Afjan Triumphs At UAE President’s Cup For Purebred Arabian Horses In The Hague

Afjan, representing Al Shaqab Racing, claimed victory at the 8th leg of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses. This event took place on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, at Duindigt Turf Racecourse in The Hague, Netherlands. The series is part of the prestigious 32nd edition of this classic competition.

The UAE President’s Cup has expanded its presence across Europe’s top racecourses. It continues to impress with its high-caliber events, earning praise from the Dutch racing community. The Cup is notable for hosting the richest Arabian horse race in Dutch history, offering a prize purse of US$100,000.

The race covered a distance of 2,150 metres and featured 11 elite entries from leading European stables. Open to horses aged four years and above under Group 3 classification, it showcased intense competition. Afjan (TM Fred Texas × Muzoon), rated 111, trained by J. de Mieulle Grijs and ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, made a remarkable late surge to win.

Afjan overtook Al Zeer (Al Mamun Monlau × Assma Al Khalediah) by a neck in a dramatic finish. Al Zeer is owned by M.F.A.H. Al-Attiyah, trained by F. Rohaut Blauw and ridden by G. Guedj-Gay. Third place went to Ska de L’Aigle (Al Mourtajez × Sia), owned by M. Bousaif and trained by F. Rohaut Tot.

The event was attended by Ameirah Obaid Mohamed Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses. They presented trophies to the winners.

Musallam Al Ameri, a member of the Higher Organising Committee, expressed pride in the competitive standing of the series: "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."

Strategic Vision and Global Success

Al Ameri highlighted that these achievements are due to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's support: "These achievements are a direct result of the generous support and strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan." He noted that elite participation from top European stables raised competition levels significantly.

The race concluded with Afjan completing it in 2:21.02 minutes, marking one of the most thrilling wins in Dutch history for this event. The atmosphere was vibrant and received wide acclaim as participants celebrated their efforts.

With inputs from WAM