Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arabian Horse Society, has crowned the champions of the 32nd Edition of the President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses. Abu Dhabi Turf Club (ADTC) delivered an unforgettable night of world-class racing as the 32nd UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses Grand Prix honoured the winners to the finale of the 2024 race season.
The prize purse of AED10.8 million, set the stage for competition as the world's elite jockeys and Purebred Arabian horse owners competed. In total, the programme featured seven races, highlighted by the UAE President Cup Purebred Arabian Group 1 race, with a prize purse of AED8 million. The race day was preceded by the barrier draw to determine the starting positions of the horses, adding a new element to the competition.
The finale for Purebred Arabians saw Heros De Lagarde, owned by His Excellency Sheikh Nasser bin Mohammed Nasser Al Hashar and trained by Ibrahim Al Hadhrami from Oman, and ridden by Connor Beasley, surge past his rivals to take home the AED4.8 million purse for its heroics. Coming in a close second was Suny Du Loup, owned and trained by Hamad Ali Marar and ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, winning AED1.6 million. Bahwan, with jockey Ray Dawson, owned and trained by Mohamed Al Shamsi, rounded out the top three taking home AED800,000.
In the Thoroughbred category, Wathnan Racing crossed the finish line in first place securing a purse of AED 600,000 with horse Make Me King and jockey James Doyle. Marbaan, owned by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, trained by Michael Costa and jockeyed by Ben Coen, secured second place, followed by Laneqash, with Jim Crowley in the saddle, rounding off the race with a third-place finish.
The race day featured a lineup of seven prestigious races, each offering impressive prize purses. Race 1, the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, kicked off the evening with a prize of AED150,000. This was followed by Race 2, the YAS Sprint, with a purse of AED400,000, and Race 3, the Al Wathba Mile, offering AED350,000. Race 4, the UAE Breeders’ Cup, featured a prize of AED500,000, while Race 5, the Abu Dhabi Derby, offered AED400,000. With Race 6, the UAE President Cup for Thoroughbreds boasted a purse of AED1 million, and Race 7, the UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabians, culminated in a AED8 million purse.
The event was supported by key partners, including Experience Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and Mubadala, along with the National Library & Archives and Al Masaood Automobiles Nissan. The day’s grand finale and closing ceremony celebrated the spirit of horseracing excellence and sportsmanship on a global stage.
Beyond the racetrack, guests were treated to an opulent Michelin-star dining experience with the presence of internationally celebrated chefs. A drone show and stimulating live musical performances capped off the memorable evening.
The UAE President Cup Purebred Arabian Grand Prix continues to stand as a beacon of cultural sophistication and international collaboration. With its unmatched hospitality offerings and world-class facilities, it has cemented the UAE’s status as the world’s premier destination for racing excellence.
His Excellency Eng Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of ADTC, said: "The 32nd UAE President Cup Purebred Arabian Grand Prix has once again highlighted the UAE’s commitment to equine excellence. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have created a platform that not only celebrates heritage but also propels the sport of Purebred Arabian Racing both in the UAE and abroad showcasing the UAE’s strength in the global sports domain."
Established in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the cup stands as a testament to the UAE’s rich racing and equine tradition. For three decades, it has brought global attention to the capabilities of Purebred Arabian horses while fostering international competition and enhancing the global profile of horse racing.
As the UAE President Cup continues to evolve, its legacy of excellence and international collaboration remains unwavering. The Abu Dhabi Turf Club, with its state-of-the-art venue and deep-rooted commitment to the sport, continues to set the benchmark for global horse racing events.
