisabeth Bernard (Jean-François Bernard team), and was ridden to victory by Cristian Demuro. The colt surged into the lead at the final turn and accelerated powerfully down the stretch to secure a decisive win, his eighth victory out of nine career Group 2 turf race was contested over 2000 metres and drew a field of 16 of the finest Arabians from across Italy and Europe. The total prize purse was €300, ALCHAHINE completed the race in 2:09.8 second place was Afjan (TM Fred Texas x Mazoon by Amer), representing Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Olivier D' place went to Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand), owned by J. Nevens, trained by David Morisson, and ridden by Alexis race was attended by Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, UAE Ambassador to the Italian Republic, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series. Also present was Mattia Cadrobbi, President of the Italian Arabian Horse Association, along with distinguished diplomatic representatives from various friendly nations. Faisal Al Rahmani commented, 'We are proud of the success of the Italy leg, which continues to embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We extend our deepest gratitude for His Highness's generous support and pioneering role in advancing the Arabian horse legacy. Italy has become a key destination for champions and a gateway to elite European and Gulf races. Congratulations to Hilal Al Alawi for this distinguished UAE victory with HM Al Shahen, which reflects the outstanding capabilities of Emirati stables on the global stage.'
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Diamond Gem AA sparkles in UAE President's Cup at Pimlico
Diamond Gem AA clinched the title in the US leg of the 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, held on Saturday at the historic Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland. The race took place as part of the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes, one of the most iconic events in American thoroughbred racing. 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 UAE President's Cup Series reinforces the UAE's commitment to the global development of Arabian horse racing and the continued support of breeders and owners around the world. The initiative aims to preserve the rich heritage of the Arabian horse and elevate its presence on the international stage. This year's US race saw a strong global turnout with a crowd of over 100,000 spectators and wide-reaching American media coverage, further cementing the President's Cup's legacy and reputation as one of the leading platforms for Arabian horse racing. The event featured 14 races as part of the prestigious Preakness Stakes day, a pillar of the American Triple Crown series. Diamond Gem AA emerged victorious in the US leg of the President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, delivering a powerful stretch run to clinch first place in commanding fashion. Bred from Burning Sand and Tramaasah (by Sevilla Tryst), Diamond Gem AA is owned by Joseph and Betty Gillis, trained by Jerenesto Torrez, and was ridden to victory by jockey Carol Cedeno. The colt displayed tactical patience early on before confidently surging ahead in the final stretch to outpace a competitive field. Finishing second was RB Grand Slam, another trainee of Jerenesto Torrez, owned by Rosebrook Farm LLC. Bred from Majd Al Arab and Rich Kinkga (by TH Richie), the horse was piloted by Inardis Rodriguez, who kept close pressure throughout the race but couldn't match the winner's late pace. AA Take A Chance claimed third place honors, completing the podium for the day. Trained by Rhonda Tuley and owned by Annette M. Lindstrom, the horse is by Baseq Al Khalediah out of Maamoureh (by Amer), and was ridden by Xavier Perez. The 1700m dirt race, classified as a Grade 1 event for horses aged four years and above, offered a total purse of $200,000. Diamond Gem AA completed the race in a time of 1:57.01, reclaiming the title he had previously won in 2023. The award ceremony was attended by Omar Al Yahyai, member of the diplomatic corps, and Rawdha Al Mansoori from the UAE Embassy in Washington, along with Saeed Al Muhairi, representative of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series, who presented trophies to the winning connections. Meanwhile, pre-race favourite Journalism stormed to victory in the 150th Preakness Stakes, producing a devastating finish to claim the second leg of US horse racing's Triple Crown. Journalism, ridden by Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli, looked set for more disappointment following his second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby after being boxed in coming down the stretch at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. But after clashing with the Bob Baffert-trained 6-1 shot Goal Oriented, Journalism burst through a gap and reeled in 20-1 outsider Gosger to claim a sensational win. Gosger and 4-1 shot Sandman finished second and third respectively. There was a brief delay as stewards reviewed footage of Journalism's skirmish with Goal Oriented before the Michael McCarthy-trained horse was confirmed as the victor. The 36-year-old Rispoli, the two-time Italian Champion Jockey, said the victory owed everything to Journalism's never say die approach. 'I still can't realize what this horse did today,' an emotional Rispoli said moments after crossing the line. 'I got in trouble at the corner pole. But it's all about him -- it's a pleasure and a privilege to ride a horse like him. 'It's just unbelievable. I won one of the legs of the Triple Crown and I'm crying like a kid.'
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.'
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
