UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses Makes Grand Debut in France

Under the 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 is making an exciting European debut this Sunday.

This highly anticipated event will take place at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse, a historic venue established in 1857. As part of the renowned Emirates Poules d’Essai French Guineas weekend, this race continues to elevate the stature of Arabian horse racing on the global stage, maintaining a perfect blend of tradition and international participation.

A Landmark Event: The UAE President’s Cup in France

This year’s UAE President’s Cup – Coup d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Group 1 PA) is a premier race set to take place over 2,000 meters, boasting a generous prize purse of €350,000. The event is organized in collaboration with France Galop, underscoring the global commitment to preserving the heritage of Arabian horse racing while encouraging international engagement.

The ParisLongchamp Racecourse provides a perfect backdrop for this prestigious race, marking a significant milestone in the UAE President’s Cup Series. This year’s race will feature six of the most accomplished Purebred Arabian horses, all of which have earned their place in this marquee race. With an elite lineup of owners, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe, the competition is set to be fierce.

Elite Contenders Set to Race for Glory

Among the key competitors is Murad, a promising contender sired by Thaqib out of Jabara (by Dormane). Representing the renowned YAS Horse Racing Management, Murad is one of the most highly anticipated runners in this event. Trained by Damien Watrigant and with experienced jockey Maxime Guyon on board, Murad enters the race with a reputation as a serious contender.

Challenging Murad for the coveted first place is RB Kingmaker, a homebred owned by Hilal Al Alawi. Kingmaker, sired by Baseq Al Khalediah out of RB Royal Madame, is trained by the highly respected Élisabeth Bernard. With the talented Cristian Demuro riding, Kingmaker’s recent form makes him a fierce competitor in this prestigious race.

Adding to the fierce competition are two horses from the prestigious Al Shaqab Racing operation. Al Zubair, a son of TM Fred Texas out of Zenobia, will be partnered with jockey Olivier D’Andigné, while Lusail, a son of Al Mourtajez out of Doha (by Munjiz), will be ridden by Faleh Nassir Bughanaim. Both horses have demonstrated impressive performances and are expected to make a significant impact on the race.

Representing France, the stunning Noor Al Maury, trained by Thomas Fourcy, will be competing in this Group 1 showdown. Noor Al Maury, sired by Azadi out of Nektarina Al Maury, has the esteemed Christophe Soumillon on board. The pairing of Noor Al Maury with one of the world’s top jockeys adds even more prestige to an already elite field.

Completing the star-studded field is Shezza, a filly sired by AF Al Bahr out of Shirazade (by Dormane), representing Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah. Trained by François Rohaut and ridden by James Vincent Crowley, Shezza’s mix of speed and stamina makes her a potential dark horse in this high-level competition.

The remarkable pedigrees of the horses, combined with the expert handling of the connections, promise an exciting race from start to finish. As the race approaches, the anticipation of witnessing these elite horses compete on such a prestigious stage grows.

The Historical Significance of the UAE President’s Cup Series

The UAE President’s Cup Series is not only an important fixture for Arabian horse racing but also a key moment in the ongoing collaboration between the UAE and France in preserving the cultural heritage of the Arabian horse. Previous winners at the Paris stop of the UAE President’s Cup include notable names like Doha (2024), Shezza (2023), and Hattal (2022, 2021), cementing the event’s legacy on the global stage.

The race has established itself as a significant fixture on the Arabian racing calendar, attracting a growing number of participants and setting high standards for competition.

Supporting the Global Equine Community

The UAE President’s Cup race is not only a spectacular showcase for Arabian horses but also takes place alongside two of France’s most prestigious thoroughbred races — the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Colts) and the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Fillies). These Group 1 races, first held in 1883, serve as the traditional start of the French flat racing classic season.

This year’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Race 5) will feature 18 of the world’s top three-year-old colts, competing for a €650,000 prize. Meanwhile, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Race 6) will feature 13 elite fillies battling for a €550,000 purse.

By aligning the UAE President’s Cup with these esteemed events, the UAE continues to showcase its commitment to enhancing Arabian horse racing on the world stage. This collaboration also strengthens the UAE’s role as a global leader in promoting the legacy and future of the Arabian horse breed.

Visionary Leadership and Continued Growth

The UAE President’s Cup Series has achieved remarkable success in its earlier stops in Tunisia and Morocco, helping to cement its place as one of the most respected and anticipated series on the global Arabian horse racing circuit. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, commented on the series’ growth, stating: “Our presence in France at the Emirates Poules d’Essai underscores 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.”

Al Dhaheri also noted that France, one of the most competitive legs of the series, is a critical stop that reflects the UAE’s dedication to preserving the legacy of the Arabian horse. The quality of entries, along with the race’s outstanding prize structure, has continued to inspire owners, trainers, and breeders to deepen their involvement in the Arabian horse industry and participate on the global stage.

The Future of the UAE President’s Cup Series

As the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian horses unfolds at ParisLongchamp Racecourse, it continues to be a beacon of excellence in the world of Arabian racing. The growing international participation and the ever-increasing prestige of the event serve as proof of the UAE’s leadership in this field.

With its rich history, unparalleled pedigree, and exceptional competition, the UAE President’s Cup Series is poised to continue captivating audiences and participants alike, setting new benchmarks for Arabian horse racing worldwide.