Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses had a remarkable debut on European turf, drawing global attention at the ParisLongchamp Racecourse. The event was part of a prestigious card featuring the Emirates French Guineas.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the series aims to preserve the heritage of Arabian horse racing while supporting breeders and owners internationally.
The highlight of the evening, UAE President's Cup – Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes, was won by Luwsail (Al Mourtajez x Doha by Manganate). Owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle, and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, Luwsail produced a dominant performance over 2,000 metres in the Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians.
This was his second UAE President's Cup title having previously won at Doncaster. His strong finish earned him the top spot in the €350,000 feature race.
In second place was RB Kingmaker, trained by Jacques Bernard and ridden by Cristian Demuro. Third place went to Muraad (Thaqib x Jabara), trained by Damien de Watrigant and partnered with jockey Maxime Guyon.
The evening also featured two Group 1 classics under the Emirates banner. Henri Matisse, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, emerged victorious in the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) over 1,600m, collecting the €650,000 prize.
In the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas), Zarigana, owned by The Aga Khan, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, took top honours over 1,600m, earning €550,000 in prize money.
The event welcomed distinguished guests including Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee (HOC) for the UAE President's Cup Series; Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Gallop; and Ali Abdullah Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, alongside other dignitaries and industry leaders.
Commenting on the event, Muslim Al Amri, the HOC member said: "The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has propelled the UAE President's Cup to the forefront of global Arabian racing. The ParisLongchamp event showcased the Cup's growing international stature and strengthened our collaboration with France Galop, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and France."
