UAE President's Cup For Purebred Arabian Horses Set To Begin Tomorrow In Doncaster

The UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses will hold its 13th round at Doncaster Racecourse, UK, on Saturday. This event is part of the 32nd edition of the Cup series, which aims to promote Arabian horse racing globally. It also supports horse owners and breeders worldwide, showcasing the UAE's dedication to preserving Arabian horse heritage.

Eight horses are set to compete in this prestigious race. Among them are four from France, three from the UK, and one from Qatar. Leading the contenders is Libeau de Carrere, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Mickael Barzalona for Wathnan Racing. The same stable also presents Moneer, with Damien de Watrigant as trainer and Jean-Bernard Eyquem as jockey.

This UK round is part of the renowned St. Leger Festival, featuring top colts and fillies from prominent British and European studs. The race is classified as a Group 1 event over 2,000 metres and offers a record prize purse of £400,000 in Arabian horse racing history in Britain and Europe.

Qatar’s Al Shaqab Racing returns with Al Dhiib, trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim. They also bring Sheehan, trained by Francois Rohaut with Tom Marquand as jockey. Last year, Al Shaqab Racing won the UK round with Mosail.

Other notable entries include Lino, owned by Yannick Schulze and trained by Eric Dell’ova with Olivier Peslier as jockey. Peslier has previous UK Cup victories with Hayyan in 2019 and Mosail in 2024. Murakib is another contender owned by Faritz Racing, trained by Okba Ashour, and ridden by Ray Dawson.

Madaoui represents Five Racing under Charlie Wallis's training with George Wood riding. Hibkinada de Mazieres completes the lineup for Oakwood Bloodstock under James Owen's guidance with Marco Ghiani as jockey.

Prestige of UAE President’s Cup

Aref Hamad Al Awani from the Higher Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series stated that the UK round is a highlight of their annual calendar. He said it reaffirms valuable partnerships with iconic races and historic tracks: "Participation in the legendary St. Leger Festival reflects the standing and prestige of the UAE President’s Cup."

The event concludes the English-Arab Derby in what organisers describe as a "Clash of the Strongest." This competition brings together elite future champions vying for a coveted title at this celebrated venue.

With inputs from WAM