Baraq Retains Title at the President's Cup for Arabian Horses in Morocco

Baraq Triumphs Again at the President's Cup for Arabian Horses

On September 20, in Casablanca, the magnificent Arabian horse named Baraq successfully defended his title at the President's Cup for Arabian Horses, clinching victory for the second consecutive year. The event marked the 14th leg of the 33rd edition of the prestigious racing series, held at the sandy Anfa racetrack in Casablanca, as part of the second edition of the Emirati-Moroccan festival.

This racing series reflects the commitment of the UAE's leadership to developing the Arabian horse racing industry, supporting owners and breeders globally, and encouraging the acquisition and breeding of Arabian horses to solidify their status in premier international racetracks.

Baraq, a descendant of Mhab and Shamus Bint Djoras Tou, raced under the banner of Al Leith Racing, with Ali Mohammed as his trainer and jockey Mohsen Lafram at the reins. He delivered an outstanding performance that earned him the title in this third-category race, which spanned 1900 meters on sandy terrain and was exclusively for Arabian horses aged four years and older. The winning horse showcased his dominance during the critical phases of the race, surging ahead as he rounded the final turn, maintaining his lead down the home stretch, and crossing the finish line first, thus reaffirming his superiority and securing the coveted cup title once more in Casablanca.

With a remarkable time of 2:12.63, Baraq finished a length and three-quarters ahead of the horse Mushrif, a descendant of Dahis and Tashrifat Bint Bengali Dalbreit, owned by Khalifa bin Shaileh Al Kuwari, trained by Xavier Thomas Demoult, and ridden by jockey Guillaume Gaidj Gaye. The third place went to Mughair, descended from Mhab and Ghabra Bint Durman, racing under the banner of Atlas Stud, trained by Rashid Fannan and ridden by jockey Omar Lakjal.

This victory further cements Baraq's impressive record in Morocco, as he previously claimed the title at the Casablanca racetrack in 2025. He has now repeated this accomplishment, retaining the title for another year.

The Moroccan leg of the event was part of the second edition of the Emirati-Moroccan festival, organized by the Royal Society for Encouragement of the Horse in collaboration with the Supreme Organizing Committee of the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses. The festival featured eight races for both purebred Arabian horses and thoroughbreds, showcasing a rich tapestry of equestrian talent.

The festival symbolizes the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative efforts in promoting the equestrian sector and developing horse racing while providing more opportunities for owners and breeders to participate and compete.

Notable attendees at the race included His Excellency Saeed Ahmed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Morocco, His Excellency Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the President’s Cup for Arabian Horses, and Omar Saqali, Director General of the Royal Society for Encouragement of the Horse in Morocco. His Excellency Faisal Al Rahmani expressed that the remarkable success of the Moroccan leg, characterized by strong participation and exceptional performance levels, reflects the prestigious status of the esteemed cup among Arabian horse owners and breeders in Morocco, other Arab countries, and Europe.

He further emphasized that the ongoing successes of the cup series are the result of significant support and a clear vision from the wise leadership aimed at enhancing the Arabian horse racing industry, backing owners and breeders, and encouraging them to acquire and breed Arabian horses, thus elevating their presence in the most vital global racetracks. The Emirati-Moroccan festival represents a crucial addition to the journey of Arabian horse racing and highlights the profound historical and fraternal relations between the UAE and Morocco. He extended his gratitude to the Royal Society for Encouragement of the Horse for their efforts and collaboration in organizing and ensuring the success of the event, congratulating Al Leith Racing on Baraq's victory in the prestigious cup.

As reported by wam.ae.