Cover image courtesy of Abu Dhabi Turf Club
All eyes turn to 6 December, when Abu Dhabi Turf Club will host one of its richest and most prestigious raceday events of the season. The Group 1 UAE President Cup, the card carries AED 10.8 million (AU$4.44 million) in prize money and attracts the finest Arabian Purebreds and top international jockeys.
Alongside the headline race, an exciting Thoroughbred contest named the HH The President Cup this Saturday offers a glimpse of the quality and depth expected for the inaugural Thoroughbred Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in February. Together, these events highlight the UAE’s equestrian heritage and showcase the Turf Club’s ambition to expand its international racing programme.
The 33rd UAE President Cup
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 33rd UAE President Cup is the crown jewel of Purebred Arabian racing, uniting champion horses, leading trainers, and top jockeys from across the Middle East, Europe and America. The event showcases the United Arab Emirates' enduring bond with the Arabian horse, blending elite sport with national pride and cultural heritage.
Abu Dhabi Turf Club’s 2025–2026 season reaches its peak with the running of the 33rd UAE President Cup and the inaugural Thoroughbred Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in February, creating a Grand Finale weekend that underscores the United Arab Emirates' stature on the global equestrian stage.
The Barrier Draw Press Conference has already confirmed starting positions, with AED 10.8 million (AU$4.44 million) in prize money offered throughout the card, the UAE President Cup raceday is the richest of the Abu Dhabi Turf Club season.
Saturday’s strong card
On Saturday December 6, the 33rd UAE President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses headlines a strong card of racing. The Group 1 2200-metre feature attracts the finest Arabian Purebreds and world-class riders and the card also includes the Group 3 Yass Sprint, the UAE Breeders Cup, the Abu Dhabi Derby and the Thoroughbred HH The President Cup run over 1400 metres.
First inaugurated in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Cup continues to honour the Arabian horse and safeguard a heritage central to the nation’s identity.
His Excellency Eng. Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club, noted that the leadership’s support has been vital in enhancing the Arabian Purebred’s global prominence.
H.E. Ali Al Shaiba and H.E. Faisal Al Rahmani | Image courtesy of Abu Dhabi Turf Club
He said: “At Abu Dhabi Turf Club, we are proud to host the President of the UAE Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses every year. This cherished occasion reflects the deep-rooted place of the Arabian horse in the hearts of the Emirati people and strengthens their connection to the heritage of racing.”
He added: “For more than three decades, this prestigious Cup has carried a proud message of our society’s enduring equestrian values. It remains the world’s premier stage for Arabian Purebred racing, bringing together the finest horses, renowned owners, elite jockeys, and top trainers, all competing for the honour of lifting this coveted title.”
Big plans ahead for Thoroughbreds
The Executive Director of Racing at Abu Dhabi Turf Club is Dayle Brown, and he has previously been the Chief Racing Officer of the Singapore Turf Club. He is excited about the future at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, in particular, the steps towards becoming a bigger force in Thoroughbred Racing.
“The club is looking at adapting its strategy. It has a rich, long history in Purebred Arabian horses, and the UAE President Cup really is the top in the world,” Brown commented.
Dayle Brown | Image courtesy of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
“The club is taking a strategic view at offering and building up their Thoroughbred programme, and have introduced a new Listed race to be held on 7 February - the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup over the mile distance that will be worth US$1 million (AU$1.51 million).”
“Strategically, we think it is in a great spot to ducktail into Dubai and their carnival, with a turf race over a mile, so horses can step up in distance and stay on the grass leading up to Dubai rather than running on dirt in other GCC countries.
“It’s exciting, and we will be building up that day to make it a really big event, and the race should be of very high quality with good international interest.”
“It’s exciting, and we will be building up that day to make it a really big event, and the race should be of very high quality with good international interest.” - Dayle Brown
Thoroughbreds do currently play their part
As it stands, Abu Dhabi Turf Club hosts 16 fixtures across the local winter in the 2025–2026 season, with the major emphasis on Purebred Arabian racing. Thoroughbreds do already feature in a minor role, but their prominence is expected to rise.
“Currently in our meetings we have five Purebred races and two Thoroughbred races each raceday. On 7 February, that will change to four Purebred and three Thoroughbred races, and that may continue to be more even in years to come,” Brown said.
“With the introduction of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in February, we are already seeing the benefits. The Thoroughbred HH The President Cup on Saturday has drawn a really strong field, with horses having to be rated 100+ to be guaranteed a run. It is a very strong race and holds a great spot on the racecard.”
Michael Costa has a runner
For Australians, the The Thoroughbred HH The President Cup may not be familiar, but there are some notable links. Among the 20 runners (including emergencies) are progeny by stallions who do, or have shuttled to Australia, including Too Darn Hot (GB), the legendary Dubawi (Ire), Shamardal (USA), Caravaggio (USA), Blue Point (Ire), and New Approach (Ire).
Michael Costa | Image courtesy of ARM Racing
Former Australian trainer Michael Costa, doing such a good job now in Dubai, trains Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Regheeb (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), while Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby prepares the up-and-coming Indian Springs (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}).
The international jockey line-up needs no introduction, featuring Silvestre De Sousa, James Doyle, and Christophe Soumillon.
Having a taste of the track could be advantageous
Trainers are also keen to gain experience on Abu Dhabi’s unique turf ahead of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in February. The track is unique and and any experience on the turf prior can be looked as being a potential advantage or at least of benefit with it's tight-turning nature.
“People are aware of the potential benefit of getting a run on the surface before the Gold Cup. It is a tight track, it plays fair, but being a front-runner can be advantageous,” Brown said.
“It is a tight track, it plays fair, but being a front-runner can be advantageous.” - Dayle Brown
“I would describe it as being like Happy Valley compared to Sha Tin, or even a bit like Moonee Valley - being on pace can be an advantage, especially for favoured runners.”
When asked about the long-term potential for Thoroughbred expansion at Abu Dhabi Turf Club, Brown added:
“The club places a big importance on Purebreds with its rich history and culture, but they also understand that to get full international presence, they need Thoroughbreds and need to continue to develop and evolve. They are, and it is very exciting times ahead for the club.”
