Casablanca: The Casablanca Anfa dirt racecourse in the Kingdom of Morocco will host the fourteenth leg of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses tomorrow, within the calendar of the 33rd edition of the Prestigious Cup, with 17 horses representing elite studs and owners from Morocco, the Arab world, and Europe taking part.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Cup series continues its global tour within a vision aimed at elevating the standing of the Purebred Arabian horse and strengthening its presence at the most prominent international racecourses. This initiative supports owners and breeders, encouraging them to acquire and breed Arabian horses, and contributes to the development of its racing industry around the world.
The Morocco leg is run over 1,900 meters on dirt, in the Group 3 category, open to Purebred Arabian horses aged four years and above. The event anticipates a competitive meeting with a distinguished group of horses seeking to claim the title of the Prestigious Cup.
This leg is part of the second edition of the UAE-Moroccan Festival, staged under the patronage of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses series and comprising eight races. It reflects a distinguished partnership and cooperation supporting Arabian horse racing and strengthening its presence in Morocco.
Leading the Emirati presence, Yas Horse Racing Management fields a strong pairing. So'ud, trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Alexandre Gavilan, and Tariq, trained by Damien de Watrigant and ridden by Fabrice Veron, both aim to continue the successes of the Yas horses at prominent Arab and international racecourses.
Contenders include Moshrif, owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, and ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, carrying top weight of 62 kg. Moshrif aims to make a strong impression and contest the Morocco leg title.
Buraak, carrying the colors of Al Leith Racing, trained by Ali Mohamed and ridden by Mohcine Lafram, is also among the horses expected to deliver a strong performance at the Anfa summit.
Additional competitors such as Mugheer, Wabil, Weld Zinat, Al Mambir Fal, HM Barez, Matrix Al Ashai, Nahim, Ghadi Atlas, Bayane LK, Sala'ah, Shan, Yaaini Fal, and Zayiyr add depth to the race, raising the competitive standard for the title of the fourteenth leg.
The Morocco leg holds considerable importance within the Prestigious Cup's race calendar, given Morocco's leading role in Arabian horse breeding and production. The deep-rooted fraternal and historic relations between the UAE and Morocco have fostered joint cooperation in equestrian sport and horse racing.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, expressed pride in the strong participation of the Morocco leg, highlighting the Prestigious Cup's standing among owners and breeders. He noted the significance of the Casablanca Anfa Racecourse as a prominent venue supporting the journey of the Arabian horse in the region.
He emphasized that the UAE-Moroccan Festival is a platform for strengthening joint cooperation and supporting owners and breeders through a program of races aimed at developing the Arabian horse racing industry and providing strong contests for elite horses and studs. Al Dhaheri looks forward to a successful leg that adds to the 33rd edition's journey and values the cooperation with Morocco in organizing and hosting the event, enhancing the standing of the Arabian horse on prominent racecourses.