The UAE President’s Cup set for ParisLongchamp

Under the generous patronage and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 32nd edition of

The UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses makes its highly anticipated European debut this Sunday,May 11, 2025, at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse, established in 1857.

Held as part of the internationally celebrated Emirates Poules d’Essai French Guineas weekend, this year’s French stop of the series features:

• Race 7: The UAE President’s Cup – Coup d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Group 1 PA)

• Distance: 2,000 meters

• Prize Purse: €350,000

Organized in collaboration with France Galop, the event continues to elevate the status of Arabian horse racing globally — preserving heritage while encouraging international participation.

Elite contenders take the stage

This Group 1 Purebred Arabian showdown gathers six of the most accomplished horses aged four and above, representing the region’s top owners and stables:

• Murad (Thaqib × Jabara by Dormane)
  Representing: YAS Horse Racing Management (H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan)
  Trainer: Damien Watrigant
  Jockey: Maxime Guyon

• RB Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah × RB Royal Madame by Majd Al Arab)
  Owner: Hilal Al Alawi
  Trainer: Élisabeth Bernard
  Jockey: Cristian Demuro

• Al Zubair (TM Fred Texas × Zenobia)
  Owner: Al Shaqab Racing
  Trainer: Jean de Mieulle
  Jockey: Olivier D’Andigné

• Lusail (Al Mourtajez × Doha by Munjiz)
  Owner: Al Shaqab Racing
  Trainer: Jean de Mieulle
  Jockey: Faleh Nassir Bughanaim

• Noor Al Maury (Azadi × Nektarina Al Maury)
  Trainer: Thomas Fourcy
  Jockey: Christophe Soumillon

• Shezza (AF Al Bahr × Shirazade by Dormane)
  Owner: Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah
  Trainer: François Rohaut
  Jockey: James Vincent Crowley

This stellar lineup underscores the race’s growing stature on the international Arabian racing calendar.

A celebrated legacy in France

Past French winners of The UAE President’s Cup include:

• Doha (2024)

• Shezza (2023)

• Hattal (2022, 2021)

• Deryan (2020)

• Tayf (2019)

• Shahm (2018)

• Muraqib (2017)

• Al Mourtajez (2016)

These names reflect the enduring presence of UAE-bred champions on European turf.

Supporting the global equine community

This prestigious race is held alongside the iconic Group 1 thoroughbred events:

• Race 5: EMIRATES POULE D’ESSAI DES POULAINS (Colts)
  Distance: 1,600m – Prize: €650,000
  Featuring: 18 of the world’s top 3-year-old colts

• Race 6: EMIRATES POULE D’ESSAI DES POULICHES (Fillies)
  Distance: 1,600m – Prize: €550,000
  Showcasing: 13 elite 3-year-old fillies

These races mark the kickoff of France’s classic flat season, dating back to 1883.

His Excellency Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of The UAE President’s Cup Series, stated:

“We are proud of the remarkable success achieved in the series’ earlier stops in Tunisia and Morocco. Our presence in France at the Emirates Poules d’Essai reflects the vision and ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, whose leadership has elevated the UAE Cup to the highest international standards for Arabian racing.”

He added:

“France is one of the most competitive legs on the circuit, and its hosting of this race underscores the UAE’s leading role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Arabian horse. The quality of entries and the prize structure continue to inspire owners and breeders to deepen their investment in the breed and participate on the world stage.”

tanvir@dubainewsweek.com