A spectacular evening of Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred racing unfolded at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, on 14th November 2025 (Friday) headlined by the prestigious HH The President Cup Prep, run as Race 2 at 18:00 over 2200m for an impressive AED 111,000. Anticipation filled the air long before the gates opened, with racing fans eagerly awaiting the performance that would shape the road toward one of the UAE’s most treasured titles. The field broke with purpose, and as the race unfolded, the intensity only grew, setting the stage for a finish worthy of its celebrated status.
The feature event turned into a thrilling contest, with three standout runners fighting fiercely in the home stretch. Ultimately, it was RB Kingmaker, ridden with perfect judgement by Ray Dawson, who powered clear in the closing strides to take the Prep in style. The horse, trained by Helal & Tahnon Alalawi, displayed staying strength and tactical brilliance, marking himself as a major contender for the upcoming main Cup. His performance was not only decisive but also symbolic of a team peaking at the right moment.
Finishing second was the ever-consistent Ajrad Athbah, guided by Abdul Aziz Al Balushi for trainer Majed Al Jahoori, delivering a courageous run that kept the pressure on the winner until the final moments. First Class, ridden by Connor Beasley and trained by Doug Watson, claimed third after staying on strongly. Together, the top trio provided a finish that matched the grandeur of the race and set the tone for a season of remarkable competition.
The evening began with Race 1 – The Sapphire Crown Classic, run at 17:30 over 2200m for AED 66,000, where Al Etihad, partnered by Sam Hitchcott and trained by Anthony Gammell, delivered a commanding victory to open the card. Their smooth, controlled run set the pace for what would become a night of exceptional performances.
In Race 3 – Wathba Stallions Cup (Private Owners) at 18:30, contested over 1200m for AED 70,000, SS Rawaa showcased impressive speed and focus under Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, giving trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami a well-earned success in the sprint. The combination proved too sharp for their rivals, finishing with authority.
The action continued with Race 4 – Star Of The Desert Stakes, run at 19:00 over 1600m for AED 66,000, where Maanar, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa and trained by Eric Lemartinel, produced a polished performance to take the mile contest. The horse travelled strongly throughout and quickened stylishly when asked.
In Race 5 – Al Ittihad Gold Mile, also over 1600m and run at 19:30 for AED 66,000, Wateera emerged victorious under another excellent ride from Ray Dawson, giving trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami his second win of the evening. Wateera’s powerful finish made the victory look effortless.
The momentum continued into Race 6 – Thunder Hoof Mile, held at 20:00, again over 1600m for AED 66,000, where Monfrid, expertly handled by Silvestre De Sousa for trainer Michael Costa, delivered a strong and well-timed performance to secure a deserving win.
The night concluded with pure speed in Race 7 – The Maritime Pearl Sprint, run at 20:30 over 1400m for AED 66,000. Mountbatten, ridden by Richard Mullen and trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, showed brilliant acceleration to take the final race of the evening, closing out the card on a high-energy note.
A night defined by class, determination, and standout horsemanship, the Abu Dhabi Turf Club meeting offered racing fans a memorable display. Yet among the many superb performances, RB Kingmaker’s triumph in the HH The President Cup Prep shone brightest — a performance that now sets the narrative for the season’s most prestigious Arabian showdown.
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