Afjan Captures Thrilling Victory in 8th Leg of the UAE President’s Cup Series at Duindigt Turf Racecourse
THE HAGUE, 4th August, 2025 — In an exhilarating display of speed and stamina, Afjan, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, raced to victory in the 8th leg of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, at the Duindigt Turf Racecourse in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event forms part of the distinguished 32nd edition of the classic racing series.
With its ongoing expansion across Europe’s premier racecourses, the UAE President’s Cup has once again made a significant impact, earning recognition from the Dutch racing community for its exceptional calibre and competitive standards. This year’s edition also made history by hosting the richest Arabian horse race in Dutch history with a prize purse of US$100,000.
Contested over 2,150 metres, the Group 3 race attracted 11 elite entries representing leading European stables. The competition was open to horses aged four years and above, making it a true showcase of endurance and athleticism.
Afjan (TM Fred Texas × Muzoon), boasting a rating of 111, was expertly trained by J. de Mieulle Grijs and ridden by Olivier d’Andigné. In a dramatic finale, Afjan surged from the back field with a remarkable late charge, overtaking Al Zeer (Al Mamun Monlau × Assma Al Khalediah) by a neck. Al Zeer, owned by M.F.A.H. Al-Attiyah, trained by F. Rohaut Blauw, and ridden by G. Guedj-Gay, fought valiantly for second place. Ska de L’Aigle (Al Mourtajez × Sia), owned by M. Bousaif, trained by F. Rohaut Tot, and ridden by Jean Bernard Eyquem, secured third position. Afjan crossed the finish in 2:21.02 minutes, earning one of the most thrilling victories in the event’s Dutch history.
The prestigious event drew prominent attendees, including Ameirah Obaid Mohamed Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, who presented trophies to the winning connections.
Musallam Al Ameri, Member of the Higher Organising Committee:
“We take pride in the elevated competitive standing of the UAE President’s Cup Series, which continues to achieve outstanding success on a global scale. The Netherlands stage saw elite participation from top stables across Europe, which significantly raised the level of competition. The intense speed and strength throughout the race underscore the effort all owners are putting into being part of this prestigious classic series.”
He added:
“These achievements are a direct result of the generous support and strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, who has consistently championed the development of Arabian horse racing on the world stage. We are proud of the incredible atmosphere and wide acclaim that accompanied this race and congratulate all the winners and participants.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
