emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the global stature of Purebred Arabian racing. This was highlighted as *Al Wakrah*, owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, captured victory in the Spanish leg of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses.
The race was staged on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the historic San Sebastián Racecourse in Spain’s Basque region, serving as the ninth stop of the 32nd edition of the prestigious Cup.
The Spanish round drew more than 12,000 spectators, reinforcing the Cup’s standing as one of the most renowned and internationally respected Arabian horse racing events. This achievement reflects the vision and unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has been instrumental in elevating Purebred Arabian horses to world-class platforms.
*Al Wakrah* (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab), a seven-year-old mare trained by Jean de Mieulle and expertly ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, produced a brilliant performance to secure the €200,000 Group 3 race over 1,600 metres — the richest Arabian race ever held in Spain.
Displaying tactical restraint, *Al Wakrah* settled behind the leaders before accelerating powerfully in the final 400 metres, surging clear in the home straight to clinch victory in 1:42.67 minutes. The triumph marked her ninth career win and further underlined her class on the international stage.
Runner-up honors went to *Lino* (AF Albahar x Azza by Kerbela), while *Extra Time* (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand) claimed third place, rounding off a high-calibre contest featuring some of Europe’s top Arabian horses aged four and above.
The winners were celebrated in the presence of 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.
Commenting on the occasion, Faisal Al Rahmani stated:
“We take pride in the resounding success of the UAE President’s Cup’s debut in Spain, which exceeded expectations both in the quality of competition and the remarkable turnout of over 12,000 fans. This milestone is a true reflection of the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has worked tirelessly to position Purebred Arabian horse racing among the world’s elite sporting events.
The Spanish round has reaffirmed the Cup’s role as a global showcase for the Arabian horse industry, advancing its growth, sustainability, and heritage preservation, while promoting breeding and ownership on an international scale.”
The race was staged on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the historic San Sebastián Racecourse in Spain’s Basque region, serving as the ninth stop of the 32nd edition of the prestigious Cup.
The Spanish round drew more than 12,000 spectators, reinforcing the Cup’s standing as one of the most renowned and internationally respected Arabian horse racing events. This achievement reflects the vision and unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has been instrumental in elevating Purebred Arabian horses to world-class platforms.
*Al Wakrah* (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab), a seven-year-old mare trained by Jean de Mieulle and expertly ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, produced a brilliant performance to secure the €200,000 Group 3 race over 1,600 metres — the richest Arabian race ever held in Spain.
Displaying tactical restraint, *Al Wakrah* settled behind the leaders before accelerating powerfully in the final 400 metres, surging clear in the home straight to clinch victory in 1:42.67 minutes. The triumph marked her ninth career win and further underlined her class on the international stage.
Runner-up honors went to *Lino* (AF Albahar x Azza by Kerbela), while *Extra Time* (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand) claimed third place, rounding off a high-calibre contest featuring some of Europe’s top Arabian horses aged four and above.
The winners were celebrated in the presence of 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.
Commenting on the occasion, Faisal Al Rahmani stated:
“We take pride in the resounding success of the UAE President’s Cup’s debut in Spain, which exceeded expectations both in the quality of competition and the remarkable turnout of over 12,000 fans. This milestone is a true reflection of the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has worked tirelessly to position Purebred Arabian horse racing among the world’s elite sporting events.
The Spanish round has reaffirmed the Cup’s role as a global showcase for the Arabian horse industry, advancing its growth, sustainability, and heritage preservation, while promoting breeding and ownership on an international scale.”