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Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup returns
to the White Turf

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival returns to St. Moritz to stage the second running of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup at the famous St Moritz White Turf on Sunday. This would be followed a week later by the inaugural running of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship on Sunday February 23, 2014 at the same venue.

Six Purebred Arabian horses have been declared to reveal their skills on the frozen lake of St. Moritz in the mouthwatering prize-money of Euro 35.000 event. The race will be run over a mile on the snow/ice track with champion horses making the lineup at the historic venue.

Heading the weights is Alibaba Del Sol, a well-bred nine-year-old French horse by Kerbella ex A I’Aube del Sol owned by Landeoed Waterland (Holland) and trained by Miss Karin R. van den Bos. Benben’Ba, a five-year-old Purebred Arabian by Barour de Cardonne ex Ameralla by Amer is another front runner for the title. Owned by Mrs. M. Scharfenberg (Germany) and trained by Kim Augenbroe in Holland, Benben’Ba is lightly raced and gained Euro600 from only six starts.  

Other runners include Gazel, a five-time winner from 18 starts, besides the national Swiss champion Nil Ashal, who have won three of his ten races and he was narrowly beaten in last year’s edition. Phraseur Kossack, the highest earning performer who has won six of his 22 starts and earned Euro 55.795 during his career, while the French contender Vizir De Faust is still looking for his first win after six outings.

According to Mohammed Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Deputy Chairman of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, secretary general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, they are providing full support to the sports events which contribute in the revival of the culture of the grandfathers and the heritage of the UAE.
“This is part of our national commitment and the relentless efforts to feature such events at the international levels in line with the strategy of the council pursuant to the directives of Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the board of trustees of Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation,” he said.   

“This is besides the preservation of the dynasty of the Purebred Arabians in the Arabian Peninsula and promote it around the globe as well as encouraging the people of the UAE to breed and acquire UAE-Bred horses which have established a strong presence as part of the built up of a wide base of lovers and caretakers.

“I would like to thank HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for his bright initiative to support the equine sports within the UAE and abroad,” he added.

Commenting on the returning to St. Moritz, Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions & Overseas Offices, Abu Dhabi Tourism  & Culture Authority said: “Ever since the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival was launched it has grown from strength to strength and this reappearance in ST Moritz is another feather in the Festival’s cap of success.”  

The trace will be streamlined live on the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel while the events which are associated with the race will be highlighted through a special show later. The race could be also watched online via the Web TV at www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC),  Al Rashid Investment, Al  Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival
Photo: Morhaf Al Assaf