Alalawi’s HM Alchahine triumphs in UAE President’s Cup race in Hamburg

HM Alchahine (FR), a four-year-old Purebred Arabian gelding owned by Helal Alalawi, lit up Hamburg’s historic Horner Rennbahn Racecourse with a dazzling display of speed and grace, storming to a magnificent victory in the UAE President’s Cup.

Over the testing 1,600-metre distance, he surged forward like poetry in motion, leaving the crowd in awe as he carved his name into the annals of Arabian racing with elegance and power.

The race marked the seventh leg of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup series, now in its 32nd edition.

Held 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 series highlights the UAE’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting the global stature of Purebred Arabian horses, a key pillar of Emirati heritage.

Staged in conjunction with the 156th edition of the historic German Derby, the UAE President’s Cup drew a remarkable crowd of nearly 30,000 spectators and featured a record prize purse of €250,000, making it the richest Arabian race in German racing history.

Trained by Jean-Francois Bernard, under the masterful ride of Cristian Demuro, the remarkable HM Alchahine delivered a commanding performance to secure a stunning victory in the prestigious UAE President’s Cup.

This latest triumph marks his second win in the renowned series, adding to his earlier success in the Italian leg, and firmly establishing him as one of the most dominant Purebred Arabian racehorses on the European circuit.

From the moment the gates opened, HM Alchahine showed his class, settling into a strong rhythm under Demuro’s calculated guidance.

As the race progressed, he gradually shifted gears, effortlessly pulling away from a competitive field with breathtaking acceleration down the final stretch.

Crossing the finish line in a blazing time of 1:45.42, he left no doubt about his superiority, putting daylight between himself and the rest of the field.

This performance not only reinforces HM Alchahine’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international Arabian racing but also highlights the incredible synergy between trainer and jockey.

Bernard’s meticulous preparation combined with Demuro’s tactical brilliance proved to be the perfect formula for success on the big stage once again.

With two UAE President’s Cup victories now under his belt, HM Alchahine continues to elevate his legacy and inspire admiration across the racing world. His latest win is a powerful statement — a blend of strength, speed, and strategy that showcases the very best of Arabian horse racing at the highest level.

Finishing second was Al Wakrah (FR), owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean-Loup de Mieulle and ridden by Olivier d’Andigne. Al Zeer (FR), owned by Mohamed Fahad A.H. Al-Attiyah, finished third under trainer Francois Rohaut and jockey Adrie de Vries.

Also in the field were Papillion T (HOL), representing the Netherlands and trained and owned by Gerard Th. Zoetelief; Al Zwair (FR), also owned by Al Shaqab Racing; and Djafar (FR), owned by Abubaker S.A. Kadoura, with both horses showcasing competitive spirit.

The race and prize ceremony were attended by Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg, and Ahmed Al Attar, UAE Ambassador to the Germany, along with Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organizing Committee for the UAE President’s Cup, and Ahmed Al Samarrai, President of the German Arabian Horse Association.

The winning trophy was presented to Nasser Hilal Al Alawi, representative of the owner, in the presence of the trainer and jockey, amid a celebratory crowd.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahmani remarked:

“We are extremely proud of the success achieved in Hamburg. The outstanding organisation, strong participation, and warm reception all reflect the UAE’s growing impact on the global Arabian horse racing scene, a vision driven forward by Sheikh Mansour.”

He added: “Congratulations to Mr. Helal Alalawi on HM Alchahine’s impressive performance in Germany and his earlier victory in Italy. These results reaffirm the strength of UAE-owned horses in international racing.

“The UAE President’s Cup continues to act as a cultural bridge, introducing European and global audiences to the history, values, and noble legacy of Purebred Arabian horses.”