President of the UAE Cup Series announces Race Calendar

The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), organisers of the President of the UAE Cup Series, announced its 2011 race schedule at a press conference held at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi.

The 2011 calendar features seven races, across the UAE, Europe and the United States. The debut race on Sunday, February 6, will take place at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi. In addition to presenting the President of the UAE Cup race, throughout 2011, these international race courses will feature cultural exhibits and activities, introducing race goers to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

The 2011 Series is held upon the instructions from His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Highness General Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The confirmed race schedule includes: The President of the UAE Cup Series Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 6, the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival, The Curragh, Ireland, on May 21-22, the Spring Festival, Baden-Baden, Germany, on June 5, the Grand Prix de St-Cloud Paris, France, on June 26, the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes Day Newmarket, UK, on July 8, King George Day , Ascot, UK, on July 23 and Moscow Hippodrome, Russia, on September 4.

President of the UAE Cup race will also take place in Kentucky, USA with the announcement of race date to be made shortly.

‘It is very fitting that we are able to share the excitement and success of this international horse race series with everyone in Abu Dhabi,’ said His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the EEF. ‘With the support of the Series partners, the February 6 race in Abu Dhabi will demonstrate how we present the Emirate to the world through this globally-recognised horse race series.’

‘The 2011 schedule features two additional races, including the season debut in Abu Dhabi,’ said Taleb Al Muhairi, EEF Secretary General. ‘The nominations are particularly strong for the February 6 race, so horse enthusiasts will see a thrilling race, as well as, enjoy a night at the races as never before seen in Abu Dhabi.’

Gathered at the Shaikh Zayed Majlis at the Royal Stables, EEF Secretary General, Taleb Al Muhairi, was accompanied by Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse; Kieran Fallon, international champion jockey; Philippe Barbe, horse trainer for His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Eric Lemartinel, horse trainer for HH Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Established in 1994 by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally, the President of the UAE Cup Series was the first international purebred Arabian horse race series, and today is still considered the premier racing series for the breed.

In 2009, an Organizing Committee was established to expand the vision of the President’s Cup to increase awareness of the purebred Arabian horse internationally and promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The members of the committee are: The Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi; The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; Etihad Airways.

In addition to the on-track excitement, on February 6, the general public is invited to experience genuine Arabian culture at the Bedouin hospitality tent, featuring henna painting, calligraphy, a falconry display and traditional crafts of the UAE.

There will be activities for the entire family with face painting, pony rides, arts & crafts, horse games and a football kicking competition.

Finally, there will be many prizes and give-aways, including a trip for two to a President of the UAE Cup Series race in Europe this summer, courtesy of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Etihad Airways, as well as, a drawing to win a car.

Partner Success in 2010

Throughout 2010, EEF and its Series partners collaborated to raise the awareness of both the purebred Arabian horse and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Almost 100,000 race spectators throughout the season were welcomed into a Bedouin-style tent at the race courses, featuring warm Arabian hospitality, crafts created by the Abu Dhabi Women’s Union artisans, henna painting, calligraphy as well as, tourism information.

In addition, at each Series race, Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority gave one lucky race spectator a trip for two to Abu Dhabi.

In Abu Dhabi, the Corniche Galleria featured an extensive exhibit, including archival photographs and newspaper articles, and rare quotes and images of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. To engage the younger audience, the Series participated in the Summer in Abu Dhabi event with approximately 10,000 children visiting.

• Horse racing