Adeeb Athbah Claims UAE President’s Cup Glory at Benghazi’s Second Libya Edition

The prestigious Arabian horse racing championship returns to Libya with a triumphant performance, drawing thousands of enthusiasts and reinforcing the UAE's commitment to elevating the sport across continents.

Beneath the Mediterranean sun at Al Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club in Benghazi, the thunder of hooves and the roar of more than five thousand spectators marked a moment of pure equestrian excellence. Adeeb Athbah, owned by Al Watan Club and ridden with precision by Salim bin Al Habib Al Farchicki, crossed the finish line in commanding fashion, claiming the seventeenth leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in a time of 2:34.25 over two thousand metres on dirt.

The victory represents a continuation of Libya’s emergence as a vital centre for Arabian horse racing. As we reported in the build up to this event, fifteen purebred Arabian horses competed in what marks Libya’s second consecutive hosting of this distinguished competition, underlining the nation’s growing prominence within the international equestrian community. Adeeb Athbah now joins the roll of champions at this leg, becoming only the second horse to claim the title since the inaugural Libyan edition, following the celebrated victory of Afjan in 2025.

The racing was noteworthy not merely for its competitive intensity but for the calibre of horsemanship on display. RB To The House secured second place, whilst Hatem claimed the third position, with AA Burning Down and Lord de Lardous completing the opening five. Trained by Nasser Smeiri, Adeeb Athbah delivered a performance that reflected the readiness and strength of the competing Arabian bloodlines, each horse representing years of careful breeding and preparation.

The occasion drew distinguished guests, among them Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, alongside senior officials from the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, noted that the success of this second Benghazi edition reflects the Cup’s expanding presence and considerable standing within the global Arabian horse racing fraternity.

The substantial public engagement at the racecourse speaks to the deep affection Libyans hold for Arabian horse racing and the prestige of this championship within equestrian circles. Al Dhaheri emphasised that the Cup continues to achieve its ambitious goals through the vision and unwavering support of the UAE’s wise leadership, which remains committed to developing the Arabian horse racing industry and supporting owners and breeders across the world. The third edition of the Libya Heritage Carnival, which encompassed sixteen horse races across two days, provided the broader context for this championship race, creating a celebration of equestrian heritage and competitive excellence.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The triumph of Adeeb Athbah at the Benghazi leg represents another milestone in the UAE’s global stewardship of Arabian horse racing. By championing this heritage sport across continents, from Libya to racecourses beyond, Abu Dhabi reinforces its role as guardian of Arabian equestrian traditions and demonstrates the international resonance of Emirati values and expertise.

The UAE President’s Cup has evolved into a unifying force within the Arab equestrian world, creating opportunities for breeders and owners to compete at the highest levels whilst celebrating a shared cultural inheritance. With each successive edition, the championship strengthens the UAE’s diplomatic and cultural ties with nations across the Middle East and North Africa, positioning Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence and a beacon for those passionate about preserving and elevating the Arabian horse.

Source: WAM