Global spotlight on Purebred Arabians as UAE President’s Cup returns to Longchamp

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 on Sunday.

The event will take place 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), over 2,000 metres with a prize purse of €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: Six of the most accomplished Purebred Arabians aged four and up are ready to ignite the turf in a hotly anticipated Group 1 clash, as top owners, trainers, and jockeys from across the region come together for one of the season’s marquee races.

Leading the charge is Murad, a son of Thaqib out of Jabara by Dormane, representing the powerful YAS Horse Racing Management operation of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Trained by Damien Watrigant and set to be ridden by the experienced Maxime Guyon, Murad enters the race with a reputation as a serious contender.

Looking to challenge him is RB Kingmaker, a homebred of Hilal Al Alawi, sired by Baseq Al Khalediah out of RB Royal Madame. Under the expert guidance of renowned trainer Élisabeth Bernard and with Cristian Demuro aboard, Kingmaker’s recent form suggests he’ll be in the thick of the finish.

Dual representation comes from the prestigious Al Shaqab Racing, fielding both Al Zubair and Lusail, trained by Jean de Mieulle. Al Zubair, by TM Fred Texas out of Zenobia, will be partnered by Olivier D’Andigné, while Lusail, a son of Al Mourtajez out of Doha by Munjiz, will have the capable hands of Faleh Nassir Bughanaim in the irons.

France’s Thomas Fourcy sends out Noor Al Maury, a striking daughter of Azadi out of Nektarina Al Maury, who gets a massive boost with Christophe Soumillon taking the ride—adding even more class to an already elite field.

Rounding out the field is Shezza, a filly by AF Al Bahr out of Shirazade by Dormane, representing Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah. Trained by François Rohaut and with James Vincent Crowley up, Shezza brings a mix of speed and stamina that could make her a dark horse in this competitive line-up.

With pedigrees rich in champions and connections steeped in racing prestige, this Group 1 battle promises fireworks from the starting gate to the finish line.

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

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), and Al Mourtajez (2016) — underscoring the lasting impact of UAE-bred excellence on Europe’s premier Purebred Arabian stage.

Supporting the global equine community,

This prestigious race is held alongside two of France’s most iconic Group 1 thoroughbred contests — the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

These historic mile-long races, first held in 1883, mark the traditional start of the French flat racing classic season. This year’s Poulains (Colts) drew 18 of the world’s top three-year-old colts, contesting a €650,000 purse in Race 5, while the Pouliches (Fillies), with 13 elite runners, vie for €550,000 in Race 6.

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 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.”