30 July 2016, Ostend, Belgium ~ The Group 3 UAE President Cup to be run at Hippodrome Wellington, Ostend, Belgium, on Monday 15 August, has attracted an international field of 14 Purebred Arabians.
The 1600m event, for which the prize money of Euro30,000 is funded by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, welcomes horses from four different racing jurisdictions in what looks a highly competitive renewal of the race, eligible to four-year-olds and upwards.
Leading French-based trainer Elizabeth Bernard travels two to Belgium, including the seven-year-old Al Mahdod, the mount of Faleh Bughenaim, while stablemate Al Nashmi will be partnered by French-based rider Thomas Messina. Both Bernard runners are owned by Qatari operation Al Shaqab Racing.
British-based trainer Beverley Deutrom is also double-handed, with her veteran Maghazi, the winner of races in three different countries, leading the charge under jockey Nathan Kasztelan. The other Deutrom runner, Lou Raynal, is the least exposed of the pair, having finished second in a maiden at Newbury in the UK on his most recent start.
Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary for The President of the UAE Cup Programme, was delighted by the race’s strength in depth.
“We are very pleased to be returning to Belgium with the UAE President Cup Series, and that our race has attracted such an international line-up,” he commented. “We should have an exciting race, and wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”
Nelly Philippot, Chairwoman of the Arabian Racing Club of Belgium, was also pleased with the way in which the race has been received by owners and trainers. “This year’s President Cup received the most entries ever and we have the biggest line-up of horses yet,” she said. “This alone shows the popularity and prestige of the UAE President Cup Series. The list of starters is of a particularly high standard, with offspring of the most renowned stallions in the Arabian racing world, including Munjiz, Majd Al Arab, Dormane and Dahess. I expect the race will be tough to win and I am thrilled to bring such a field together thanks to the support of our sponsors from Abu Dhabi.”
~ end supplied report