UAE President’s Cup Set for Doncaster Racecourse UK

The historic Doncaster Racecourse in the United Kingdom is preparing for a grand event this Saturday as it welcomes the 13th round of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses. This race is part of the Cup’s 32nd edition and is often seen as the crown jewel of the entire series. With a record-breaking prize purse and some of the finest Arabian horses from across Europe and the Middle East, this race promises to be one of the most exciting sporting spectacles of the year.

The Legacy of the UAE President’s Cup

The UAE President’s Cup was first introduced more than three decades ago with a clear mission — to protect the heritage of Arabian horses and to keep their legacy alive on the global stage. The Arabian horse, known for its strength, beauty, and loyalty, is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.

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Through this Cup, the United Arab Emirates has shown its deep commitment to supporting horse owners, breeders, and trainers while also making sure that Arabian horses continue to shine in the international spotlight. The Cup has now become one of the most respected and prestigious series in global horse racing.

Why the Doncaster Round is Special

Every round of the Cup is important, but the UK round at Doncaster holds a very special place. This race is part of the St. Leger Festival, one of the oldest and most famous racing festivals in Britain. By being included in such a historic event, the UAE President’s Cup gains a unique stage where Arabian horses can be celebrated alongside some of the best thoroughbred races in the world.

This year’s UK round has been described as a “Clash of the Strongest” because it brings together the finest young colts and fillies from Britain, France, and Qatar. These horses are not just racing for the prize — they are racing for pride, glory, and the chance to prove themselves as future champions.

A Record-Breaking Prize Purse

For the 2025 UK round, the Cup has made history by offering the largest prize money ever seen in Arabian horse racing in Britain and Europe. The total prize purse is £400,000, which has set a new standard for the sport.

The race is classified as a Group 1 event and will be run over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1.24 miles). Winning this race means more than just earning the money — it is about being part of Arabian horse racing history.

The Contenders: Eight Horses, One Crown

Eight outstanding horses will line up at Doncaster, representing some of the most respected stables in Europe and the Middle East. Let’s take a closer look at the runners and riders:

1. Libeau de Carrere (France)

• Trainer: Alban de Mieulle

• Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

• Owner: Wathnan Racing

• Details: Bred from Munjiz × Manara de Carrere, this horse is seen as one of the strongest contenders. With a world-class jockey like Barzalona in the saddle, Libeau de Carrere could very well take the crown.

2. Moneer (France)

• Trainer: Damien de Watrigant

• Jockey: Jean-Bernard Eyquem

• Owner: Wathnan Racing

• Details: Another star from Wathnan Racing, Moneer shares the same bloodline as Libeau de Carrere and promises to bring strong competition.

3. Al Dhiib (Qatar)

• Trainer: Thomas Fourcy

• Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim

• Owner: Al Shaqab Racing

• Details: Al Shaqab Racing won last year’s UK round with Mosail, and this year they return with Al Dhiib, a son of Azadi. The stable will be hoping to repeat their success.

4. Sheehan (Qatar)

• Trainer: Francois Rohaut

• Jockey: Tom Marquand

• Owner: Al Shaqab Racing

• Details: Another strong runner for Qatar, Sheehan is bred from Munjiz × Doha and will be guided by the experienced Tom Marquand.

5. Lino (France)

• Trainer: Eric Dell’ova

• Jockey: Olivier Peslier

• Owner: Yannick Schulze

• Details: Lino is one of the most talked-about horses this season. With Olivier Peslier, the only jockey to have won the UK round before (in 2019 with Hayyan and in 2024 with Mosail), this pairing has a strong advantage.

6. Murakib (UK)

• Trainer: Okba Ashour

• Jockey: Ray Dawson

• Owner: Faritz Racing

• Details: Representing the UK, Murakib comes with high hopes. Bred from Munjiz × Shayel Al Dhahabi, he will be looking to impress on home soil.

7. Madaoui (UK)

• Trainer: Charlie Wallis

• Jockey: George Wood

• Owner: Five Racing

• Details: Madaoui, bred from Azadi × Umm Ghuraybah, adds another strong UK presence in this race. With George Wood in the saddle, the team is hopeful of a surprise victory.

8. Hibkinada de Mazieres (UK)

• Trainer: James Owen

• Jockey: Marco Ghiani

• Owner: Oakwood Bloodstock

• Details: The third UK entry, Hibkinada de Mazieres, comes from the line of Hilal Al Zaman × Djenetile. This horse may not be the favorite, but surprises often happen in racing.

A Word from the Organizers

Speaking about the significance of this round, Aref Hamad Al Awani, a member of the Higher Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, said: “The UK round represents the summit of the annual calendar for this prestigious series. It reaffirms our valuable partnerships with iconic races and historic tracks. Participation in the legendary St. Leger Festival reflects the standing and prestige of the UAE President’s Cup, which has led the way for 32 years as one of the most distinguished and valuable classic races worldwide.”

His words highlight the importance of the Doncaster round, not just as a race but as a celebration of history, heritage, and international sporting friendship.

What Makes This Event Unique

• Global Participation: Horses from France, Qatar, and the UK are coming together, making it a truly international contest.

• Record Prize Money: The £400,000 purse is the biggest in Arabian racing history for Europe and Britain.

• Historic Venue: Doncaster Racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in the world, adding prestige to the event.

• Cultural Bridge: The Cup reflects the UAE’s efforts to connect its rich heritage with international sporting traditions.

The Excitement Ahead

As the countdown begins, fans of horse racing, breeders, and owners alike are eagerly waiting for Saturday’s race. Every horse in this line-up has shown skill and promise, but only one will walk away with the historic crown and the biggest share of the prize purse.

The UAE President’s Cup has always been more than just a race — it is about celebrating the Arabian horse, a symbol of pride and tradition. And with this Doncaster round, that celebration is set to reach new heights.