“42” horses in the Wathba Stallions Cup races in France.
On August 27, 2023, the Tarbes Suburb Racetrack in France will host three races for the Wathba Stallions Cup for purebred Arabian horses. These races are dedicated to fillies and colts aged only three years, featuring a record-breaking participation of 42 horses. The races are held under the sponsorship of the 15th edition of the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival.
he organization of the festival follows the directives and encouragement of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Minister of Presidential Court and Chairman for the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, with the aim of developing the horse racing industry worldwide, supporting the preservation of purebred Arab horse breeds, and encouraging breeders to care for them across continents.
The first race covers a distance of 2100 meters and is named the PRIX FLIPPER – WATHBA STALLIONS CUP, with a prize of 18,000 euros. This race is designated for three-year-old fillies and will see the participation of 14 young horses. Notable contenders include “Saabir” under the supervision of Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Guillaume Gued-gay, and “Da’ahi” supervised by G.Lemer and ridden by Antoine Werle.
The second race covers the same distance of 2100 meters and features 14 three-year-old fillies competing for the PRIX MONA LISA – WATHBA STALLIONS CUP (1) with a prize of 18,000 euros. The standout nominee is “Mulak,” managed by Yas Racing, under the guidance of David Morrison and ridden by Emilien Revolte. The third race, also covering 2100 meters, includes 14 three-year-old fillies vying for the Wathba Stallions Cup – PRIX MONA LISA – WATHBA STALLIONS CUP (2) with a similar prize of 18,000 euros. The frontrunner for this race is “Tala’a,” also managed by Yas Racing, under the supervision of D.Guillemin and ridden by Clement Merille.
The festival includes races such as the Jewel of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Crown, the Zayed Cup, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup, the Wathba Stallions Cup, and the International Meeting for Purebred Arabian Horse Racing.
The festival’s inaugural race started strongly on January 11 of this year. With the addition of new races in the 2023 season, the festival includes a total of 152 local and international races around the world, covering various categories such as first, second, and third-class races.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Horse Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed as strategic partner, The National Library & Archives as the official partner , MUBADALA as the official partner ,Emirates Airline as the official carrier, Etisalat as official sponsor & sponsored by Al Massood Automobiles Nissan, Areej Alameerat, Omeir Travels Agency, YAS Sports TV, Viola Communications, the UAE’s General Women’s Union , Emirates International Endurance Village, Emirates Arabian Horse Society & Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
