The UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses delivered another thrilling chapter as RB Mary Lylah (USA) claimed victory in the 12th stop of its 32nd edition. The race took place at Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul, Türkiye, during the popular Istanbul Horse Festival.
RB Mary Lylah, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Albain de Mieulle, and ridden by jockey Daniel Tudhope, showed her true class in front of a large and excited crowd. The Cup was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
This event was not just about racing. It was a reminder of the UAE’s commitment to preserving and promoting Purebred Arabian horses, ensuring their place in the global racing scene.
RB Mary Lylah’s Stunning Performance
From the start of the 1,600-metre race, RB Mary Lylah showed calmness and rhythm. She traveled smoothly, saving her best for the right moment.
As the horses turned for the final stretch, Tudhope gave the signal. RB Mary Lylah responded instantly, surging ahead with incredible speed. She left her rivals far behind, winning by a seven-length margin.
She crossed the line in 1:46:91, a time that reflected her strength and preparation. Runnerup Katı Zamanı and third-placed Kralkarınca could not match her power.
Her win also carried history. The $250,000 purse was the richest prize ever for Arabian racing in Türkiye. The victory now adds to her outstanding record of 12 wins and two second places from 16 starts.
The UAE President’s Cup: More Than a Race
The UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses was created to honor the cultural and sporting role of Arabian horses. These horses are a symbol of heritage, endurance, and pride for the UAE and the wider Arab world.
Held under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the series continues to travel across continents. It highlights the UAE’s leadership in promoting Arabian horses and supporting breeders worldwide.
Musallam Al Amri, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, explained it best:
“The UAE President’s Cup is a cultural ambassador. Its success in Türkiye shows the importance of Arabian horses and the UAE’s mission to bring equestrian traditions to the world.”
Istanbul Hosts Arabian Excellence
The Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul provided a spectacular setting for the Cup. The event was part of the Istanbul Horse Festival, which attracted a wide audience of horse lovers, breeders, and international guests.
The race was attended by Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Türkiye, and Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organizing Committee. Their presence reflected the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Türkiye.
The atmosphere was festive. The race was not only a sporting event but also a celebration of shared traditions and international friendship.
A Global Racing Journey
The UAE President’s Cup is not limited to Türkiye. It continues its journey across some of the world’s most famous racecourses. Each stop adds value and visibility to Arabian racing.
Upcoming races include:
England – September 13 with a prize of £400,000, one of the largest purses this season.
Poland – September 28 with a prize of €200,000.
Egypt – October 25 with a prize of AED 500,000.
Libya – October 26 with a prize of AED 1 million.
Saudi Arabia – November 21 with the grand finale, featuring the richest purse of AED 1.5 million.
This global journey shows how the Cup connects nations and supports the UAE’s mission of cultural exchange through equestrian sport.
Why Arabian Horses Matter
Arabian horses are admired for their beauty, stamina, and intelligence. They are one of the oldest and most respected breeds in the world.
For centuries, they have been linked with the culture and heritage of the Arab world. In the UAE, these horses are more than animals; they are a symbol of identity and pride.
Through initiatives like the President’s Cup, the UAE makes sure that Arabian horses are celebrated not just in the Middle East but also in Europe, Africa, and beyond.
RB Mary Lylah: A Star on the Rise
RB Mary Lylah’s win in Istanbul is another highlight in her impressive career. She has become a global symbol of Arabian horse excellence.
Her victory reflects the efforts of her trainer, jockey, and owners. It also shows the success of the UAE’s vision: to give Arabian horses the stage they deserve.
As the Cup moves next to England, all eyes will be on her and other champions. The excitement is set to grow as the series heads toward its big finale in Saudi Arabia.
A UAE Vision That Inspires
The Istanbul race proved why the UAE President’s Cup is more than just a sporting event. It is a mission to preserve heritage, promote cultural exchange, and showcase Arabian horses to the world.
RB Mary Lylah’s stunning performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of this season. For the UAE, it is another proud moment in a journey that connects history with modern sport.
As the series continues, it carries with it the UAE’s clear message: heritage matters, culture unites, and Arabian horses will always shine on the world stage.
