On August 30, 2025, the Kazan International Equestrian Complex in Russia will stage the tenth round of the 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, drawing global attention to one of the sport’s most prestigious Group 1 contests.
Kazan set for tenth leg showdown with $100,000 Group 1 race
The upcoming race in Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is the latest leg in the internationally renowned UAE President’s Cup Series. Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, it marks the tenth round of the 32nd edition of the series. A total of 16 elite Purebred Arabian horses will line up for the Group 1 race, covering a distance of 1,800 metres, with $100,000 in prize money at stake. Among the top entrants is Saher (Nizam x Jezabelle by Dormane), a notable name with two previous wins in the same series — in 2021 and 2023, and owned by Edward Mardukhovich. Also featured in the entry list are:
- Tawfiq (General x Rolly Polly by Valina Des Fabries)
- Voskhod Tersk Medni Maximus
- Gargamel
- Snow Storm Tersk
- Bovola
- Stark
- Podarok Tersk
- Gavot
- Undertaker
- Savab
- Nimbus Tersk
- Windhoek
- Makhram
- Devonshire Tersk
Ahead of the race, Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, expressed appreciation for the strong UAE–Russia collaboration in hosting this event:“We take pride in the distinguished UAE–Russia partnership, which has delivered notable successes and inspiring milestones, driving the continuity of this important round of the Cup. Hosting the tenth leg in Tatarstan at the Kazan International Equestrian Complex demonstrates our commitment to engaging Arabian horse owners and breeders, while reinforcing the importance of the Russian market to the global Arabian horse industry.” He also highlighted Kazan’s consistent role in the series:“Kazan has welcomed the UAE President’s Cup in recent years with impressive organisation, enthusiastic crowds, and a vibrant atmosphere. We look forward to further building on these achievements, inspiring owners and breeders, and providing opportunities for wider participation. The presence of leading Russian studs this year underscores the global prestige and respect the UAE President’s Cup enjoys.”
About the UAE President’s Cup Series
Established in 1994, the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses was envisioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace). His aim was to elevate the Purebred Arabian horse’s stature while honouring the cultural and equestrian traditions of the UAE on an international platform. Today, the series stands as one of the most important and historic classic races in Arabian horse racing, with participation from elite horse owners, trainers, and jockeys worldwide. Key features of the series include:
- Total prize pool exceeding AED 15 million (≈ USD 4.08 million), the highest in the sport’s history
- Races conducted across 17 countries
- Participation of top-tier horses trained and ridden by international professionals
- Events hosted at iconic and historically significant racecourses
The series continues under the guidance and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The initiative aligns with several core goals:
- Promoting and expanding the Arabian horse racing industry globally
- Offering continued support to breeders and owners around the world
- Enhancing programmes for the breeding and acquisition of Purebred Arabian horses
- Preserving equestrian heritage and cultural authenticity
Recent highlights: Al Wakrah triumphs in Spain
Earlier this month, on August 15, 2025, the ninth round of the 32nd UAE President’s Cup Series was held at San Sebastián Racecourse in the Basque region of Spain. The €200,000 (Approx. $2,33,640) Group 3 race, the richest Arabian race in Spain, was contested over 1,600 metres and witnessed an attendance of more than 12,000 spectators. The race was won by Al Wakrah, a seven-year-old mare bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, she secured victory with a strong finish, completing the race in 1:42.67 minutes after a decisive push in the final 400 metres. The full podium for the Spanish leg was as follows:
- Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida by Majd Al Arab)
- Lino (AF Albahar x Azza by Kerbela)
- Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand)
This win served as another milestone in the ongoing success of the Cup, further reinforcing the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote Purebred Arabian racing on a global scale.
