Fifteen Arabian Thoroughbreds Contest UAE President’s Cup at Benghazi’s Historic Second Edition

Libya returns to host the prestigious racing series as the 17th leg of the 33rd edition, with leading contenders competing over two thousand metres at Al Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club.

The 17th leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses arrives in Benghazi on Saturday, marking Libya’s second consecutive year as host and reflecting the series’ expanding reach across the Arab world and beyond. Held under the patronage of the UAE’s leadership, the competition has become a defining calendar event for Arabian horse racing, drawing owners and breeders from across the globe.

Fifteen purebred Arabian horses will contest the race over two thousand metres on dirt track, competing at Al Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club as part of the Third Libya Heritage Carnival. The carnival itself spans two days, featuring sixteen races across the weekend, with ten contests on the opening day and six on the second.

Among the field of distinguished contenders are Hatem, descended from TM Fred Texas and Haifa, alongside Lord de Lardous, Neptune Al Maury and Adeeb Athbah, each carrying bloodlines of considerable note within the Arabian racing world. The remaining competitors, including Dari, Shihab Kuhail, Nafees Al Khuyool, RB To The House, AA Burning Down, Wafeeq, Caspar Yemir, RB Desert Lion, Mawared, Majd Al Sham and Derf Grain, complete a formidable roster.

Libya’s participation in the series commenced in 2025, when Afjan claimed victory in the inaugural Benghazi leg at the same venue. That first edition signalled the nation’s commitment to advancing Arabian horse racing, a sport deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of the Arab world. The return engagement this year demonstrates the enduring appeal of the competition among racing enthusiasts across the region.

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, reflected on the significance of hosting the race in Benghazi for a second year running. “We look forward to a strong race and distinguished competition in Benghazi, with 15 horses taking part, reflecting the value of the Libya leg and matching the standing the Prestigious Cup has reached at racecourses across the world, while strengthening its presence within the Arab and international racing calendar,” he observed.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The continuation of the UAE President’s Cup across the Arab world underscores Abu Dhabi’s role as a steward of Arabian horse racing heritage and its commitment to fostering this venerable sport globally. As we reported, the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities has lauded this visionary leadership in elevating the sport to international prominence, positioning the emirate at the centre of a thriving equestrian community.

Each leg of the series, whether in Libya or across Europe and the Levant, as seen at Warsaw Racecourse and in Syria’s inaugural hosting, reinforces Abu Dhabi’s cultural diplomacy and its support for owners and breeders worldwide, strengthening ties across the Arab region and beyond.

Source: WAM