Afjan Wins the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses in the Netherlands

The horse “Afjan,” representing “Al Shaqab Racing,” achieved a historic victory at the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses in its thirty-second edition, held in The Hague, Netherlands. This unique sporting event, which captured the attention of horse racing enthusiasts, has solidified its status as one of the most significant events in the history of Arabian horse racing in the Netherlands. The achievement received widespread acclaim due to the UAE’s role in enhancing the global standing of Arabian horses.

Race Details and Thrilling Finish

The race took place at the “Duindigt Turf Course,” where “Afjan” showcased an exceptional performance under the guidance of trainer John de Muil and the riding of jockey Olivier Dandine. “Afjan” clinched the title by a narrow margin, completing the distance of 2,150 meters in a time of 2:21.02 minutes. This result is considered the best in the history of Arabian horse racing in the Netherlands, with a prize purse reaching $100,000.

Wide Participation and Outstanding Performance

The race witnessed the participation of 11 horses from the elite stables of Arabian horses in Europe, all competing fiercely to deliver their best performances. The event was attended by Amira Obaid Al Hafiti, the UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, along with Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the races. This edition of the cup showed significant development, bolstered by the pride of owners and breeders in the European arena.

Support from the UAE and Global Standing

Muslim Al Ameri, a member of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the races, stated: “We take pride in the high competitive status of the President’s Cup series, which successfully traverses racetracks around the world.” He affirmed that the Netherlands event demonstrated a clear advancement in technical standards, reflecting the extensive preparations made by horse owners for participation in these prominent races.

The success of “Afjan” serves as a testament to the ongoing support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who continually strives to develop the sport of Arabian horse racing worldwide. The excitement and interest generated by the event in the Netherlands confirm the distinguished status of the Arabian horse, with supportive echoes still resonating in the air.