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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.'
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.
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.
