The Emirates News Agency detailed that the race, run over 1,900 metres on dirt in the Group 3 category for horses aged four and older, will bring together competitors from Morocco, the broader Arab region and Europe. Yas Horse Racing Management will spearhead the Emirati challenge with two strong contenders, the WAM report stated. The event continues a busy international calendar for the prestigious series.
Yas Horse Racing Management’s So’ud, sired by Gazwan out of Ahoud, will be trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Alexandre Gavilan, according to the agency. The stable’s second representative, Tariq by AF Albahar out of Atheer, is under the care of Damien de Watrigant with Fabrice Veron taking the mount. Both horses aim to build on previous successes by Yas runners in major Arabian races around the world.
The field also features Moshrif, by Dahess out of Tashreefat, owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte and ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, who will carry top weight of 62 kilogrammes, the Emirates News Agency reported. Completing the lineup are Mugheer, Wabil, Weld Zinat, Al Mambir Fal, HM Barez, Matrix Al Ashai, Nahim, Ghadi Atlas, Bayane LK, Sala’ah, Shan, Yaaini Fal and Zayiyr. The depth of the field is expected to deliver a high-standard contest for the title.
The 33rd edition of the UAE President’s Cup boasts total prize money surpassing AED20 million, a figure released by the Media Office Abu Dhabi in April. The preceding 32nd edition attracted 354 horses and more than 400,000 spectators across its venues, with over 500 million digital views recorded, according to the same office. This year’s expanded global tour includes stops on four continents to support breeders and owners worldwide.
Established in 1994 under the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the series seeks to promote purebred Arabian horses and preserve their heritage, the official President Cup website explains. The cup operates under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is overseen by the Higher Organizing Committee chaired by Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri. Previous legs this season have seen winners such as Voskhod Tersk in Russia and RB Kingmaker in Belgium, WAM dispatches from those events showed.
Hosting the 14th leg underscores the strong equestrian cooperation between the UAE and Morocco, building on past editions that included joint festivals to celebrate bilateral relations, a Gulf Today report on a prior Moroccan leg noted. The race at Casablanca Anfa will offer an important platform for regional horses to compete at international level. Organizers anticipate a competitive display that highlights the continuing global appeal of Arabian horse racing.
