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

Grand Finale of the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses

On December 18, 2025, the prestigious Abu Dhabi Turf Club hosted the Grand Finale of the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, the event highlighted the cultural significance and rich heritage of equestrianism in the region.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan marked the occasion with his presence, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the UAE leaders to preserve their equine heritage. The event also signified Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for Arabian horse racing, attracting elite competitors from all corners of the world.



The event featured a series of thrilling races, culminating in the highlight of the night — the HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses. This Group 1 race had a staggering prize pot of 8 million AED, showcasing the best of Arabian racing. The race concluded with a remarkable performance by HM Alchahine, owned by The National Stables, and expertly trained by Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi. Jockey Cristian Demuro led the horse to victory, finishing at an impressive time of 223.55 seconds over 2,200 meters.

In his remarks, His Excellency expressed gratitude for the event's role in perpetuating the UAE’s horse racing legacy and supporting the equine sector's sustainability initiatives for future generations. The event was a celebration not just of racing, but of tradition, culture, and community pride.

Earlier in the day, the excitement kicked off with seven exhilarating races, including the HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds, where Dark Trooper triumphed, adding to the day's thrilling atmosphere. Dark Trooper, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, completed the 1,400 meters distance in a time of 121.89 seconds, claiming the prize of 1 million AED.

The night was not solely about horse racing; it also featured breathtaking drone displays and an operatic performance titled "The Dream of Zayed, An Eternal Dream," emphasizing the cultural artistry intertwined with the sporting event. The total prize money distributed throughout the evening reached an impressive 10.8 million AED.

Each race brought its own set of highlights. Samaa Al Ezz, owned by Yas Racing and trained by Ibrahim Al Hadrami, won the opening race for fillies and mares with a time of 227.10 seconds, while Rasasi not only won its race but set a new track record for Arabian horses in the Yas Sprint, completing 1,200 meters in a remarkable 115.32 seconds.

The atmosphere was electric, with dignitaries and horse racing aficionados gathering to witness these remarkable events, driven by their shared love for Arabian horses and dedication to the sport. The event was attended by notable figures such as His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, showcasing the event's significance in the social and cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.

As the 33rd UAE President Cup drew to a thrilling conclusion, it left a lasting impression of excellence and commitment to the equestrian traditions of the UAE. The evening served as a reminder of the incredible bond between the people and their horses, celebrating not only the sport but also the rich heritage that intertwines with the identity of the nation.

In a landscape defined by both modern and traditional influences, the UAE President Cup continues to shine as a premier event, unifying communities and fostering a love for Arabian horses that spans generations.