Grand Finale of the UAE President Cup Shines Bright
ABU DHABI, UAE /PRNewswire/ -- Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a notable event unfolded: the grand finale of the UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses at the renowned Abu Dhabi Turf Club. This celebration of equestrian mastery was graced by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, an influential figure in the equestrian field.
Prestigious Horse Racing Event
The evening was marked by intense competitions, culminating in the seventh and final race of the night, which featured the prestigious HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1). With a substantial prize purse of AED 8 million, this race turned out to be the richest of the evening. The highlight was the victory of HM Alchahine, brilliantly ridden by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, who completed the 2,200-metre race in an impressive time of 2:23.55 minutes.
UAE's Commitment to Equine Heritage
His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa emphasized the significance of the UAE President Cup in reflecting the nation’s dedication to preserving its equine heritage. By hosting such influential events, Abu Dhabi reinforces its status as a global epicenter for Arabian horse racing and attracts elite competitors from around the globe. He noted that these occasions contribute significantly to the growth of the equine sector and promote sustainable heritage for future generations.
Exciting Races and Notable Achievements
The evening’s excitement was not limited to the main event alone. Dark Trooper triumphed earlier in the HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds, showcasing remarkable racing skills and clinching AED 1 million in prize money by completing the 1,400-metre race in just 1:21.89 minutes. The event featured an incredible lineup of seven thrilling races, captivating the audience with vibrant drone displays and the operetta 'Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream'. The total prize money reached AED 10.8 million, indicating the high-stakes nature of the competition and its impact on the community.
Race Highlights
The event commenced with the opening race won by Samaa Al Ezz, who navigated the 2,200 metres with skill, securing victory in the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Conditions race for fillies and mares, with a reward of AED 150,000. In a record-breaking performance, Rasasi broke previous timing records for the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds (Group 3), winning the race in an astonishing 1:15.32 minutes.
In subsequent races, Turquoise stood out with impressive endurance, winning the Al Wathba Mile (Conditions) over 1,600 metres, and Al Laith graced the track with dual victories, taking home the UAE Breeders' Cup for Arabian Purebreds (turf-bred).
Attendance and Support for Equestrian Events
The notable evening was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guests, including His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The event highlighted the collective passion and support for horse racing within the emirate, demonstrating the community's commitment to the sport and the heritage it represents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE President Cup?
The UAE President Cup is a prestigious horse racing event featuring Arabian Purebred horses, emphasizing the UAE's dedication to equine heritage.
Who attended the event?
Notable figures such as His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and other dignitaries attended the grand finale.
What was the prize money for the richest race?
The richest race, HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses, had a prize purse of AED 8 million.
How many races were featured during the event?
The event featured a total of seven thrilling races, showcasing the talents of numerous horses and jockeys.
What was a highlight of the evening?
One standout moment was when Rasasi broke the track record in the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds, making history during the event.
