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Top horses for UAE President cup in Ireland Top Arabian horses from Britain, France, Sweden and Germany are vying in the prestigious inaugural race of the HH The President of the UAE Cup Series for Purebred Arabian horses to be held at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, May 23. Six horses will be going to post including Raqiyah owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani. Raqiyah will face five tough opponents including the German trained Terach El Sawawi, Sanovagan trained in Sweden and ridden by Pat Smullen and a strong British trained challenge lead by the Bill Smith-trained Theoretically. The race will be held as part of the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas (Group 1) 8f in the second of the Abu Dhabi Guineas Festival. Music Show trained by Mick Channon and the Godolphin owned Anna Salai are among 19 fillies declared to run in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas taking place on Sunday. Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Fame and Glory and the Godolphin owned Cutlass Bay head the six strong field for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. The Aidan O’Brien trained Jan Vermeer will be on trial for the Epsom Derby when he lines up in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes. Sunday is The Louise Kennedy Tipperary Crystal Ladies Day sponsored by Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. A great prize is up for grabs for the lady deemed to be the most stylish who will a host of Tipperary Crystal products valued at €3,000 and a holiday to Abu Dhabi with flights from Etihad Airways and accommodation from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, stated that it has been able to hold races at a global level due to the unlimited support of President His Highness President Sheikh Khalfa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as they want to promote the Arabian horse at the international levels. He said: “Once again, Purebred Arabian horses received the recognition of European racing communities and fans as well. Arabian races have become part of the racing calendar which is integrated within the most prestigious races worldwide,” he said. Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation said: “The strategy adopted by the federation has paid off and the successful staging of the HH the President Cup series is the best example.”   View Photo 1View Photo 2View Photo 3View Photo 4