Fifth round of UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabians to be held in Italy

Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Capannelle Racecourse in Rome will host the fifth round of the 32nd edition of the The UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday.

The prestigious series continues to reinforce its prominent standing on the global Arabian horse racing calendar.

Held in support of long-term efforts to promote and develop Arabian horse racing worldwide, the series aims to encourage owners and breeders across the globe to care for and invest in the heritage and future of the Arabian horse, ensuring its sustained presence in elite international competitions.

The Italian leg promises a high-caliber European showdown, with 16 elite horses representing top Arabian horse stables across Italy and Europe. The race will be contested over 2,000 meters on turf, classified as a Group 2 event, and boasts a prize fund of €300,000.

Open to horses aged four and older, the race has attracted a highly competitive field of seasoned contenders.

Leading the field is SHM Al Shaheen (Al Mourtajez x Al Shayhaneh by Munjiz), representing the UAE.

Owned by Hilal Al Alawi, trained by Elizabeth Bernard Jean Francois, and ridden by Cristian Demuro, this powerful runner enters with high expectations, carrying both exceptional bloodlines and recent form.

Joining the battle is Afjan (TM Fred Texas x Mozon by Amer), a strong contender from Al Shaqab Racing. Under the conditioning of Jean De Mieulle and the experienced ride of Olivier D’Andigne, Afjan looks ready to deliver a top performance.

Another contender is Al Zair (Munjiz x Asmaa Al Khalediah), owned by Mohammed Bin Fahd Bin Abdullah Hamad Al Attiyah and trained by François Rohaut. With Guillaume Guedj-Gay in the saddle, Al Zair brings depth and balance to a competitive field.

Raed (Amer x Ondara by Munjiz) represents Wathnan Racing, also trained by Jean De Mieulle, and will be ridden by Tomas Lukasek. A consistent performer, Raed adds further intrigue to a stacked lineup.

Additional contenders include a host of Italian and international hopefuls: Tigiani VDC, Delirio, Diamante di Tressenta, El Paso T, Elinio di Tressenta, Extra Time, Fola di Gallura, Virus, Vesperoy, Mercurio Jo, Orlando Jo, and Zefiro di Chia. Each brings local pride and the possibility of an upset.

Since its inception, the Italian stage of the President’s Cup has consistently crowned world-class champions. In 2017, Lightning Bolt, representing Yas Horse Racing Management, captured the title, setting a high standard for the years to come. The following year, Fazza Al Khalediah triumphed for Al Khalediah Stables, while Akoya, racing for Landgoed Waterland, claimed victory in 2019.

In 2020, Jazma Athbah secured the win for Athbah Racing, followed by Hayyan, who returned the trophy to Yas Horse Racing Management in 2021. The 2022 and 2023 editions were dominated by the exceptional Jarif, racing under the banner of Haif Bin Mohammed Al Qahtani. Most recently, in 2024, Ska de L’Ergole added his name to the honor roll, delivering a memorable performance for owner Abdullah Bin Fahd Al Attiyah.

The momentum continues with the Sweden leg on June 6, featuring a €100,000 prize purse. Germany follows on July 6, hosting its round with an impressive €250,000 on offer. On August 3, the Netherlands welcomes competitors with another €100,000 at stake.

Spain joins the series on August 15, presenting a €200,000 purse, ahead of Russia’s turn on August 30 with $100,000 in prize money. Belgium steps into the spotlight on September 2 with €200,000, followed by Turkey on September 7, offering a substantial $250,000.

One of the richest stages takes place in England on September 13, where a remarkable £400,000 purse awaits the contenders.