Under the shimmering lights of **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, history unfolded as the majestic Arabian Purebred Horses took center stage in the highly anticipated **33rd UAE President Cup**. This grand event was held **under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan**, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Adding to the grandeur, **His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan** graced the occasion, attending the breathtaking finale that would determine the champion of champions.
With passion and precision, His Excellency crowned **HM Alchahine**, owned by The National Stables, as the hero of the night. Masterfully trained by Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi and guided to victory by Italian jockey **Cristian Demuro**, the magnificent steed stormed the 2,200-metre track in **2:23.55 minutes**, securing the prestigious **HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1)**. With a staggering **AED 8 million** prize purse, this race was not only the richest of the evening but also a celebration of heritage, skill, and unyielding spirit.
More Than Racing: A Spectacle of Culture and Heritage
As the races thundered on, it became clear that the UAE President Cup was about more than competition—it was about preserving the UAE’s **rich equine heritage** and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for Arabian horse racing. His Excellency emphasized that the event acts as a living testament to the leadership's commitment to authenticity and sustainability, drawing elite competitors and admirers from around the world.
Throughout the evening, spectators were enchanted by not only world-class races but also dazzling **drone displays** and the captivating operetta, *"Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream"*, which celebrated the nation’s values and history. The crowd, a mix of passionate racing fans and distinguished dignitaries, watched with awe as champions like **Dark Trooper**, **Rasasi**, and **Samaa Al Ezz** claimed their victories. Notably, Rasasi broke the track record in the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds, electrifying the crowd with a performance worth remembering.
From the opening strides of the first race to the final champion's coronation, the **total prize money of AED 10.8 million** underscored the scale and prestige of the evening. Beyond the numbers, however, the true value lay in the unity, tradition, and pride that galloped through every heartbeat of the event.
