Najeeb Al Zaman clinched victory in the final round of the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, held at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Al Janadriyah, Riyadh.
The event marked the conclusion of the 17th and final leg of the prestigious series, which has continued to garner attention and acclaim since its debut in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
The Cup series, widely regarded as one of the most important races in the region, has played a key role in supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
A race of high stakes
The race, which covered a distance of 1,800 meters on dirt, featured one of the highest prize purses in Saudi Arabia, amounting to SAR 1.5 million. The competition was open to horses aged four years and above.
Najeeb Al Zaman, bred by Dr. Mohammed Al Najeifi and trained by Abdulaziz Al Mousa, showcased an impressive performance to secure the victory. The horse, sired by Hilal Al Zaman, pulled ahead in the final strides to finish in 2:06:21, ahead of Nadeem Al Molook Al Khalidiah, who took second, and Al Harith, who finished in third.
Support for Arabian horse racing
The UAE President’s Cup series, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, continues to support the development of Arabian horse racing globally. Sheikh Mansour’s vision has been integral in promoting the heritage of the Purebred Arabian horse, while fostering the growth of Arabian horse racing worldwide.
The success of the Saudi round was highlighted by significant media attention and strong participation from owners and breeders across the Arab world and Europe.
Ceremony celebrates unity
The awards ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Matar Salem Ali Maran Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Saeed Al Mehiri, Representative of the Supreme Organizing Committee. Ziyad Al Mogren, CEO of Riyadh Equestrian Club, and Mutaib Al Shammari, General Manager of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center, were also present at the event.
Musallam Salem Al Ameri, a member of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup, praised the success of the series. “We extend our highest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the conclusion of the global rounds of this precious Cup, marked by unprecedented success and exceptional momentum,” he said. “His Highness’ continuous support has clearly translated into the remarkable achievements of the Saudi round this year, which witnessed significant media attention and strong participation.”
He added, “We are proud of the exceptional quality showcased in the final round, from organization to participation, and the engagement of owners and breeders. This success reflects the continued growth and rising prominence of the series year after year.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
