Thrilling UAE President’s Cup Set for Churchill Downs During Derby Week

This Thursday marks the exciting second leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, hosted at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Coinciding with the legendary Kentucky Derby, one of the most revered events in horse racing history, this global race series emphasizes the rich heritage and future of Arabian horse racing.

With the intention of fostering Arabian horse racing's presence on international tracks, this event underlines the UAE’s ongoing commitment to cultivating equestrian traditions worldwide.

Established in 1875, Churchill Downs provides an ideal backdrop for this elite competition, which is open to horses aged four years and older. Esteemed stables, top-tier horses, and renowned jockeys are anticipated to compete closely this year.

Offering a prize purse of $400,000 — the largest ever for Arabian racing in the U.S. — this Grade I race spans a distance of 2,000 metres. This marks the eighth occasion Churchill Downs has hosted a race in this distinguished series.

Simultaneously running with the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, gives Arabian horses a precious international showcase, allowing them to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience and garner extensive media coverage.

Defending champion Diamond Gem AA leads the competition, attempting to secure his third title and equal the all-time record. He will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Jeresto Torrez.

Other prominent contenders include WMA Wild Kisses, AA Take A Chance, Highh Stakes, Highh Country, RB Badonkadonk, WMA Grand Finale, WMA Smoke Signal, and Quick Rae AA.

Ruggeri Stables will also participate with a noteworthy lineup including AA Take A Chance, Highh Country, and Quick Rae AA, enhancing the race's depth and competitiveness.

Past champions in this American leg include Paddys Day, who holds the record with three wins (2016, 2020, 2021), alongside other notable competitors such as Quick And Rich, Quick Sand AA, and RB Texas Hold Em.

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the organizing committee, remarked that hosting this race at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby represents a significant milestone, underscoring the UAE President’s Cup's increasing global stature in promoting Arabian horse racing at elite levels.