Buraak Claims Victory at the UAE Cup
On Saturday, September 19th, the racehorse Buraak, expertly ridden by jockey Mohcine Lafram, achieved a remarkable victory at the Casablanca-Anfa racetrack during the prestigious "The President of the UAE Cup." This event marked the highlight of the second edition of the UAE Moroccan Festival of Horse Racing, organized by the Société Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval (SOREC) in collaboration with the UAE President Cup Committee. The festival attracted a diverse gathering of horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys from both Morocco and abroad, showcasing a total of eight thrilling races.
Buraak's outstanding performance saw him dominate the international race, which was run over a distance of 1,900 meters, bringing home a significant prize from a total purse of €250,000, making it one of the most lucrative events on the Moroccan horse racing calendar. The race was open to both male and female purebred Arabian horses aged four years and older, emphasizing the high stakes and competitive nature of the event.
In an impressive display, Buraak finished ahead of Moshrif, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay and owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, while Mugheer, under the guidance of jockey Omar Lakjal and owned by Atlas Stud, secured the third position.
Cultural Significance and International Cooperation
The day included seven other races, such as the "Abu Dhabi Cup," which was exclusive to female purebred Arabian horses aged four years and ran the same 1,900-meter distance. Huda De Carrere, also ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay and owned by Emadadein Althoushi, claimed victory in this event, with Ines Grine and Mellie De Faust completing the podium.
This second edition of the festival represents a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates in the sphere of horse racing. Hicham Debbagh, the Deputy General Director of SOREC overseeing the sector, expressed pride in the partnership, which extends beyond merely organizing races to include collaborative efforts within international bodies dedicated to Arabian horse racing.
Debbagh highlighted the participation of several foreign horses in the main event, noting that the competition exhibited an "exceptional" level of quality. He also mentioned Morocco's impressive track record of organizing over 1,000 horse races annually while maintaining a robust breeding program for competitive purebred Arabians. This vibrant industry provides significant opportunities for local professionals, breeders, and owners, particularly in terms of expanding the export and commercialization of their horses.
Faysal Al Rahmani, President of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), praised the quality of the horses and the caliber of the races presented in Casablanca. He acknowledged Morocco's growing prominence in the Arabian horse racing scene within the Arab world, citing the increasing number of competitions and improvements in race organization, horse welfare, and officiating standards.
Beyond the racing events, the festival also embraced a cultural and family-friendly atmosphere, with free access to the Casablanca-Anfa racetrack for the public. Children were invited to explore the world of equestrian sports through a dedicated pony club area, alongside a village featuring various activities tailored for younger attendees.
As reported by lnt.ma.
