Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The eleventh stop of the President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses took place yesterday at the Waregem racecourse in Belgium, forming part of the 32nd edition of this prestigious Cup series. The horse Al Zeer delivered an outstanding performance, claiming first place in the race and capturing the attention of horse racing enthusiasts from across Europe. This victory further highlights the UAE’s success and presence in international Arabian horse competitions.
Strong European Attendance at the Event
The President’s Cup races are well-known across Europe, drawing large crowds to celebrate the tradition and heritage of Arabian horse racing. At the Waregem racecourse, approximately 50,000 spectators attended, filling the stands with excitement and anticipation. These races are considered highly prestigious and valuable, attracting elite breeders, horse owners, and professional jockeys from multiple countries.
About the Champion Horse Al Zeer
Al Zeer is a five-year-old Arabian horse with strong lineage, descended from Al Mamoun Monlau x Asma Al Khalidiya Bint Amer. The horse is owned by Mohammed bin Fahad Al Attiyah, trained by François Roho, and ridden by jockey Luca Delozier. Al Zeer competed in the third category, which includes horses aged four years and older. The race covered a distance of 2,170 meters and offered a prize of 200,000 euros for the winner.
The Exciting Race Moments
The competition was intense from the start. Another horse, Go Star, offspring of Al Murtajaz x Just Del Vallot Bint Jorman and owned by Nasser Hilal Al Alawi, led most of the race. Go Star maintained the lead until the final meters, showcasing strong speed and stamina. However, in a dramatic finish, Al Zeer surged ahead in the last moments, achieving a spectacular victory.
Finishing Times and Results
Al Zeer completed the race in 2 minutes, 24.01 seconds, narrowly beating Go Star, who finished just a neck behind in second place. Nabuku Al Mouri (Asi x Nimozi Al Mouri Bint Kasproi) came in third. The tight finish added excitement for spectators and emphasized the high level of competition in this prestigious event.
Distinguished Guests at the Event
The Belgian leg of the President’s Cup attracted many important figures. His Excellency Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Arabian Horses, attended the race. Other dignitaries included Khalid Al Qaidi, representative of the UAE Embassy in Belgium, and Nelly Philippou Herrmann, President of the Belgian Arabian Horse Federation. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event in promoting Arabian horse culture internationally.
UAE Officials Praise the Event’s Success
His Excellency Muslim Al Ameri, member of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the President’s Cup Arabian Horse Racing Series, expressed pride in the success of the Belgian leg of the Cup. He emphasized the strong public attendance, the high technical and competitive level of the race, and the participation of elite horse owners and breeders. These factors demonstrate the Cup’s value and prestige within Europe and the Arabian horse community.
Contribution to Arabian Horse Heritage
According to His Excellency Muslim Al Ameri, the achievements of the Belgian leg of the President’s Cup serve as an incentive to enhance future events. He congratulated Mohammed bin Fahad Al Attiyah for the win, noting that Al Zeer’s victory is a major milestone in the horse’s career. He also highlighted the event’s role in promoting the legacy of Arabian horses over the past 32 years, contributing to their continued development and recognition globally.
Significance for Horse Owners and Breeders
The Cup not only offers exciting competition but also strengthens relationships among owners, breeders, and trainers. It provides a platform for showcasing top-quality Arabian horses and for exchanging best practices in training and breeding. Events like this contribute to raising standards in Arabian horse racing and encourage investment in the sport, both in Belgium and internationally.
Al Zeer’s Exceptional Performance
Al Zeer’s performance was remarkable due to the horse’s speed, agility, and endurance. Despite trailing behind Go Star for most of the race, Al Zeer’s strong finish allowed it to snatch victory in the final moments. The win demonstrates the quality of training and breeding behind Al Zeer, reflecting the care and expertise of the owner, trainer, and jockey.
Promoting Arabian Horse Culture in Europe
The Belgian stop of the President’s Cup plays an important role in promoting Arabian horse heritage across Europe. By attracting a large audience and elite competitors, the event helps increase awareness of Arabian horses’ cultural and historical significance. It also provides opportunities for European audiences to experience the beauty, power, and elegance of these horses firsthand.
Future of the President’s Cup
The success of the Belgian leg of the President’s Cup sets a high standard for future races. Organizers aim to continue improving competition quality, public engagement, and international recognition. By celebrating winners like Al Zeer, the series encourages continued excellence in breeding, training, and racing, ensuring the Cup remains one of the most prestigious events in the international Arabian horse racing calendar.
Celebrating Excellence in Horse Racing
Al Zeer’s victory in the Belgian President’s Cup is a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of everyone involved in the Arabian horse racing world. The event brought together thousands of spectators, distinguished guests, and elite competitors, showcasing the prestige and significance of Arabian horses in Europe. Al Zeer’s performance adds to the horse’s career achievements and inspires future generations of breeders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts.
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