The second leg of the prestigious UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses will take place on Thursday at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is being held alongside the world-famous Kentucky Derby, one of the most historic and celebrated horse racing events globally.
This global race series aims to promote Arabian horse racing, strengthen its presence at top international tracks, and preserve the rich heritage of Purebred Arabian horses. It reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to support and develop Arabian equestrian traditions worldwide.
Churchill Downs, established in 1875, provides a grand stage for elite competition. The race is open to horses aged four years and above and is expected to attract leading stables, top-ranked horses, and renowned jockeys, trainers, and owners.
The Grade I race will be run over a distance of 2,000 metres and offers a total prize purse of $400,000 — the highest ever for Arabian horse racing in the United States. This will be the eighth time that Churchill Downs hosts a leg of this global series.
Holding the race alongside the Kentucky Derby, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown, gives Arabian horses a major international platform. It allows them to perform in front of large crowds and gain wide global media attention.
Nine top Arabian horses are set to compete, including defending champion Diamond Gem AA, who is aiming to win his third title and match the all-time record. He will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Jeresto Torrez.
Other contenders include WMA Wild Kisses, AA Take A Chance, Highh Stakes, Highh Country, RB Badonkadonk, WMA Grand Finale, WMA Smoke Signal, and Quick Rae AA.
Ruggeri Stables will field a strong team with AA Take A Chance, Highh Country, and Quick Rae AA, adding depth and competition to the race.
The history of the American leg includes notable champions such as Paddys Day, who holds the record with three wins (2016, 2020, 2021). Other past winners include Quick And Rich, Quick Sand AA, RB Texas Hold Em, Hiab Al Zaman, Diamond Gem AA, and RB Money Maker.
Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the organising committee, said that hosting the race at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby is a major achievement. He added that it highlights the growing global importance of the UAE President’s Cup and its role in supporting Arabian horse racing at the highest level.
