President of UAE Cup series to kick off on Sunday

Abu Dhabi: The prestigious President of the UAE Cup series of Purebred Arabian races for 2011 kicks off in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and then takes off to stop at seven international racing centres around the world.

Organised by the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) in association with The Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi, The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Etihad Airways, the opening race of the President's Cup series on Sunday will carry a prize fund of Dh1 million.

Addressing a press conference at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Taleb Daher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the EEF, unveiled this year's international venues which includes races at The Curragh in Ireland, Baden-Baden in Germany, Grand Prix de St-Cloud, Paris in France, Newmarket and Ascot, Moscow and Kentucky.

"It is very fitting that we are able to share the excitement and success of this international horse race series with everyone in Abu Dhabi," said Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the EEF, in a message.

Fan support

"With the support of the Series partners, the February 6 race in Abu Dhabi will demonstrate how we present the emirate to the world through this globally recognised horse race series," he said.

Al Muhairi added: "Last year the President of the UAE Cup series drew large crowds and this year we have included Abu Dhabi to start with while Baden-Baden in Germany makes a comeback as a venue for this prestigious race series.

"Sunday's race meeting sees a card packed with quality races and we expect a large crowd to witness the UAE's richest race for Purebred Arabian horses," the EEF official said.

"It will be a family affair on Sunday, February 6, and entrance is free. The public and their families will have a chance to experience genuine Arabian culture at the Bedouin hospitality tent, henna painting, calligraphy, a falconry display and traditional crafts of the UAE. Fans can also win a car and two tickets to one of the races in Europe through a free raffle draw," Al Muhairi added.

Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, Kieren Fallon, international champion jockey, and trainers Philippe Barbe and Eric Lemartinel also attended yesterday's press conference.

"Though last year's races were held on one of the hottest days in Ireland we hope this year will be better. The President of the UAE Cup series race made a huge impact and we are hoping for more entries this year," said Arkwright.

FIXTURES

The President of the UAE Cup Series, 2011 Race Calendar: