Lippo De Carrere wins UAE President’s Cup race

In front of a crowd of nearly 30,000 spectators, Lippo De Carrere (Al Mourtajez x Elmanara De Carrere), carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing, delivered a stunning performance to capture the prestigious UAE President’s Cup, UK Arabian Derby (Group 1 PA) at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday.

The 13th round of the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series was staged as part of the historic St. Leger Festival, reaffirming the enduring global standing of the cup as one of the most important and historic events in Arabian racing.

The 2,000m turf race for four-year-old Purebred Arabians carried a total purse of £400,000, making it the richest Arabian race of its kind in Britain and Europe.

Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Lippo De Carrere displayed a powerful turn of foot in the final furlong to seize victory by half a length, securing his first Group 1 PA title. The colt has now recorded his fourth career win from seven starts, adding the prestigious UK Arabian Derby to his growing record after finishing runner-up in the French Arabian Derby at Chantilly earlier this season.

Runner-up honours also went to Wathnan Racing with Moneer (Al Mourtajez x Muneera), trained by Damien de Watrigant and partnered by Jean-Bernard Eyquem. Shaihaan (Al Mourtajez x Al Dowha), representing Al Shaqab Racing under trainer François Rohaut and jockey Tom Marquand, finished a close third.

The winning time for the race was 2:20:02. The event was attended by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Member of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the Higher Organising Committee, Saud Badr Al Tonaiji, Representative of the UAE Embassy in London, alongside representatives of Wathnan Racing.

Matar al Yabhouni Al Daheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, expressed pride in the success of the Doncaster stage: “We are proud of the outstanding achievements witnessed in Doncaster. The race reflected the distinguished stature of the UAE President’s Cup, showcased within the world-renowned St. Leger Festival and the UK Arabian Derby. The tremendous turnout and strong reception from racecourses, owners, and media reaffirm the historical significance and leadership of the Cup on the global stage. We remain committed to ensuring the Cup achieves its noble objectives through its global journey, supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders worldwide.”

The UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses was established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally, while highlighting its deep cultural significance to the UAE.

The series features 17 races staged across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the USA, and continues to be recognized as the oldest and most prestigious racing series for Purebred Arabians worldwide.