Home News List

Nokomys grabs UAE President Cup Top Irish jockey William Supple partnered Nokomys to land the first running of the HH the President of the UAE Cup sponsored by Emirates Equestrian Federation for trainer Bill Smith at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland on Sunday. “She raced keenly and did nothing wrong throughout the trip,” Supple said later. “She galloped very nicely and responded impressively when asked the question in the concluding stages,” he added. “The trip was suitable for her and she has apparently liked the fast going,” Supple pointed out. “She ran a big race and showed a great turn of foot,” he said. Meanwhile, the cup’s front runner and 4-6 favourite Raqiyah finished disappointingly second under regular rider David Bouland. Raqiyah, a French-trained mare at the yard of M. A. De Mieulle for the Qatari owner Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani was the public choice before the race. “She didn’t pick up well,” said Bouland later. “I think she was beaten by a better horse,” he added. However, overconfident jockey raced at the tail of the six-horse field before he gave the mare a reminder as Nokomys went clear with less than two furlongs remaining. The winner held on very strongly to lead by two lengths close home. In the other featured race Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas the Dermot-trained Bethrah ran out a narrow winner . Bethrah who was ridden by Pat Smullen, flashed home against the rail to deny Godolphin's supplementary entry Anna Salai by a head. Anna Salai was added to the race at a cost of euros 32,500 on Tuesday. The UAE ambassador to Ireland Khaled Nasser Rashid Lootah said the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas is one of the most successful events, thanks to the strong support and backing of the wise leadership of the country. “I believe the organising committee has made the right choice. The Curragh Racecourse is the place where horse races have started. The festival has exceeded all expectations and a record number of spectators have come over to the venue to watch the races. It was a great success by all measures,” he said. “I would like to congratulate Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the brilliant performance of his filly Bethrah. Claiming the top three spots in the 1000 Guineas by the UAE fillies added colour to the festival. I wish them all success in future races,” he said. Ahmed Al Rumaithi, member of the HH the President of the UAE Cup Series thanked His Highness the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for all what they have to promote Abu Dhabi and the Arabian horse. “We have got to a flying start. It’s a great challenge and so far we are right on the track. The 16th edition of the series will break new grounds and our voice will be heard all over the world. “The spirit of the team has prevailed. Without the cooperation and support Brand Avbu Dhabi Office, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etihad Airways, Emirates Equestrian Federation and the diplomatic missions of the UAE nothing would have been achieved.” he said. Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, reiterated that the first round of the series hit new horizons. “Let’s build on what has been achieved in the Curragh Racecourse. At last we are part of Europe’s most prestigious races. I think the message has been conveyed and the racing fans are now well aware of the qualities of the Arabian breed,” he said. “We will go ahead with our plans to make the heritage and cultural events part of all of the series. The strong presence of the European media made our job easier and this is a positive trend.” he said.   View Photo 1View Photo 2View Photo 3View Photo 4