The historic Doncaster Racecourse in the United Kingdom is playing host to the thirteenth leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses. This event serves as a central fixture in the 33rd edition of the series, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary celebrations of the renowned St Leger Festival.
Supported by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the series demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing the Arabian horse racing industry. This initiative aims to bolster owners and breeders globally while elevating the profile of Arabian horses at elite international venues.
The centerpiece of the event is the UAE Derby for Purebred Arabian Horses, a Group 1 race contested over 2,000 metres on turf. Open to four-year-old colts and fillies, the race carries a purse of £250,000, ranking it as the most valuable competition of its kind in Europe. Scheduled for 8:23pm UAE time, the race takes place on the closing day of the Anglo Arab Derby, drawing a premier field of horses that have excelled in Group 1 competition throughout the season.
Leading the contenders is Sab’aan Al Shahania, owned by Sheikha Iman Bint Mohammed Al Thani and trained by François Rohaut. Ridden by Stephane Pasquier, the French Arabian Derby champion is aiming for a rare double by securing the English title. Competition is expected to be fierce from Romeo AT, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte and ridden by Tom Marquand, who finished runner-up to Sab’aan Al Shahania in Chantilly and took third place in this race last year.
Other notable entries include Laffan, trained by François Rohaut and ridden by Maxime Guyon, who brings a strong pedigree of two Group 1 victories to the track. Representing the British contingent is Al Sharid, owned and trained by David Griffiths with John F. Egan in the saddle, who previously proved his skill over this distance at Doncaster. The field is rounded out by Ashj’aa, trained by Philip Collington, and Zayin Sentinel, prepared by the same trainer for the Red Dragon Racing Club.
The Doncaster leg holds a significant place in the series’ history, having previously crowned notable champions such as Hayyan, Hattal, Aabes, Al Dawha, Lusail, and last year’s winner, Libo de Carrere. This latest stop follows a successful meeting at Newbury on August 14, where the colt Eljas du Bienn, trained by Elisabeth Bernard Jean-François, secured victory in the Group 3 three-year-old race.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, highlighted the significance of the Doncaster date, noting that the venue’s rich heritage adds prestige to the 33rd edition. He expressed pride in the high caliber of international participation, which reflects the global technical value of the UK Derby.
Al Dhaheri further emphasized that hosting two legs in the United Kingdom this year demonstrates the cup’s growing reach and successful partnerships with historic racecourses. He noted that the initiative remains a direct reflection of Sheikh Mansour’s vision to strengthen the status of Arabian horses, support the breeder community, and showcase world-class talent on the most competitive international stages. The report also notes that amid anticipation of a strong contest bringing together a group of the most prominent horses to have proven themselves in Group 1 races this season, the race gets underway at 8:23pm (UAE time). The report also notes that among them Hayyan (2019) and Hattal (2020), both for Yas Horse Racing Management, Aabes, champion of the 2021 ed, the record of the Doncaster leg carries the names of some of the most prominent Purebred Arabian champions. The report also notes that which would make him only the fifth champion to achieve the double, he seeks to combine the French and English Derby titles. The report also notes that among them Hayyan (2019) and Hattal (2020), both for Yas Horse Racing Management, Aabes, champion of the 2021 edition, Al Dawha, crowned in 2023, Lusail, champion of 2024, and Libo de Carrere, who claimed the title of last year’s edition, confirming the considerable technical value of the race and its role in, the record of the Doncaster leg carries the names of some of the most prominent Purebred Arabian champions. The report also notes that producing champions who continue their presence at the world’s most important events.
