Istanbul: RB Mary Lylah (USA), carrying the silks of Wathnan Racing, was crowned champion of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in its 12th stop of the 32nd edition, hosted at Istanbul's Veliefendi Racecourse on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the prestigious series 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, as part of the UAE's vision to elevate the status of the Purebred Arabian horse and enhance its global presence on the world's leading racecourses.
RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez x Rich Kinkga), trained by Albain de Mieulle and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, delivered a performance, cruising to victory over 1,600 meters (Group 3) for 3-year-olds and up. Facing a competitive field of 12 representing Trkiye's strongest studs, she secured the USD 250,000 purse - the richest in the history of Purebred Arabian racing in Trkiye.
The five-year-old mare completed the race in 1:46:91, finishing seven lengths clear of runner-up Kati Zamani, with Kralkarinca in third place. The victory adds to her record of 12 wins and two second-place finishes from 16 career starts, reaffirming her international standing.
The event was attended by Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Trkiye, and Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, alongside a large audience. The race formed a key highlight of the Istanbul Horse Festival, underscoring the Cup's value and standing among Arabian horse owners and breeders in Trkiye.
On this occasion, Musallam Al Amri, Member of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, stated: 'We are proud of the global value and reputation of the UAE President's Cup races, which continue to travel across continents. The success and reception of the Trkiye race reflect the wise leadership's commitment to supporting Arabian horse owners and breeders around the world. This ensures the breed's status, reaching the ranks of the global racing scene and featuring at international festivals and racecourses.'
He added: 'We extend our thanks to Istanbul Veliefendi Racecourse for their welcome, organization, and the atmosphere that reflects the Cup's stature and leadership at racetracks worldwide. The UAE's commitment to supporting the Arabian horse community embodies its mission of building bridges of communication and cultural exchange, while reflecting the nation's heritage with countries around the globe.'