Royal Guests and Racing Drama: The UAE President Cup Final Lights Up Abu Dhabi

Royal attendance sets a formal tone at Abu Dhabi Turf Club

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the final of the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arab Thoroughbreds at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, and was joined at the event by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. Their presence turned the evening into more than a sporting fixture: it became a public moment for owners, trainers and breeders to meet senior patrons and to celebrate the region’s long relationship with Arabian horses. Organisers dressed the occasion with a short formal programme around the main race, while guests took in the trackside view and a carefully staged presentation for the winners.

Close racing and a finale that kept the crowd watching

The final itself delivered on the promise of drama. A field of well-known Arab thoroughbreds ran a tactical race, with jockeys keeping their mounts calm in the early stages before making decisive moves in the home straight. The contest featured a quick mid-race tempo, a challenge from an outside runner, and a last-minute surge that had spectators on their feet. Attention also fell on a few standout horses that had dominated earlier rounds; they met stiff competition from younger challengers who closed hard late.

Outside of the final, the card included supporting races that highlighted local stables and regional bloodlines. Trainers said the track was in good condition and that the schedule allowed horses to peak for the main event. For many fans the mix of close finishes and visible skill from jockeys was the evening’s most striking feature.

Winners crowned and honours distributed

The champion of the final crossed the line by a narrow margin after a late push from its jockey. Prize money and trophies were presented in a short ceremony that followed the race, with the winning connections photographed alongside the VIP guests. Runners-up and place finishers were acknowledged, and a few records for attendance and competition marks were noted by the organisers as highlights for the 33rd edition.

While times and official statistics were published by the Turf Club, the most talked-about result was the way the top three finished in a tight pack — a reminder that Arabian-bred racing in the UAE often produces close, tactical contests rather than runaway wins.

From tradition to modern sport: the cup’s place in Abu Dhabi

The UAE President Cup has run for more than three decades and has become a staple of the local racing calendar. It is seen as both a test of breeding quality and a showcase for owners who invest in Arab bloodlines. The Abu Dhabi Turf Club plays a central role: it stages the event, manages entries and provides a controlled setting where tradition and sport converge.

Sheikh Mansour’s long-standing patronage of equestrian sport gives the cup extra visibility. Under his support, racing has received steady investment in facilities and prize funds, which has encouraged owners from inside and outside the emirate to bring high-quality horses. That steady backing has helped the event keep its status in a crowded calendar of regional horse races.

Why the race matters to Abu Dhabi beyond the finish line

The event is more than a weekend of races. For Abu Dhabi it is a cultural showcase that ties modern sport to Bedouin and Emirati heritage. It also plays a role in local sports policy by promoting breeding, training and veterinary standards that support a small but visible industry around horse racing.

On a civic level, such events offer a chance for public diplomacy and internal ceremony: they bring together officials, business figures and the public in a setting that is festive but carefully managed. In short, the President Cup helps stitch together local identity, economic activity and sporting pride.

Voices from the track and notes for reporters

Organisers thanked everyone who took part. “We are proud to host the 33rd edition and to see such strong competition,” an event official said, noting the contribution of trainers, jockeys and owners. A representative for the winning stable described the triumph as the result of steady planning and careful conditioning for the final.

Organisers reported healthy attendance for the final and confirmed that the event was covered by regional broadcasters and accredited media. They also announced that future fixtures and training sessions will continue under the Turf Club calendar and that dates for next season will be released in due course. Photo and broadcast embargo windows were handled on site; visiting reporters were asked to follow the Turf Club’s media guidance for image use and accreditation.

Sources