Turkey to host UAE President’s Cup race

İstanbul’s historic Veliefendi Racecourse will stage the 12th leg of the 32nd edition of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday.

The prestigious event will be held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The series reflects a strategic vision to encourage the ownership and care of Purebred Arabian horses, elevate their global stature, and strengthen their presence at leading festivals and international racecourses.

These efforts aim to preserve the Arabian breed, support owners and breeders worldwide, and contribute to the advancement of the global Arabian racing industry.

The Turkiye race carries historic significance as the richest Purebred Arabian race in the country’s history, offering a total purse of $ 250,000, contested over 1,600 meters on turf (Group 3), open to colts, fillies, and horses aged three years and older.

A strong field of 12 contenders will line up, headlined by RB Mary Lylah (USA) (Al Mourtajez x Rich Kinkga), owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Albain de Mieulle, and to be ridden by Daniel Tudhope. Last year’s champion Berkenin Kızı returns to defend her title, alongside runner-up Mister Win and third-placed Tuncer.

The line-up also features Haznedar, İnebolu, Kapriz, Katı Zamanı, Kimsesiz Baba, Kocek, Kralkarınca, and Aman Dulo .

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, stated: “We are proud to reach the 12th stop of the Cup this season, having achieved major milestones and delivered on the plans set at the year’s start. Turkiye represents a vital part of the Cup’s strategy, demonstrating its reach across the world’s premier racecourses and extending its message to Arabian horse owners and breeders globally. It reaffirms our commitment to uplifting the Arabian breed by supporting the community of owners and breeders and organizing top-class races that advance the sport and strengthen the Arabian horse industry.”

He added: “This round also highlights the depth of flourishing bilateral ties and strong bonds of friendship between the UAE and Turkiye. The host nation’s passion for Arabian horses is reflected in the many races it stages annually and the special place Arabian horses hold in its history. This fully aligns with the goals and vision of the Supreme Organizing Committee.”

After Turkiye, the series will continue in England on September 13, with one of the biggest purses of the month at £400,000.

Later in September, attention turns to Poland on September 28, where another €200,000 will be contested.

The spotlight then moves to North Africa, beginning with Egypt on October 25, offering Dhs500,000, followed just one day later by Libya on October 26, with an impressive Dhs1 million purse.

The season’s momentum builds toward its climax in the Gulf region, with the final scheduled stop in Saudi Arabia on November 21, featuring the series’ richest prize of Dhs1.5 million.

The UAE President’s Cup continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of Arabian horse racing, as it not only preserves the rich heritage of the sport but also creates exceptional opportunities for breeders, trainers, and jockeys.