Sixteen Elite Horses Compete for $100,000 in Kazan’s UAE Cup

On August 30, 2025, the Kazan International Equestrian Complex in Russia will host the tenth round of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses. This event is a highlight in the equestrian calendar, attracting attention from around the globe, with a total prize purse of $100,000 for the Group 1 race.

The Kazan leg of the series, which is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, features 16 elite Purebred Arabian horses competing over a distance of 1,800 metres. Among the standout entries is Saher, a notable horse owned by Edward Mardukhovich, who has previously won this series in both 2021 and 2023. Other competitors include Tawfiq, Voskhod, and Tersk Medni, showcasing the depth of talent in this elite field.

Significance of the Event

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President’s Cup Series, spoke about the significance of the event. He highlighted the strong collaborative efforts between the UAE and Russia in hosting this prestigious race.

He stated, “We take pride in the distinguished UAE–Russia partnership, which has delivered notable successes and inspiring milestones. Hosting the tenth leg in Tatarstan at the Kazan International Equestrian Complex demonstrates our commitment to engaging Arabian horse owners and breeders, while reinforcing the importance of the Russian market to the global Arabian horse industry.”

Al Dhaheri underscored Kazan’s role in the series, noting its impressive organisation and enthusiastic crowds in previous years, which contribute to a vibrant atmosphere for this iconic event.

The Legacy of the UAE President’s Cup Series

Established in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE President’s Cup Series was designed to elevate the status of Purebred Arabian horses internationally while honouring the UAE’s rich equestrian traditions. The series has grown significantly, now offering a total prize pool exceeding AED 15 million (approximately USD 4.08 million), making it the highest in the sport’s history.

The series spans 17 countries, featuring races that attract top-tier horses and professional riders from around the world. It continues to operate under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, emphasizing the promotion of Arabian horse racing on a global scale.

The recent ninth round held in Spain on August 15, 2025, further highlighted the series’ expansion. The event, hosted at the San Sebastián Racecourse, attracted over 12,000 spectators. The race was won by Al Wakrah, a seven-year-old mare owned by Al Shaqab Racing, who demonstrated exceptional speed to finish in 1:42.67 minutes.

As the UAE President’s Cup Series continues to flourish, the upcoming race in Kazan promises to further enhance the prestige of Arabian horse racing, inspiring owners and breeders worldwide while celebrating the cultural heritage of the UAE.