News DeskThe Hague, Netherlands – In a heart-stopping finish that electrified the Duindigt Turf Racecourse, the Qatari-owned colt Afjan surged in the final strides to claim victory by a mere neck in the 8th leg of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday.
The race, marking the series’ continued expansion onto premier European tracks, solidified its reputation as a major event. Hosted in The Hague, it boasted the richest prize purse ($100,000) ever offered for an Arabian horse race in Dutch history. Eleven elite contenders from top European stables battled over 2,150 metres in the Group 3 contest, open to horses aged four and above.
Trained by J. de Mieulle Grijs and expertly ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, Afjan (rated 111) executed a perfectly timed strategy. Lingering towards the rear of the field for much of the race, the son of TM Fred Texas launched a devastating late charge down the stretch. His powerful acceleration saw him reel in the long-time leader, Al Zeer, owned by M.F.A.H. Al-Attiyah, in the shadow of the post. The winning margin was the slimmest possible – a neck – after a thrilling duel.
Al Zeer, trained by F. Rohaut Blauw and ridden by G. Guedj-Gay, had to settle for second place, while Ska de L’Aigle (M. Bousaif/F. Rohaut Tot/Jean Bernard Eyquem) finished a creditable third. Afjan stopped the clock at 2:21.02 minutes for the distance, securing a victory celebrated as one of the most exciting in the event’s Dutch chapter.
The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of dignitaries including Ameirah Obaid Mohamed Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the Higher Organizing Committee, who presented the trophies.
Musallam Al Ameri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee, hailed the event’s success: “We take pride in the elevated competitive standing of the UAE President’s Cup Series, which continues to achieve outstanding success on a global scale. The Netherlands stage saw elite participation from top stables across Europe, which significantly raised the level of competition. The intense speed and strength throughout the race underscore the effort all owners are putting into being part of this prestigious classic series.”
Al Ameri attributed the series’ stature to visionary leadership: “These achievements are a direct result of the generous support and strategic vision of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has consistently championed the development of Arabian horse racing on the world stage. We are proud of the incredible atmosphere and wide acclaim that accompanied this race and congratulate all the winners and participants.”
The victory by Afjan, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, adds another thrilling chapter to the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series, showcasing the speed, endurance, and dramatic potential of Purebred Arabian racing on the international stage.
