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The official draw for the Abu Dhabi Golden Cup for purebred horses has determined the starting gates for 16 competing horses in the prestigious race scheduled for Saturday. The Abu Dhabi Golden Cup, which carries a prize purse of one million US dollars and is sponsored by ADNOC, will take place over 1,600 meters as the seventh and main race at Abu Dhabi Racecourse. The draw results revealed a balanced starting lineup for what promises to be a highly competitive international event.
The racing evening will showcase seven races with total prize money reaching 5.7 million dirhams, according to the organizing committee. The event brings together the finest local and international horses along with elite jockeys competing in challenging conditions for purebred horses at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club facility.
International Horses Draw Starting Positions for Abu Dhabi Golden Cup
Ali Al Sheibah, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Racecourse and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, addressed the media at a press conference held at the club. He stated that the inaugural edition of the cup carries significant momentum with the participation of six of the world’s most skilled jockeys alongside high-quality classified horses. According to Al Sheibah, this confirms that the race will witness strong competition among the international field.
The draw revealed that UAE horses will start from various gates across the field. “Qudwa” will break from gate 14, while “Muljum” draws gate 15 and “Omori City” starts from gate 13. Meanwhile, “Folk Festival” secured gate 1, and “Diabetes” will launch from gate 8, giving the local contingent spread positioning across the starting lineup.
Global Representation Across Starting Gates
International horses represent multiple countries in the Abu Dhabi Golden Cup field. Japan’s representative “Strauss” drew gate 10, while Qatar’s “Dark Trooper” will start from the outside gate 16. Additionally, Ireland’s “Comanche Brave” secured gate 12, positioning the international challengers strategically around the track.
British horse “Crown Board” will break from gate 11, and “Chicago Critic” starts from gate 6. The French challenger “Templer” drew gate 5, while “Favoritino” secured gate 7. These European representatives add depth to the international competition, according to organizing committee officials.
Saudi Arabia Fields Multiple Contenders in Racing Showcase
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has entered multiple horses in the competition, with “Jonquil” drawing gate 9 and “Western Writer” starting from gate 2. Furthermore, “Witness Stand” will begin from gate 4, giving Saudi Arabia three strategic positions in the Abu Dhabi Golden Cup lineup. The draw results suggest competitive balance among the regional and international entries.
Supporting Race Program Features Arabian and Purebred Categories
The racing card includes six additional races beyond the main Abu Dhabi Golden Cup event. These supporting races include the Liwa Oasis Race for Category Two horses and the first round of the Arabian Triple Crown. However, the evening’s program extends to several specialized competitions for different age groups and horse classifications.
Other races on the program include the Al Anoud Classic Championship for Category One purebred Arabian horses aged five years and older. The event also features the Abu Dhabi Championship for purebred horses from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres aged four years and older, separate divisions for three-year-olds, and handicap races for both Arabian purebreds and crossbreds aged four years and above.
Dale Brown, Director General of Racing at the racecourse, participated in the press conference alongside trainers and owners. The organizing committee has confirmed all technical preparations are complete for Saturday’s racing program, though specific post-race plans for future editions have not been announced.
