His Highness Sheikh Mansour Leads Al Wakrah to Spanish Victory

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, continues to lead the global rise of Purebred Arabian horse racing. This leadership was clearly visible as Al Wakrah, a top-quality Arabian mare owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, won the Spanish round of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses.

The race was held on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the historic San Sebastián Racecourse, located in the beautiful Basque region of Spain. This Spanish round represented the ninth stop in the 32nd edition of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup Series, which is considered one of the most important international competitions for Purebred Arabian horses.

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Historic Race and Large Audience

The Spanish leg of the UAE President’s Cup attracted an impressive crowd of over 12,000 spectators, showing how popular and respected the competition has become. This turnout highlights the growing international recognition of the Cup and the global admiration for Arabian horse racing. It also demonstrates how the UAE, under the vision and support of Sheikh Mansour, has elevated the status of Purebred Arabian horses to the highest international stages.

The race was held in a festive atmosphere, with horse racing enthusiasts, breeders, and fans gathering from across Europe to witness this historic event. The presence of thousands of spectators not only created excitement but also emphasized the importance of Arabian horse racing as a sport that combines tradition, elegance, and competitive spirit.

Al Wakrah’s Exceptional Performance

Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab), a seven-year-old mare, gave a spectacular performance that impressed everyone watching. Trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by the skilled jockey Olivier d’Andigné, Al Wakrah demonstrated her class and experience during the €200,000 Group 3 race, covering a distance of 1,600 metres. Notably, this race was the richest Arabian horse race ever held in Spain, adding further prestige to her victory.

Al Wakrah’s race strategy was remarkable. She maintained a patient and tactical position behind the leaders throughout most of the race. With 400 metres remaining, she made a decisive move, surging forward along the home straight. Her power and speed allowed her to pull ahead and cross the finish line in 1:42.67 minutes, marking her ninth career win. This victory was a clear demonstration of her outstanding talent and training, proving her ability to compete successfully on an international level.

Close Competition and Other Top Finishers

The race featured Europe’s finest Arabian horses aged four years and above, making it a highly competitive event. Following Al Wakrah, Lino (AF Albahar x Azza by Kerbela) secured second place, while Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand) finished third. The high quality of all participants highlighted the international standard of the UAE President’s Cup and reinforced its reputation as a world-class competition.

Prestigious Ceremony and Honored Guests

The winners were celebrated in a formal ceremony attended by distinguished guests. These included Ibrahim Ali Al Nuaimi, Chargé d’Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Spain; Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series; and Eneko Goia, the Mayor of San Sebastián. Their presence reflected the significance of the event and its contribution to promoting international relations through sport and culture.

Faisal Al Rahmani spoke about the historic success of the Spanish debut of the UAE President’s Cup. He said, “We are proud of the outstanding success of the Spanish debut of the UAE President’s Cup, which achieved great results both in terms of the quality of participation and the impressive attendance of more than 12,000 spectators.”

He added that the event reflects the vision and guidance of Sheikh Mansour, aimed at positioning Purebred Arabian horse racing among the world’s premier international competitions.

Sheikh Mansour’s Global Vision

Under Sheikh Mansour’s leadership, the UAE has made significant strides in promoting Arabian horse racing on a global scale. His efforts have helped transform the sport from a regional tradition into an international phenomenon. Through initiatives such as the UAE President’s Cup Series, Arabian horses are now showcased in multiple countries, gaining international recognition for their beauty, speed, and endurance.

Sheikh Mansour’s vision is not only about competition but also about preserving the heritage of the Purebred Arabian horse. By supporting top breeding programs and world-class racing events, he ensures that the breed continues to thrive, maintaining its noble characteristics while promoting sustainability in the horse racing industry.

International Impact of the UAE President’s Cup

The UAE President’s Cup has become a major global attraction for Arabian horse enthusiasts. With each international leg, including Spain, the competition contributes to the development of the sport, encourages sustainable breeding practices, and promotes ownership of Arabian horses worldwide. The Spanish event, in particular, has reinforced the Cup’s status as a competition that unites cultures and showcases the elite standards of Purebred Arabian horse racing.

The success of Al Wakrah in Spain marks an important milestone in the 32nd edition of the UAE President’s Cup Series. It reflects the dedication of breeders, trainers, and jockeys, and highlights the growing international appeal of Arabian horse racing. This achievement not only honors the skill of the horses and riders but also underscores the vision and leadership of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in bringing the UAE’s heritage to the global stage.

As the UAE President’s Cup continues to travel to different countries, it will further strengthen international relations, promote the sport of Arabian horse racing, and inspire future generations to appreciate the elegance and history of these magnificent horses.

Al Wakrah’s victory in the Spanish leg of the UAE President’s Cup is more than just a racing win. It represents the vision, dedication, and leadership of Sheikh Mansour in elevating Purebred Arabian horses to a globally recognized platform. The impressive turnout, the high-quality competition, and the international attention all highlight the growing importance of this prestigious event. As the series progresses, Arabian horse racing continues to capture hearts around the world, combining tradition, excellence, and international sportsmanship.

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