Istanbul: Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul, Republic of Trkiye, is set to host the twelfth leg of the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on Sunday, September 6, 2026. The event is part of the 33rd edition of the Prestigious Cup, featuring nine horses from elite Turkish and European studs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Cup series is on a global tour supported by visionary leadership, aiming to elevate the status of Purebred Arabian horses and bolster their presence on prominent international racecourses. This initiative also supports owners and breeders, encouraging them to engage in the Arabian horse racing industry worldwide.
The Trkiye leg marks its third consecutive season in the global series calendar, building on its success since joining the Prestigious Cup in 2024. The race in Istanbul is a significant part of the international racing program at Veliefendi Racecourse.
The race covers 1,600 meters on turf in the Group 3 category, open to Purebred Arabian horses aged three years and above. With a prize purse of £250,000, the race promises a strong contest among horses proven in international and Turkish racing circuits.
Leading the contenders is Molfit, representing Wathnan Racing and trained by Fran§ois Rohaut. The horse, ridden by Faleh Nasser Bughenaim, adds an international presence to the competitive race. Another participant is Allie Saint Lon, owned by Omar Esmil Sh Ghrghar and trained by Elisabeth Bernard Jean-Fran§ois, with jockey Adel Al Qeyadi.
The participant list also includes Azimli, Kahraman Oglu, Zincir Koparan, Aslan Hatip, G¶zpinari, Kral Sultan, and ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦€š¬…€œztatmar, all vying for the title of the Trkiye leg of the Prestigious Cup.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup, emphasized the success of the 33rd edition and the significant presence it has achieved on international racecourses. He highlighted the crucial support from leadership in achieving the series' objectives of supporting Purebred Arabian horses and encouraging ongoing engagement from owners and breeders.
Al Dhaheri expressed pride in the continuation of the Trkiye leg within the Cup's global agenda, reflecting its value in expanding participation and interaction with the horse community. The renewal of this event at Veliefendi Racecourse underscores the success and interest the Trkiye leg has garnered over the past two seasons.
He added that they anticipate a strong race that highlights the progress in Purebred Arabian horse racing and strengthens the sporting ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Trkiye.