Colt Buraak claimed the title of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in the second international race of the Cup’s 32nd edition, held at the Anfa sand racetrack in Casablanca on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as part of the UAE-Moroccan Festival.
The UAE President’s Cup series is held under the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to elevate the status of purebred Arabian horses, promote their presence in the global racing scene, support owners and breeders worldwide, and encourage the acquisition and breeding of Arabian horses, in line with efforts to preserve this noble heritage.
A victory for Buraak
Buraak, a colt sired by (Mahabb x Shumoos), owned and trained by Daissaoui Mohamed, bred by YAS Horse Racing Management, and ridden by jockey Faddoul Abderrahim, delivered a commanding and exceptional performance, securing a deserved and impressive victory in the Moroccan round.
He asserted his dominance from the final turn through to the finish line in the 2,100-meter sand race, open to horses aged four years and above (Group III). The race featured 17 horses representing elite Arabian horse stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe. Buraak completed the race in 2:27:33 minutes.
Runner-up was Vica Grine (sired by Af Albahar and out of Darka Du Falgas), while Mamouni Fal (by Al Mamun Monlau and out of Vestale) finished third.
Celebrating UAE-Moroccan ties
The UAE-Moroccan Festival was organized in celebration of the strong historical ties and distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco.
It was held under the patronage of the UAE President’s Cup series in its exceptional edition this year with substantial prize money, and featured diverse activities involving all segments of Moroccan society alongside eight race rounds.
Dignitaries in attendance
The race was attended by:
- H.E. Muslim Al-Ameri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series and Director General of the Emirates International Endurance Village
- H.E. Omar Al-Tunaiji, Acting Charge d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Morocco
- H.E. Faisal Al-Rahmani, Secretary General of the UAE President’s Cup Series Committee
- Omar Skalli, General Manager of the Royal Company for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC)
- Hisham Dabbagh, Deputy General Manager of SOREC
Official statements
Muslim Al-Ameri commented: “We witnessed the UAE-Moroccan Festival, which reaffirmed the strength and depth of the brotherly ties and partnership between the two countries.
“The UAE President’s Cup race saw a remarkable turnout of elite owners and stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe, reflecting the Cup’s prestigious status and pioneering history across international racetracks. We highly value the generous support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and his great efforts in elevating the status of Arabian horses globally.”
Faisal Al-Rahmani said: “First, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ‘Reviver of the Arabian Horse Worldwide,’ for his wise vision and guidance, which have led us to the brilliant successes witnessed during the UAE-Moroccan Festival.
“The event highlighted the prestigious status and historical leadership of the UAE President’s Cup within major global races, while also witnessing strong participation from elite stables and top names in the racing world. I am delighted with the successes and milestones achieved at the Morocco round, and its important contribution to enhancing our race calendar this year.”
He added: “We also commend the efforts of our brothers in Morocco, especially the Royal Company for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC), for their outstanding organization. Congratulations to our Moroccan brothers as well for winning the UAE President’s Cup race, which stands as the most prestigious and valuable title in the history of purebred Arabian horse racing worldwide.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
