#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Abu Dhabi Turf Club #UAE President Cup #Arabian Purebred Horses

The Grand Finale of the 33rd UAE President Cup

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Turf Club witnessed an extraordinary evening celebrating equestrian excellence at the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses. This prestigious event not only highlights the rich heritage of horse racing but also showcases the commitment of the UAE's leadership to preserve this cultural treasure.

Event Overview

On the night of the grand final, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan presented the winning trophy for the HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1), the event's marquee race boasting a staggering purse of 8 million AED. The title was clinched by HM Alchahine, owned by The National Stables, trained by Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi, and ridden by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, completing the 2,200-meter course in a remarkable 223.55 seconds.

This event marks not only a high point in the UAE's racing calendar but also reflects the growing status of Abu Dhabi as a global hub for Arabian horse racing, drawing in elite competitors from across the world. Sheikh Khalifa emphasized that the UAE President Cup represents an unwavering commitment to fostering and advancing the nation's equestrian heritage for future generations.

Key Races and Performances

Earlier in the evening, the atmosphere was electric with several thrilling races, including the HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds, where Dark Trooper, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, impressed everyone with a victory over 1,400 meters in 121.89 seconds.

The event featured seven exciting races which were complemented by drone shows and a captivating operetta titled "Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream," enhancing the cultural vibe of the evening. The total purse for the event reached 10.8 million AED, which attracted a considerable audience of racing fans and dignitaries alike.

Highlights of the evening included:

• - The opening race for fillies and mares, won by Samaa Al Ezz from Yas Racing, clocking in at 227.10 seconds.
• - A record-breaking performance by Rasasi, owned by Al Rahmani Racing, who dominated the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds (Group 3), finishing in 115.32 seconds.
• - One notable comeback was made by Haseef, trained by Damien Watrigant, who took home the Abu Dhabi Derby (Listed) with a time of 225.75 seconds.

Conclusion

The evening not only celebrated exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit but also reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's commitment to developing the equine industry. As a focal point of its cultural identity, such events reinforce the significance of racing in the UAE. The UAE President Cup stands as a testament to the rich equestrian legacy that will continue to captivate future generations, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains a beacon of Arabian horse racing excellence.

Notable Attendees

Among the dignitaries present were Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, President of the Wajib Volunteer Association.