News DeskAbu Dhabi: Under the generous patronage and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 32nd edition of The UAE President’s CupSeries for Purebred Arabian Horses makes its highly anticipated European debut this Sunday, 11 May 2025, at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse, established in 1857.
Held as part of the internationally celebrated Emirates Poules d’Essai French Guineas weekend, this year’s French stop of the series features Race 7: The UAE President’s Cup – Coup d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Group 1 PA), over 2,000 meters with a prize purse of €350,000. Organized in collaboration with France Galop, the event continues to elevate the status of Arabian horse racing globally, preserving heritage while encouraging international participation.
Elite Contenders Take the Stage:
This Group 1 Purebred Arabian showdown gathers six of the most accomplished horses aged four and above, representing the region’s top owners and stables:
• Murad (Thaqib × Jabara by Dormane) – representing YAS Horse Racing Management (H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan), trained by Damien Watrigant and ridden by Maxime Guyon.
• RB Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah × RB Royal Madame by Majd Al Arab) – owned by Hilal Al Alawi, trained by Élisabeth Bernard, with Cristian Demuro in the saddle.
• Al Zubair (TM Fred Texas × Zenobia) – owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle, jockeyed by Olivier D’Andigné.
• Lusail (Al Mourtajez × Doha by Munjiz) – also from Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Nassir Bughanaim. • Noor Al Maury (Azadi × Nektarina Al Maury) – trained by Thomas Fourcy and partnered with Christophe Soumillon.
• Shezza (AF Al Bahr × Shirazade by Dormane) – owned by Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah, trained by François Rohaut, with James Vincent Crowley aboard.
This stellar lineup underscores the race’s growing stature on the international Arabian racing calendar.
A Celebrated Legacy in France
Past French winners of The UAE President’s Cup include: Doha (2024), Shezza (2023), Hattal (2022, 2021), Deryan (2020), Tayf (2019), Shahm (2018), Muraqib (2017), and Al Mourtajez (2016) — reflecting the enduring presence of UAE-bred champions on European turf.
Supporting the Global Equine Community
This prestigious race is held alongside the iconic Group 1 thoroughbred events:
• Race 5: EMIRATES POULE D’ESSAI DES POULAINS (Colts) – 1,600m – €650,000 – featuring 18 of the world’s top 3-year-old colts.
• Race 6: EMIRATES POULE D’ESSAI DES POULICHES (Fillies) – 1,600m – €550,000 – showcasing 13 elite 3-year-old fillies.
These races represent the kickoff of France’s classic flat season and date back to 1883.
Leadership Commentary
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of The UAE President’s Cup Series, stated: “We are proud of the remarkable success achieved in the series’ earlier stops in Tunisia and Morocco. Our presence in France at the Emirates Poules d’Essai reflects the vision and ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, whose leadership has elevated the UAE Cup to the highest international standards for Arabian racing.”
He added: “France is one of the most competitive legs on the circuit, and its hosting of this race un
derscores the UAE’s leading role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Arabian horse. The quality of entries and the prize structure continue to inspire owners and breeders to deepen their investment in the breed and participate on the world stage.”
