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

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

The prestigious 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses took place at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. The event was graced by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who is the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, reflecting the high level of significance assigned to this remarkable event in the equestrian calendar.

The highlight of the evening was the final race, featuring the coveted HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1), renowned for having the richest prize purse on the night, amounting to a staggering AED 8 million. The title was fiercely contested, with HM Alchahine, representing The National Stables, taking the win. The horse, trained by the talented duo Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi and expertly ridden by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, captivated spectators with an impressive finish time of 223.55 seconds across the 2,200-meter distance.

His Excellency commendably noted the importance of the UAE President Cup as a testament to the nation’s dedication to preserving its rich equine heritage. He emphasized that this event not only reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a prominent global hub for Arabian horse racing but also attracts top-tier competitors from diverse regions of the globe. Furthermore, he acknowledged the event's role in bolstering the equine industry and fostering the sustainability of traditional heritage for future generations.

The event was not solely about racing; it featured a vibrant atmosphere encompassing spectacular drone displays and the operetta 'Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream.' These additions served to enrich the experience, showcasing the UAE's cultural blend of tradition and modernity.

Before the grand finale, the excitement was palpable with several thrilling races preceding the main event. The opening race saw Samaa Al Ezz emerge victorious, owned by Yas Racing, trained by Ibrahim Al Hadrami, and ridden by Ray Dawson, clinching the victory in the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Conditions race for fillies and mares, which had a prize of AED 150,000.

Another significant highlight was the second race where Rasasi, representing Al Rahmani Racing and guided by the skilled trainer Ahmed Al Muhairbi and jockey Richard Mullen, etched its name in history by breaking the track record during the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds. Notably, Rasasi finished the race in an astounding 115.32 seconds over a distance of 1,200 meters, winning a prize of AED 400,000.

In subsequent races, fans were thrilled to witness remarkable performances: Turquoise, owned by Al Ajban Stables, trained by Abdullah Al Hammadi, secured victory in the Al Wathba Mile, while Haseef, another strong contender owned by Wathnan Racing, triumphed in the Abu Dhabi Derby with an impressive time of 225.75 seconds. Each race added to the exhilarating experience of the event, culminating in a total prize purse for the evening reaching AED 10.8 million.

Attendees of the prestigious evening included prominent dignitaries such as His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, highlighting the significance of the event in the broader context of UAE's cultural and social engagements.

The 33rd UAE President Cup not only showcased the magnificence of Arabian horses but also underscored the UAE’s profound commitment to equestrian excellence, setting the stage for future events to build upon this rich heritage.