RB Mary Lylah wins UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses race in Turkey

RB Mary Lylah (USA), carrying the silks of Wathnan Racing, was crowned champion of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in its 12th stop of the 32nd edition, held at İstanbul’s Veliefendi Racecourse on Sunday.

The prestigious series is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, as part of the UAE’s vision to elevate the status of the Purebred Arabian horse and enhance its global presence on the world’s leading racecourses.

RB Mary Lylah (by Al Mourtajez out of Rich Kinkga), trained by Albain de Mieulle and with Daniel Tudhope in the saddle, produced a performance of sheer brilliance and authority.

From the very beginning of the 1,600-metre journey, the magnificent mare travelled powerfully, gliding with effortless rhythm and waiting patiently to unleash her full potential. As the field turned for home, Tudhope gave the signal, and RB Mary Lylah responded with an electrifying burst of speed that left her rivals trailing in her wake.

Crossing the finish line in emphatic fashion, she not only claimed a resounding victory in the prestigious Group 3 contest for 3-year-olds and above, but also reaffirmed her status as one of the most exciting and dominant Arabian racehorses.

Facing a competitive field of 12 representing Turkiye’s strongest studs, she secured the $250,000 purse — the richest in the history of Purebred Arabian racing in Turkiye.

The five-year-old mare completed the race in 1:46:91, finishing seven lengths clear of runner-up Katı Zamanı, with Kralkarınca in third place. The victory adds to her outstanding record of 12 wins and two second-place finishes from 16 career starts, reaffirming her elite international standing.

The event was attended by Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, and Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, alongside a large audience. The race formed a key highlight of the Istanbul Horse Festival, underscoring the Cup’s value and strong standing among Arabian horse owners and breeders in Turkiye.

On this occasion, Musallam Al Amri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, stated:

“We are proud of the global value and prestigious reputation of the UAE President’s Cup races, which continue to travel across continents. The remarkable success and warm reception of the Turkiye race reflect the wise leadership’s commitment to supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders around the world. This ensures the breed’s elevated status, reaching the highest ranks of the global racing scene and featuring prominently at major international festivals and racecourses.”

He added: “We extend our thanks to İstanbul Veliefendi Racecourse for their warm welcome, outstanding organization, and the excellent atmosphere that reflects the Cup’s distinguished stature and historic leadership at racetracks worldwide.

“The UAE’s commitment to supporting the Arabian horse community embodies its noble mission of building bridges of communication and cultural exchange, while reflecting the nation’s rich heritage with countries around the globe.”

Following Turkiye leg, 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.