UAE President's Cup Arabian Horse Race Draws 15 Elite Contenders to Warsaw
Sep, 29 2025
When His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, approved the next stop of the prestigious UAE President's Cup, the Słuzewiec Racecourse in Warsaw became the buzzing hub of purebred Arabian racing on .
The 14th round of the 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses featured a record‑setting €200,000 purse – the richest Arabian‑only prize ever offered in Poland. Fifteen elite horses, each backed by international owners and top‑class riders, lined up at the historic track, turning a weekend of sport into a cultural showcase.
Historical backdrop: From Abu Dhabi to Central Europe
The Cup began in 1994 as a means for the UAE to showcase its centuries‑old bond with the Arabian horse. Over the decades, the series has grown into a pan‑European tour, stopping in France, Germany, the Czech Republic and, most recently, Poland. Musallam Al Amri, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, explained that "Poland is one of the most important stops in the Cup's European tour" because the country hosts a vibrant breeding community and attracts heavy media attention.
The race is part of the Central European Arabian Derby Festival, a week‑long celebration that includes dressage, breeding exhibitions, and academic seminars on equine genetics. The festival has become a magnet for collectors, with sales of purebred Arabian yearlings often spiking after the event.
Race‑day details: Who, what, and how the field shaped up
Each entrant arrived with a pedigree that reads like a who’s‑who of Arabian bloodlines. Among the front‑runners:
- Wally, ridden by Russian jockey A. Turgaev, boasted a streak of three consecutive wins in the Czech Derby.
- Power Bolt, under French‑Polish rider J. Marien, impressed with a fast‑closing finish in the German Arabian Cup.
- Katrain de Ghazal, partnered with French jockey M. Forest, carried a lineage traced to the legendary desert stallion Darley Arabian.
- Menwaal Al Shahania, guided by Poland’s own K. Grzybowski, represented the host nation’s breeding program and drew a large local crowd.
The track conditions were described as "firm but forgiving" after a brief afternoon drizzle, offering a perfect slip‑surface for the light‑footed Arabians. The starting gates opened at 2:30 p.m. local time, and the roar of the crowd echoed through the historic grandstand, a reminder that horse racing still holds a special place in Warsaw’s sporting calendar.
Quotes from the participants
After the race, Musallam Al Amri summed up the event’s significance: "The Cup represents the UAE's noble message to the world, highlighting our authentic heritage and our leadership's dedication to preserving and elevating the Arabian horse globally." He added that the Polish leg has "become a strong incentive for leading owners and stables worldwide to take part in this exceptional event."
Jockey A. Turgaev praised the track: "The surface here is unbelievably consistent. It lets the horse focus on the stride rather than fighting the ground." French trainer Jean‑Claude Leroux, who prepared Katrain de Ghazal, noted that the international mix of riders "creates a unique tactical puzzle that pushes each horse to its limits."
Economic and cultural ripple effects
The €200,000 purse isn’t just prize money; it’s a catalyst for investment. According to the Polish Equestrian Federation, registrations for Arabian breeding licences rose by 12 % in the quarter following the race. Local hotels reported a 20 % occupancy surge during the festival weekend, and vendors selling traditional Polish pastries alongside Arabian‑styled tents reported record sales.
Beyond dollars, the event deepens cultural ties. The Cup’s mission to "celebrate and safeguard the legacy of the Arabian horse" resonates with Poland’s own reverence for heritage breeds like the Konik. Collaborative workshops between Emirati and Polish veterinarians were held on‑site, focusing on genetic preservation techniques—a clear sign that the partnership extends beyond the track.
Looking ahead: What’s next for the Cup?
The next stop on the 2025‑2026 tour is slated for Budapest in early October, where a €250,000 purse will push the series to new financial heights. Organizers hinted at introducing a night‑race format, which could attract a younger audience and boost television viewership.
Meanwhile, breeders are already eyeing the upcoming Arabian Stud Book auction in Dubai, where several Warsaw‑based owners plan to showcase their winning mares. If the Warsaw turnout is any indication, the Cup will continue to be a springboard for both sporting excellence and cross‑continental business.
Key Facts
- Event: 14th round of the 32nd UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses
- Date: 28 September 2025
- Venue: Słuzewiec Racecourse, Warsaw, Poland
- Prize purse: €200,000 – the richest Arabian prize in Poland
- Participants: 15 horses, 4 international jockeys, multiple owners from the UAE, France, Russia, and Poland
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the UAE President's Cup benefit Polish Arabian breeders?
The €200,000 prize and international exposure attract elite owners to Polish stallions, driving demand for local breeding services. Registrations for Arabian licences rose 12 % after the race, and several Polish breeders secured new partnership contracts with UAE stables.
Who were the standout performers at the Warsaw race?
Wally, piloted by A. Turgaev, posted the fastest final 300 m, while Power Bolt, ridden by J. Marien, clinched second place after a dramatic late surge. Katrain de Ghazal, under M. Forest, finished a respectable fourth, proving the French breeding program's depth.
What role does Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan play in the Cup?
As Vice President of the UAE and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour sanctions the Cup’s funding and promotional strategy, ensuring the series aligns with the UAE’s cultural diplomacy goals.
When and where is the next leg of the series scheduled?
The next race will take place in early October 2025 at the Budapest Racecourse, featuring a €250,000 purse and a tentative night‑race format.
What significance does the Cup hold for the Arabian horse heritage?
The Cup showcases purebred Arabians on a global stage, reinforcing the breed’s historical importance as a symbol of Arab culture and as a cornerstone of equine sport worldwide.