The Emirates News Agency reported that Chdia continued her strong European form by winning the Spain leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on Saturday at San Sebastian Racecourse. The mare representing Wathnan Racing, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, triumphed in the Group 3 event over 1,600 metres on turf among a field of nine runners. She had entered the contest as the favourite following her victory in the Germany leg, and her latest success adds to an already impressive record that includes nine wins from limited starts. The €200,000 prize further underscores the financial incentives that have helped elevate the competition’s status internationally.
According to the Higher Organising Committee chairman Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, the event’s return to Spain followed a successful inaugural staging in 2025 that attracted more than 12,000 spectators. Al Dhaheri noted that the series plays a vital role in developing the global Arabian horse industry while aligning with broader objectives to promote the breed. The Spain race formed part of the 33rd edition, coming after legs in the United Kingdom and Germany as organisers seek to expand the competition’s European presence through consecutive events.
Wathnan Racing’s Chdia, a daughter of Al Mourtajez out of Rkaya, had previously secured the Germany title this season, demonstrating her adaptability across different venues and surfaces. In the prior year Al Wakrah from Al Shaqab Racing had won the first Spanish edition of the race, setting a benchmark for subsequent participants. Such results illustrate the depth of competition within the series, where established bloodlines frequently contend for honours against a mix of international contenders.
The UAE President’s Cup ranks among the foremost competitions dedicated exclusively to purebred Arabian horses, with multiple international stops that draw elite trainers, jockeys and owners from around the world. Figures from the official series platform show that the event has grown substantially since its early days, evolving into a cornerstone platform that encourages investment in Arabian horse breeding and racing. Organisers have consistently highlighted how these races contribute to elevating standards and fostering greater recognition for the breed on the global stage.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri stated that the committee was pleased with the renewed distinguished presence of the cup in Spain and the positive engagement from the racing community there. He emphasised that the series supports wider goals of advancing the Arabian horse sector through high-profile international exposure. The chairman’s assessment reflects ongoing initiatives to position the UAE President’s Cup as a leading fixture in the equine sporting calendar.
Other notable runners in the Spanish leg included HM Majdallah owned by Mohammed Alhuzami, Bianca de Ghazal from Nasser Abdulla A.A. Al-Mesned’s stable and Wala’a representing Yas Horse Racing Management. Each horse brought competitive credentials, with several having shown strong recent form in similar events across Europe. The turf track and distance appeared to suit Chdia particularly well, allowing her to display the combination of speed and stamina that has defined her recent performances in the series.
