The 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses will be held in Rome on May 18, 2025, with the fifth round taking place at the renowned Capannelle Racecourse.
This prestigious race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE and Deputy Prime Minister, continues to uphold its position as one of the premier events in the global Arabian horse racing calendar.
Promoting Arabian horse racing
The UAE President’s Cup Series aims to promote and support the development of Arabian horse racing internationally. By encouraging investment and care for the Arabian breed, the series plays a crucial role in preserving its heritage while ensuring its future in elite competitions worldwide.
Competitive field in Rome
The Italian leg of the series promises to be a thrilling contest, with 16 top horses from across Italy and Europe competing in a 2,000-meter turf race. This Group 2 event offers a prize fund of €300,000 and is open to horses aged four and above.
Among the key contenders are:
SHM Al Shaheen (Al Mourtajez x Al Shayhaneh by Munjiz), representing the UAE, trained by Elizabeth Bernard Jean François, and ridden by Cristian Demuro.
Afjan (TM Fred Texas x Mozon by Amer), representing Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean De Mieulle, and ridden by Olivier D’Andigné.
Al Zair (Munjiz x Asmaa Al Khalediah), owned by Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdullah Hamad Al Attiyah, trained by François Rohaut, and ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay.
Raed (Amer x Ondara by Munjiz), representing Wathnan Racing, trained by Jean De Mieulle, and ridden by Tomas Lukasek.
Other notable entrants include Tigiani VDC, Delirio, Diamante di Tressenta, and Zefiro di Chia, among others.
Past champions
The Italian stage of the UAE President’s Cup has seen several prominent winners over the years, including:
Lightning Bolt (2017 – Yas Horse Racing Management)
Fazza Al Khalediah (2018 – Al Khalediah Stables)
Akoya (2019 – Landgoed Waterland)
Jazma Athbah (2020 – Athbah Racing)
Hayyan (2021 – Yas Horse Racing Management)
Jarif (2022 & 2023 – Haif bin Mohammed Al Qahtani)
Ska de L’Ergole (2024 – Abdullah bin Fahd Al Attiyah)
As the UAE President’s Cup Series continues to grow in prominence, the upcoming race at Capannelle is set to further solidify its place as a leading event in the world of Arabian horse racing.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
