Top runners for UAE President’s Cup race in Doncaster

Under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Doncaster Racecourse in the United Kingdom on Saturday, host the 13th round of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, the crown jewel of the Cup’s 32nd edition.

The UAE President’s Cup series is held to advance the development of Arabian horse racing and strengthen the presence of Arabian horse owners and breeders worldwide, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to preserving the Arabian horse’s heritage and elevating its standing across international racecourses.

The UK round, staged as part of the renowned St. Leger Festival, brings together elite future champions in a “Clash of the Strongest.” Concluding the English-Arab Derby, top colts and fillies representing the most prominent studs in Britain and Europe will compete for the coveted title. Classified as a Group 1 race over 2,000 meters, the event offers the highest prize purse in the history of Arabian horse racing in Britain and Europe, with total prize money of £400,000.

Eight horses are set to participate: four from France, three from the UK, and one from Qatar. Leading the contenders is Libeau de Carrere (Munjiz × Manara de Carrere), trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Mickael Barzalona for owner Wathnan Racing. The same stable will also line up Moneer (Munjiz × Munirah), trained by Damien de Watrigant and ridden by Jean-Bernard Eyquem.

Qatar’s Al Shaqab Racing, winners of last year’s UK round with Mosail, return with Al Dhiib (Azadi × Dheebah), trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, alongside Sheehan (Munjiz × Doha), trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Tom Marquand.

Other notable entries include:

ino, a son of AF Albahar out of Azzah bint Karbala, is owned by Yannick Schulze, trained by Eric Dell’ova, and will be ridden by Olivier Peslier – the only jockey in the field with prior UK Cup victories, having won with Hayyan in 2019 and Mosail in 2024.

Murakib, by Munjiz out of Shayel Al Dhahabi, represents Faritz Racing, is trained by Okba Ashour, and will be partnered by Ray Dawson.

Madaoui, a son of Azadi and Umm Ghuraybah, runs for Five Racing, with Charlie Wallis as trainer and George Wood taking the ride.

Hibkinada de Mazieres, by Hilal Al Zaman out of Djenetile, is owned by Oakwood Bloodstock, trained by James Owen, and will be ridden by Marco Ghiani.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, member of the Higher Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, commented: “The UK round represents the summit of the annual calendar for this prestigious series, reaffirming our valuable partnerships with iconic races and historic tracks. Participation in the legendary St. Leger Festival reflects the standing and prestige of the UAE President’s Cup, which has led the way for 32 years as one of the most distinguished and valuable classic races worldwide.

“We take pride in the Cup’s continued European journey, marked by great success and global acclaim thanks to its esteemed reputation and international stature.

“The participation of elite horses in the English-Arab Derby finale underscores the UAE’s pioneering role and strategic position on the global horse racing map, embodying our vision and mission for the 2025 season.”