Diamond Gem AA claimed first place in the US round of the 32nd UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, held on Saturday at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
The race was part of the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes, one of the most prominent events in U.S. thoroughbred racing.
Strong international presence
The Grade 1, 1700-metre dirt race drew a global crowd of over 100,000 spectators and significant U.S. media attention. It was one of 14 races held on Preakness Stakes day, which forms a core part of the American Triple Crown series.
Diamond Gem AA, previously the 2023 winner, secured the title again with a time of 1:57.01. The horse is owned by Joseph and Betty Gillis, trained by Jerenesto Torrez, and was ridden by jockey Carol Cedeno.
RB Grand Slam, also trained by Torrez and owned by Rosebrook Farm LLC, finished second under jockey Inardis Rodriguez. AA Take A Chance came in third, trained by Rhonda Tuley and ridden by Xavier Perez.
Support for Arabian racing
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE and Deputy Prime Minister, the UAE President’s Cup Series continues to promote the heritage of Arabian horse racing and support breeders worldwide.
The trophy ceremony was attended by UAE Embassy representatives Mr. Omar Al Yahyai and Ms. Rawdha Al Mansoori, along with Mr. Saeed Al Muhairi from the UAE President’s Cup organizing committee.
The race featured a total prize purse of $200,000.
