UAE President’s Cup: Luwsail Dominates Gr1 Race At ParisLongchamp

The 32nd UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses captivated audiences at ParisLongchamp Racecourse. This event, part of the Emirates French Guineas, highlighted the global appeal of Arabian horse racing. Luwsail, owned by Al Shaqab Racing and trained by Jean de Mieulle, claimed victory in the President of the UAE Cup – Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Gr1 PA). Ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, Luwsail excelled over 2,000 metres to win the €350,000 race.

RB Kingmaker secured second place under jockey Cristian Demuro and trainer J. Bernard. Muraad finished third with Maxime Guyon as jockey and D. de Watrigant as trainer. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It aims to preserve Arabian horse racing heritage while supporting breeders and owners worldwide.

The evening also featured two Group 1 classics under the Emirates banner. Henri Matisse triumphed in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) over 1,600 metres. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Henri Matisse won a €650,000 prize. In another highlight, Zarigana emerged victorious in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas), earning €550,000.

Zarigana is owned by The Aga Khan and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard. Mickael Barzalona rode Zarigana to success over 1,600 metres. These races further showcased the international prestige associated with the UAE President’s Cup series.

The event welcomed notable figures including Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee for the UAE President’s Cup Series; Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Galop; and Ali Abdullah Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Their presence underscored the significance of this prestigious occasion.

Muslim Al Amri from the Higher Organising Committee remarked on the event's success: "The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has propelled the UAE President’s Cup to the forefront of global Arabian racing. The ParisLongchamp event showcased the Cup’s growing international stature and strengthened our collaboration with France Galop, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and France."

This year's edition not only celebrated equestrian excellence but also reinforced cultural connections between nations through sport. The continued success of such events highlights their importance in promoting heritage and fostering international cooperation.

With inputs from WAM