UAE President’s Cup returns to Gardet on Sweden’s National Day

On Saturday, the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses arrives at one of European racing’s most singular settings: Gardet Turf Racecourse, a temporary track laid in the heart of a Stockholm park, on Sweden’s National Day.

Ten elite horses. Up to 50,000 spectators. And a field headlined by three consecutive champions of this very race.

The Sweden leg 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.

It is the fourth stop of the 33rd edition’s global calendar, and the second on European soil, as the series continues its most expansive season in history: 19 international stops, four continents, total prize money exceeding Dhs20 million.

The Listed race at Gardet is run over 1,500 metres on turf and is open to Purebred Arabian horses aged four years and above. It is the most valuable Arabian horse race in Scandinavian history, and its staging on Sweden’s National Day, an occasion that draws tens of thousands to this park every year, gives it a public and cultural dimension that few races on the international circuit can match.

The spotlight falls on three standout contenders whose performances in recent editions of the UAE President’s Cup have established them among the elite of European Arabian racing.

Freddy Py (FR) (TM Fred Texas × Via Hipolyte) returns as the race’s most accomplished runner, having claimed back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024. Trained and owned by Gerard Zoetelief and partnered by jockey Lorenzo Putzulu, the French-bred gelding has become a true Gärdet specialist. With three appearances at the unique Stockholm venue and two titles to his name, Freddy Py arrives once again as the horse to beat.

Defending champion Farida P (BEL) (Al Mourtajez × Hania Dea) is back to protect her crown after a memorable triumph in 2025. Owned and trained by Pieter Dekkers and ridden by Jeremy Moisan, the Belgian mare produced a powerful late surge to capture last year’s race in spectacular fashion. That performance firmly established her among Europe’s most exciting Arabian racehorses, and she returns seeking consecutive victories.

Completing the leading trio is Wasmy Al Khalediah (FR) (Ghadhanfar Al Khalediah × Shaza Al Khalediah), runner-up in 2025 after being denied by just a length. Representing Poliska AKF Farm and partnered by Per-Anders Gråberg, the French-bred contender arrives with unfinished business. Known for his stamina and composure under pressure, he is widely regarded as one of the strongest challengers to the two former champions.

Beyond the established stars, a competitive group of challengers will be looking to make their mark on Sweden’s National Day feature.

Among them is El Paso T (HOL) (Al Mourtajez × Porta T), another representative from the Gerard Zoetelief stable, with Kobe Vanderbeke taking the ride. No Risk No Reward (GB) (No Risk Al Maury × Shadiya), owned by Jørgen Bolbro Agerholm and Camilla Nilsson and ridden by Marika Masuhr, adds further depth to the field, while Kappuccino (ITY) (AZ Agr Chicconi × Maria Christina), trained and owned by Min Glovfast Virje and partnered by Anna Pilroth, will be aiming to spring a surprise.

Also in contention is Tom Jakbar (GB) (Al Jakbar × Manade), owned and trained by Terese Compier and ridden by Alina Öhgren, alongside Fire On The Track (POL) (Rammas Al Khalediah × Free Spirit), representing Maria Hagman-Eriksson with Engla Tunmar in the saddle. Malaka (FR) (Mister Ginoux × Sagrada), trained and owned by Camilla Nilsson and partnered by Dayversom De Barros, adds further international quality, while El Zarka D.A. (BEL) (AF Al Bahar × Schiva D.A.), owned and trained by Johan Verstrepen and ridden by Pierre Bazire, completes a diverse and highly competitive line-up set to contest this year’s prestigious title.

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, said: “The Sweden leg holds a singular place in this series. Racing at Gardet on Sweden’s National Day, before 50,000 people, in the heart of Stockholm, is not something any other Arabian series in the world can offer. That is what Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed’s vision has built: a Cup that doesn’t just visit great tracks, it becomes part of them.”

He added:“We are proud to carry this mission forward. The UAE President’s Cup is a statement of our heritage and our leadership’s commitment to the Arabian horse and Sweden, with its distinguished field of owners, breeders, and stables, is a worthy stage for it. We commend every participant for what promises to be a race of the highest quality.”