The 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series heads to The Hague, making history with the richest Arabian race ever staged in the Netherlands
Shereen Shabnam
This weekend, the spotlight in the world of Purebred Arabian horse racing shines on the historic Duindigt Turf Racecourse in The Hague, as the 8th leg of the 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series unfolds on Sunday, August 3. The race, held under the patronage and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, marks a landmark moment for the sport in Europe.
With a USD 100,000 prize purse, this Group 3 contest is now officially the most lucrative Arabian race ever held on Dutch soil—a milestone underscoring the UAE’s enduring commitment to promoting the legacy and excellence of Purebred Arabian horses on the world stage.
The race features a stellar lineup of 11 elite entries, representing the finest stables across Europe, and is open to horses aged four and above. Spanning 2,150 metres, the event promises a thrilling blend of heritage, prestige, and high-stakes competition.
The Contenders
Among the notable entries are Afjan representing Al Shaqab Racing with jockey Olivier d’Andigné, Raed from Wathnan Racing with Soufiane Saadi on the saddle, and El Paso T, ridden by Kobe Vanderbeke and both owned and trained by G.T. Zoetelift. With a field featuring bloodlines from champions like TM Fred Texas, Al Mourtajez, and Af Albahar, the race is expected to be fiercely contested.
A Visionary Legacy
Speaking ahead of the event, H.E. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, emphasized the global significance of this initiative: “We are proud to see the UAE President’s Cup continue to fulfil its vision of elevating Arabian horse racing to new international heights. The participation of top-tier owners and stables from across Europe reflects the growing global stature of the series.”
He added that these accomplishments are the direct result of the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, whose unwavering support has propelled Arabian horse racing into the international spotlight.
Now in its 32nd edition, the UAE President’s Cup Series continues to serve as a cultural and sporting bridge between nations, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Arabian horses. With each global leg—from France and Italy to the United States and now the Netherlands—the series underscores the enduring bond between tradition and modernity, culture and competition. As the starting gates open in The Hague, the UAE President’s Cup once again proves that Arabian horse racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a living legacy galloping across continents.
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