The Horse “Afjan” Wins the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses in the Netherlands
The horse “Afjan” achieved a remarkable victory by winning the President’s Cup for purebred Arabian horses during the eighth Dutch leg held on Sunday at the “Duindigt Turf” racetrack in The Hague. This event, which was held for the thirty-second time, reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting and developing horse racing on a global scale, providing a distinguished platform for purebred Arabian horses to maintain their prestigious status in the European arena.
Race Details and “Afjan’s” Performance
Under the supervision of trainer John de Muil and ridden by jockey Olivier Dandine, “Afjan” displayed an exceptional performance, clinching victory in the final moments after completing the race distance of 2,150 meters in a time of 2:21:02 minutes. The win came by a neck over the horse “Al Zair,” representing the stables owned by Mohammed Fahad Al Attiyah, while “Ska du Ligil” secured third place. The race featured 11 horses from the best stables in the Netherlands and Europe, enhancing the competitiveness and historical significance of the event.
Reactions to the Race and Participants
Several prominent figures praised the status achieved by the President’s Cup races, with attendees including Her Excellency Amira Obaid Al Hafiti, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and His Excellency Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the races. The distinguished participation of the horses reflects the aspirations and ambitions of the owners and breeders, indicating a strong public support for this type of sport.
Enhancing the Status of Arabian Horses
In his comments, His Excellency Musallam Al Ameri, a member of the Supreme Organizing Committee, noted that “Afjan” represents the fruits of the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in developing Arabian horse racing globally. This championship is among the most prestigious in the history of Arabian horse racing in the kingdom, making it a significant milestone in the journey of Arabian horses. He also added that the positive feedback from the Netherlands confirms the ability of these races to attract global attention and draw the best participants.
In conclusion, the victory of the horse “Afjan” in the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses in the Netherlands reflects the importance of collaboration and competition in this noble sport, demonstrating the determination and dedication of both owners and trainers to achieve success and excellence on a global level.