UAE President’s Cup 2025: Purebred Arabian Racing at Pimlico, Baltimore

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the prestigious fourth leg of the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses is set to captivate horse racing enthusiasts this Saturday. The event will unfold at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, a venue steeped in rich racing tradition and renowned for hosting some of the sport’s most iconic events.

This leg of the series promises an exhilarating showcase of top-tier Purebred Arabian equine athletes, trainers, and owners from both the United States and across the globe. As part of the exciting Preakness Stakes programme, the Group 1 UAE President’s Cup is scheduled to headline the evening’s action at precisely 7:43 p.m. Maryland time, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness an epic battle over the 1 1/16 miles (1700 meters) course.

A Premier Arabian Racing Event in the Heart of Baltimore

The UAE President’s Cup (US edition) holds a unique and revered place within the world of Arabian horse racing. Since its inception, it has attracted the most elite Purebred Arabian horses aged four years and older, competing for a substantial prize purse totaling $200,000. This Group 1 race is distinguished not only by its lucrative rewards but also by the quality and pedigree of its participants, marking it as one of the most important Arabian racing events in North America.

This year’s race features a remarkably competitive field, reflecting the strong interest and high standards of Arabian racing both in the United States and internationally. The participation of horses from well-established breeders and trainers highlights the ongoing dedication to excellence in this sport and the growing global stature of the UAE President’s Cup Series.

Rosebrook Farms LLC: A Legacy of Champions

Among the many contenders, Rosebrook Farms LLC commands significant attention with its two formidable entries, RB Motherload and RB Grand Slam. Both horses carry the prestigious lineage crafted by legendary breeder Dianne K. Waldron, and are expertly trained by Jerenesto Torrez. This dynamic duo represents the culmination of decades of breeding expertise and training acumen.

Rosebrook Farms has a well-established track record of success, consistently placing its colors in the winner’s circle. The combination of Torrez’s sharp training methods and Waldron’s renowned breeding techniques has made them a powerhouse in Purebred Arabian racing. Expectations are high, as racing fans and insiders alike anticipate yet another stellar performance from these outstanding horses.

Rhonda Tuley’s Talented Stable Sets the Stage

Closely challenging Rosebrook’s dominance is the stable of Rhonda Tuley, a trainer whose barn is rich with talent and competitive spirit. Tuley will present three significant contenders: AA Take A Chance, WMA Smoke Signal, and WMA Big Baby. Each horse brings a compelling story and unique strengths to the race.

AA Take A Chance, a Waldron-bred wildcard co-bred by Garrett Ford and owned by Annette Lindstrom, embodies the spirit of unpredictability and potential surprise. Meanwhile, WMA Smoke Signal and WMA Big Baby, both bred and owned by Rita Deleon, stand as testaments to the strength of in-house talent cultivated through a strong trainer-owner partnership. The collaboration between Deleon and Tuley has built a quietly formidable force in Arabian racing, ready to challenge the frontrunners and disrupt the expected order.

The Independent Spirit of Like Moulin Rouge

Adding a unique and compelling angle to the race is Like Moulin Rouge, a horse bred and trained by Ken Danyluk. This entry represents a more personal and fiercely independent approach to Arabian racing. Unlike the large stables, Danyluk’s one-man operation is characterized by deep dedication and heart.

While Like Moulin Rouge may not have the extensive resources or lineage pedigree of some competitors, the grit and determination displayed in Danyluk’s training and breeding efforts often resonate in performance. In a highly polished field, the underdog spirit embodied by this horse adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.

TM Purncess and Quick Rae AA: Rising Stars to Watch

Rhonda Tuley’s stable includes another promising contender, TM Purncess, bred by L. Todd Moak. This horse has shown steady progress in training, suggesting the potential to be a surprise spoiler during the race. With ongoing development and careful preparation, TM Purncess could upset the expectations of many in the audience.

The race lineup also includes Quick Rae AA, a personal and family-oriented project for Nicole and Andre Ruggeri. Bred by Joseph and Betty Gillis, Quick Rae AA is a symbol of intimate passion for the sport, with Nicole handling training duties and ownership shared with Andre. This partnership brings a heartfelt story to the event, showcasing the diversity and depth of commitment across all levels of Arabian racing.

The Legacy of the UAE President’s Cup in the United States

Over the years, the UAE President’s Cup (US edition) has emerged as a premier platform for Arabian horses to demonstrate their speed, stamina, and pedigree. It has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of Arabian racing in North America and attracting global attention.

Many legendary horses have left their mark on this race, contributing to its rich history. Notable past winners include Paddys Day, a three-time champion who dominated in 2016, 2020, and 2021. Other distinguished winners like Quick And Rich (2017) and Quick Sand AA (2018) highlighted the prowess of the AA bloodlines, while Rosebrook Farms’ champions RB Texas Hold Em (2019) and RB Malexis (2024) underscored the farm’s consistent excellence.

More recent stars such as Hiab Al Zaman (2022) and Diamond Gem AA (2023) have continued to push the boundaries of competition, ensuring that the UAE President’s Cup remains at the forefront of Purebred Arabian racing prestige.

Comments from the Organizing Committee

Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the UAE President’s Cup Series Organising Committee, emphasized the significance of the US leg within the broader annual calendar. He remarked on how the race reflects the ever-expanding global reputation of the series and its importance as part of the prestigious 150th Preakness Stakes event.

Al Rahmani highlighted the critical role of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visionary leadership in supporting Arabian horse racing worldwide. The Vice President’s commitment to preserving the noble heritage of Arabian horses continues to elevate the sport’s status and inspire participants and fans globally.

The Cultural and Global Impact of Arabian Horse Racing

The UAE President’s Cup Series transcends sports, symbolizing a deep cultural connection between the UAE and the global Arabian horse community. Arabian horses are revered for their history, beauty, and athleticism, and the Cup serves as a bridge linking traditions with modern competitive excellence.

This race and others like it nurture the breed’s development, promote international collaboration, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Arabian horses in the world of racing. With each leg, including this historic Baltimore event, the series reinforces its role as a cornerstone of equestrian heritage and global sporting achievement.

The 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series continues its journey with anticipation, pride, and an unmatched spirit of competition at Pimlico Race Course this Saturday. The event promises to deliver breathtaking moments and unforgettable racing stories that will inspire enthusiasts and uphold the remarkable legacy of Purebred Arabian horses worldwide.