American-bred mare RB Mary Lylah secured a decisive victory at the 12th round of the 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, held at Istanbul’s Veliefendi Racecourse on Sunday.
The Group 3 race, covering 1,600 metres, brought together 12 top competitors from Turkey. Trained by Albain de Mieulle and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, RB Mary Lylah finished with a time of 1:46:91 — seven lengths ahead of Katı Zamanı in second place. Kralkarınca took third.
Record purse in Turkey
Representing Wathnan Racing, RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez x Rich Kinkga) claimed the top prize from a purse of USD 250,000, marking the highest payout in the history of Purebred Arabian racing in Turkey.
The win adds to the five-year-old mare’s impressive career, bringing her record to 12 victories and two second-place finishes from 16 starts.
Part of UAE heritage effort
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the UAE President’s Cup aims to promote Purebred Arabian horses and boost their international presence.
The Istanbul race was a main feature of the Istanbul Horse Festival and drew significant attendance, including H.E. Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Turkey, and H.E. Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organizing Committee of the series.
H.E. Musallam Al Amri, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, said: “We are proud of the global value and prestigious reputation of the UAE President’s Cup races, which continue to travel across continents. The remarkable success and warm reception of the Turkey race reflect the wise leadership’s commitment to supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders around the world. This ensures the breed’s elevated status, reaching the highest ranks of the global racing scene and featuring prominently at major international festivals and racecourses.”
He added: “We extend our thanks to İstanbul Veliefendi Racecourse for their warm welcome, outstanding organization, and the excellent atmosphere that reflects the Cup’s distinguished stature and historic leadership at racetracks worldwide. The UAE’s commitment to supporting the Arabian horse community embodies its noble mission of building bridges of communication and cultural exchange, while reflecting the nation’s rich heritage with countries around the globe.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
