RB Boyfriend proves perfect match for win at 33rd UAE President’s Cup opener

The Ksar Said Racecourse in Tunisia delivered an extraordinary start to the 33rd edition of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses.

Before a crowd exceeding 15,000 spectators, a testament to the cup’s growing reach, the festive atmosphere at Ksar Said reflected the standing this series has built over 33 years as the world’s most prestigious platform for Purebred Arabian racing.

Held under the support and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the cup serves as a cornerstone of the UAE’s commitment to preserving the Arabian horse’s place at the summit of global equestrian sport, while supporting owners and breeders across four continents.

In a Group 1 contest staged over 2,000 metres on a demanding dirt track, RB Boyfriend (by RB Burn out of Rich Friend) delivered a performance that combined precision, strength, and complete authority.

Breaking well and settling into a comfortable rhythm early, he traveled strongly throughout, always positioned within striking distance as the race began to unfold.

Approaching the final turn, the talented runner made his decisive move, advancing smoothly through the field with remarkable composure and balance.

Showing raw ability, he quickened effortlessly, taking control of the race before straightening for home.

Once in the home straight, RB Boyfriend asserted his dominance with confidence, lengthening his stride and maintaining a powerful, sustained run that left his rivals unable to respond.

In the closing stages, he continued to extend his advantage with authority, displaying both stamina and class as he powered clear of the field. He ultimately crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2:18.05, underlining not only his superiority on the day but also his status as a top-class performer capable of excelling at the highest level.

Trained by Ali Al-Qiyadi and ridden by Adel Al-Qiyadi, RB Boyfriend competed in the colours of owner Omar Ismail Garghar, combining teamwork and preparation to perfection.

This victory further enhances an outstanding career record, bringing his tally to nine wins and two runner-up finishes from just eleven starts—a remarkable strike rate that underscores his status as an elite performer at the highest level of competition.

Finishing in second place was Afjan, representing Zat Al-Rimal Stables, who ran a commendable race to secure the runner-up position. Wa’ad Al Adiyat, from Al Adiyat Stables, completed the top three, with jockey Sami Al-Bejawi and trainer Sandro Paiva guiding a solid and competitive effort to claim third place in a high-quality field.

The race and the presentation ceremony were attended by Dr. Iman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organizing Committee for the President’s Cup, alongside prominent official and diplomatic figures.

Beyond the racing itself, the occasion encompassed heritage and cultural activities that framed the event as more than a sporting contest — it was a celebration of the UAE’s values and the enduring significance of the Arabian horse.

The horse auction also held in Tunisia in the days preceding the race drew unprecedented public interest and record participation, underlining the Cup’s expanding commercial and cultural footprint.Musallam Salem Al Amri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee, said: “This leg reflects the strength of the new season’s launch and the global value the Cup holds in supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders.

“The crowd we witnessed and the strong competition among the participating horses embody the prestige of the event and confirm its pioneering role in developing Arabian horse racing internationally.”

He added: “We are proud of the massive public success and the prestigious global standing this Cup continues to achieve.

“The Tunisia leg embodied an exceptional stage — one that reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing Arabian horse racing on the international stage.”