UAE Presidents Cup Series includes USA race at Keenland
5/14/2010

Hessa Al Hameli / 2010-04-28  updated 05-14-2010

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UAE CUP SERIES ANNOUNCES ITS 2010 INTERNATIONAL RACE CALENDAR

The Original Arabian Purebred Race Series to Feature at World Famous Racetracks. The Original Arabian Purebred Race Series to Feature at World Famous Racetracks 28 April 2010, Abu Dhabi – The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), organizers of the President of the UAE Cup Series, today announced its 2010 race schedule at a press conference held at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi.

Established in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally, the President of the UAE Cup Series was the first international purebred Arabian horse race series, and today is still considered the premier racing series for the breed.

The 2010 Series is held upon the instructions from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Chairman of the EEF, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented that “through the collaboration of our partners, the 2010 season of the President of the UAE Cup Series will expand upon its original mission to now promote and raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a business and tourism destination. A newly-formed committee, created to fulfill this mandate, includes the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etihad Airways, Flash Entertainment and the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi.”

Gathered at the Sheikh Zayed Majlis at the Royal Stables, EEF General Secretary, Taleb Al Muhairi was accompanied by Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse; and Christopher Kennedy, Racing Manager of the Arabian Racing Organisation, the Arabian Racing Authority in the UK.

“We are thrilled to have the ongoing support of our existing racecourse partners such as Newmarket, Ascot, Paris and Moscow, as well as, introduce the Series at highly-prestigious racetracks, such as the Curragh and Keeneland,” commented Taleb Al Muhairi. “We are confident that this year’s schedule will attract the most talented purebred Arabian horses to the Group 1 contests.”

“We are very proud to launch the Series 2010 at the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival at the Curragh,” said Evan Arkwright. “Our association with the Emirates Equestrian Federation through the President’s Cup Series is very much in keeping with our mission to feature the very best flat racing.”

•The 2010 President of the UAE Cup schedule includes the following races:
•May 22-23 The Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival The Curragh, Ireland
•June 27 The Grand Prix de St-Cloud Day Paris, France
•July 4 Moscow Hippodrome Moscow, Russia
•July 7 Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes Day Newmarket, UK
•July 24 King George Day Ascot, UK
•October 9 Fall Meeting Keeneland, USA
“Interest in Arabian racing continues to grow, particularly when spectators learn that approximately 90 per cent of all modern thoroughbreds can be traced to three Arabian stallions,” said Christopher Kennedy.

With the collaboration of key Abu Dhabi entities, the 2010 Series is expanding upon its original mission of promoting the Arabian purebred internationally to raising the profile of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a business and tourism destination.

On-the-ground activation at key race courses will include an Emirati-style tent that will welcome race goers with its warm Arabian hospitality, crafts created by Women’s Union artisans, award-wining photography, henna painting, as well as, tourism information about the UAE.

In addition, at each race of the Series, Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority will give one lucky race spectator the opportunity to win a trip for two to Abu Dhabi.

Local Support for the President’s Cup Series
To help tell the story of the Series to a local audience, the Corniche Galleria will feature an exhibition of 76 images, including archival photographs and newspaper articles. To engage the younger audience, the Series will have a presence at this year’s Summer in Abu Dhabi event, as well as, a display in Marina Mall.

The President’s Cup Online
For the first time this year, The President of the UAE Cup Series will be supported by a website (www.presidentscup.ae) that will include background information on the Series, with news and photography from each race. The site is intended to drive local and international interest in the Series

AJC NOTE

The Arabian Jockey Club will continue to provide details on this website and other media as they become available.  At this time the race will be for 4 yr olds and up (open) going 1 1/4 miles on the Polytrack at Keenland, October 9, 2010.  This will be a Gr 1 race for a purse of $50,000.  Final details regarding nominations, licensing  etc.. will be forthcoming once all details are worked out with Keenland.  You don't want to miss this opportunity to race in Kentucky.