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UAE President Cup Series begins On May 22 in Ireland The President of the UAE Cup Series for Pure-bred Arabian horses, organized by the Emirates Equestrian Federation for the last 16 years, will begin this season at The Curragh Race Course in Ireland on May 22, 2010. For the first time, the EEF is making its foray into the famed The Curragh in Ireland and Keeneland in the USA as part of the six-race series. Other venues include Paris (June 27), Moscow (July 4), Newmarket (July 7) and Ascot (July 24). The 2010 Series is being held upon the instructions from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the EEF, said in a statement: “Through the collaboration of our partners, the 2010 season of The President of the UAE Cup Series will expand upon its original mission to now promote and raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a business and tourism destination”. Addressing a press conference at the Abu Dhabi Royal Stables on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, stated: “The series was started by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 16 years ago to promote the Pure-bred Arabian horses.” “We are thrilled to have the ongoing support of our existing racecourse partners such as Newmarket, Ascot, Paris and Moscow as well as introduce the Series at highly-prestigious racetracks such as Curragh and Keeneland. We are confident that this year’s schedule will attract the most talented purebred Arabian horses to the Group 1 contests,” he added. The Series is being supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Flash Entertainment. The Series opener at The Curragh will be part of the two-day festival titled The Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival on May 22 and 23, 2010. Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager, Curragh Racecourse, who was at attendance at the press conference said. “We are proud to launch the Series 2010 at the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival at the Curragh. Our association with the Emirates Equestrian Federation through the President’s Cup Series is very much in keeping with our mission to feature the very best flat racing,” “I thank the Ruling family for supporting this Series. The Curragh is historically one of the important racecourses for thoroughbreds in the world. It is a leading training racecourse as well. Ireland and the UAE share a lot of similarities. We want to celebrate the history and culture and celebrates our links between the two countries,” he added. Arkwright said that it will be a great opportunity for people to become aware about the Purebred Arabians. “The arena will help Abu Dhabi promote themselves. In 2003, we had an EEF-sponsored race in Ireland and this is a massive upgrade. The President’s Cup will be a quality race. Ireland has seen more of thoroughbreds but this will educate people about the purebred Arabians,” he said. It is a five-year sponsorship to hold the race at The Curragh and Arkwright said that the Series had the Irish Government’s backing. “The Irish Government has been very supportive of this initiative. We hope the weather will be good which it normally is in May,” Arkwright said. Christopher Kennedy, Racing Manager, The Arabian Racing Organisation, UK, said: “Interest in Arabian racing continues to grow, particularly when spectators learn that approximately 90 per cent of all modern thoroughbreds can be traced to three Arabian stallions." On parade at the press conference were some of the UAE's most celebrated Arabian race horses of recent times. On-the-ground activities at key race course3s will include an Emirati-style tent that will welcome race enthusiasts with its warm Arab hospitality, crafts created by Women's Union artists, award-winning photography, henna painting as well as tourism information about the UAE. In addition at each of the series, Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority will give one lucky spectator an opportunity to win a trip for two to Abu Dhabi.   View Photo 1View Photo 2View Photo 3View Photo 4