Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Afjan emerged as the champion of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in the Libyan leg of the series, held at the Al Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club racetrack in Benghazi. The race formed part of the 16th round of the 32nd staging of the tournament, marking the first time the event has been staged in Libya.
The occasion coincided with the second Libyan Heritage Carnival, attracting 96 horses across six races representing some of the finest Arabian studs in the country. The debut was hailed as a milestone moment, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cultural and sporting ties with Arab nations while promoting the Purebred Arabian breed worldwide.
Afjan – a son of TM Fred Texas (USA) out of Muzoon, owned by That Al Rimal Stables and trained by Mohamed Farhat – clinched victory in the 2000-metre dirt race for horses aged four and above.
Ridden by jockey Amjad Al Salami, the Al Shaqab Racing-bred champion completed the course in 2:26 minutes, sealing his second win of the season after triumphing in the Netherlands leg earlier this year. The total prize purse for the event stood at Dh1 million.
A thrilling contest unfolded at the finish, with Jindor de Bouzoul, by Murtaajuz out of Oudjdour de Bouzoul, taking second place, and Al Taat, winner of last year’s Morocco leg, finishing third.
The awards ceremony was attended by Dr. Osama Hammad, Prime Minister of Libya; Faris Al Mazrouei and Abdullah Al Muhairi, Chairman and Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority respectively; Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee (HOC); Eng. Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and others.
HOC member Musallam Al Ameri said, “This leg represents a significant milestone by every measure and confirms the success of the Cup’s mission in reaching new countries, reaffirming the UAE’s pioneering role in supporting Purebred Arabian horses worldwide,” he said.
He added that the strong participation and enthusiasm in Benghazi highlighted the enduring appeal of Arabian horses.
“The Libya race reflected the passion of enthusiasts and embodied the Arab spirit of connection carried by the Cup since its inception. This first event in Benghazi adds a new dimension to the series’ journey and reaffirms our mission to spread the culture of the Purebred Arabian horse around the world.”
