Celebrating Purebred Arabian Racing at the UAE Moroccan Festival
The Casablanca-Anfa Racecourse witnessed a remarkable gathering of Moroccan and international equestrian enthusiasts on Saturday during the second UAE Moroccan Festival. This vibrant event brought together horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys, celebrating the rich tradition of purebred Arabian racing and the enduring partnership between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. Organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) in collaboration with the UAE President Cup Committee, the festival featured an exciting lineup of eight races, including participation from over six foreign horses in a prestigious international event.
The highlight of the festival was the prestigious "President of the UAE Cup," a thrilling 1,900-meter race that showcased the talents of purebred Arabian horses aged four and above, with an impressive prize pool of €250,000. Buraak, owned by Al Leith Racing and expertly ridden by Moroccan jockey Mohcine Lafram, emerged victorious in this flagship race. Following closely were Moshrif, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay and owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, who secured second place, while Mugheer, partnered by Omar Lakjal for Atlas Stud, clinched third.
"It was not a surprise. We knew we had a contender and did our best. Thank God, our efforts paid off," Lafram expressed following his triumphant win, showcasing the dedication and skill that went into preparing Buraak for this remarkable achievement. Guedj-Gay also made headlines by winning the Abu Dhabi Cup aboard Huda De Carrere, owned by Emadadein Althoushi, while his mount Ines Grine finished a commendable second.
Enhancing Morocco's Standing in the Arabian Racing Scene
Hicham Debbagh, deputy director general of SOREC, underscored the significance of international participation in the festival, highlighting the growing esteem for Morocco's racing industry. "Moroccan purebred Arabian racing is becoming increasingly recognized and highly regarded. We have the pleasure, each time, of welcoming horses of very high quality," he stated. Debbagh noted that Morocco hosts over 1,000 purebred Arabian races annually, proudly ranking first in Africa and the Middle East in terms of the number of races held. The festival serves not only as a celebration of racing but also as a platform to elevate Morocco's breeding and racing industry on the global stage, providing opportunities for breeders and owners to market their horses in Europe and the Middle East.
The event also reinforced the strong ties between Morocco and the UAE, a partnership that has flourished over several decades. Debbagh emphasized that the festival allowed Moroccan spectators to immerse themselves in Emirati traditions and folklore, enriching the cultural exchange between the two nations. Faysal Al Rahmani, president of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities, praised Morocco as a leading country in the sector, citing improvements in organizational aspects, technical systems, regulations, and race timing. "Arabian horses have a history in Morocco that goes back well over a century," Al Rahmani remarked, acknowledging the significant progress made in the last decade.
Beyond the thrilling races, the festival offered a rich tapestry of Moroccan and Emirati traditional performances, a pony club, and engaging activities for children, ensuring free admission for the public and making it a family-friendly event. This festival not only celebrates the excellence of Arabian horse racing but also fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation among attendees.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
