ABU DHABI, 27th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Colt Buraak claimed the title of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in the second international race of the Cup's 32nd edition, held at the Anfa sand racetrack in Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday, as part of the UAE-Moroccan Festival.

The UAE President's Cup series is held under the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to elevate the status of purebred Arabian horses, promote their presence in the global racing scene, support owners and breeders worldwide, and encourage the acquisition and breeding of Arabian horses.

Buraak, a colt sired by (Mahabb x Shumoos), owned and trained by Daissaoui Mohamed, bred by YAS Horse Racing Management, and ridden by jockey Faddoul Abderrahim, delivered a commanding and exceptional performance, securing a deserved and impressive victory in the Moroccan round.

He asserted his dominance from the final turn through to the finish line in the 2,100-metre sand race, open to horses aged four years and above (Group III).

The race featured 17 horses representing elite Arabian horse stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe.

Buraak completed the race in 2:27:33 minutes. Runner-up was Vica Grine (sired by Af Albahar and out of Darka Du Falgas), while Mamouni Fal (by Al Mamun Monlau and out of Vestale) finished third.

The UAE-Moroccan Festival was organised in celebration of the strong historical ties and distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. This edition featured diverse activities involving all segments of Moroccan society alongside eight race rounds.

The race was attended by Muslim Al-Ameri, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series and Director-General of the Emirates International Endurance Village; Omar Al-Tunaiji, Acting Charge d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Morocco; Faisal Al-Rahmani, Secretary-General of the UAE President's Cup Series Committee; Omar Skalli, General Manager of the Royal Company for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC); and Hisham Dabbagh, Deputy General Manager of SOREC.

Al-Ameri said, "We witnessed the UAE-Moroccan Festival, which reaffirmed the strength and depth of the brotherly ties and partnership between the two countries. The UAE President's Cup race saw a remarkable turnout of elite owners and stables from Morocco, North Africa, and Europe, reflecting the Cup's prestigious status and pioneering history across international racetracks."

He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed for his great efforts in elevating the status of Arabian horses globally.

Al-Rahmani also thanked Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his ongoing support, saying it was key to the festival's success. He said the Cup race holds a prominent place in the world of Arabian horse racing, praised SOREC for the event's strong organisation, and congratulated the winners of one of the sport's most prestigious titles.