Al Wakrah Secures Thrilling Victory in Spanish Leg of UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses
In a landmark moment for Purebred Arabian racing, Al Wakrah, representing Al Shaqab Racing, surged to victory in the Spanish leg of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses. The historic win was celebrated at the iconic San Sebastián Racecourse in Spain’s Basque region on Friday, 15 August 2025. Drawn by the event’s growing prestige, over 12,000 spectators witnessed the ninth leg of the 32nd edition of this world-renowned Arabian horse racing series.
The success of the race is a testimony to the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. His ongoing commitment has consistently elevated Purebred Arabian horses to dominate the global stage, further solidifying the UAE President’s Cup as an internationally celebrated fixture.
The seven-year-old mare Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab), under trainer Jean de Mieulle and the tactical ride of Olivier d’Andigné, triumphed in style in the highly-anticipated €200,000 Group 3 race over 1,600 metres—marking it as the richest Arabian race ever staged in Spain. Holding back with patience for much of the contest, Al Wakrah unleashed a powerful final 400-metre sprint on the home straight to capture first place with a finish time of 1:42.67 minutes, achieving the ninth victory of her competitive career.
The quality field saw Lino (AF Albahar x Azza by Kerbela) claim second place, with Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand) in third, in a race that showcased some of Europe’s finest Arabian talents aged four years and above.
The trophy presentation was graced by 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, Mayor of San Sebastián.
Faisal Al Rahmani commented:
“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. This historic milestone reflects the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at positioning Purebred Arabian horse racing among the world’s premier international competitions. Spain’s round has reinforced the Cup’s role as a global attraction for the Arabian horse industry, driving development, sustainability, and the preservation of the breed’s noble heritage, while enhancing its breeding and ownership worldwide.”
With this remarkable display, the UAE President’s Cup Series continues to underscore its standing as a global showcase for Purebred Arabian horse racing and a driver of the breed’s rich legacy into the future.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
