WAREGEM, Belgium: Al-Zeer clinched victory in the Belgian leg of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup for purebred Arabian horses, part of the 32nd edition of the globally renowned series.
Before a packed crowd of nearly 50,000 spectators at Waregem Racecourse in Belgium, the 5-year-old stallion, son of Al-Mamun Monlau and Assma Al-Khalediah, owned by Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Attiyah, trained by Francois Rohaut, and ridden by Lukas Delozier, stormed to victory in the final strides of the 2,170-meter Group 3 contest, carrying a prize purse of €200,000 ($233,000).
In a strong field of 12 elite contenders, Joe Star, owned by Nasser Hilal Al-Alawi and partnered by Mickael Forest, led strongly into the final stages. But in the dramatic closing meters, Al-Zeer surged forward to snatch the lead, winning by a neck. Joe Star secured second, while Nabucco Al Maury, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, finished third.
The trophy presentation was attended by Faisal Al-Rahmani, secretary-general of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series; Khalid Al-Qaidi, representative of the UAE Embassy in Belgium; and Nelly Philippo Herman, president of the Belgian Arabian Horse Association.
Musallam Al-Amri, member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, said: “We are proud of the tremendous success of the Belgian leg, reflected in the exceptional attendance, fierce competition, and high level of participation from Europe’s leading stables and breeders. This underlines the cup’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious and historic events for purebred Arabian horses.
“The guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, vice president, deputy prime minister, and chairman of the Presidential
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