The Arabian Jockey Club is pleased to announce the President of the UAE Cup Sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council returns to the home of The Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, on September 24, 2016. This long-established Grade 1 race offering a purse of $100,000 will be featured during the September race meet's only Downs After Dark night racing event.
Kathy Smoke, president of the Arabian Jockey Club stated, "The President of the UAE Cup race consistently attracts the finest Arabians the USA has to offer. Churchill Downs has always rolled out the red carpet for the Arabians and the Pres of the UAE Cup. We look forward to returning to Churchill Downs this year and in future years."
"We missed this wonderful event last year, and are very pleased to once again welcome the President of the UAE Cup at Churchill Downs" said Kristin Warfield, vice president of Partnerships at Churchill Downs. "We are excited that many of America's best Arabian horses will compete at our historic track in September, and look forward to continuing this new tradition in the years to come."
"We are delighted to bring back the President of the UAE cup series to the USA and Churchill Downs," said general secretary of the Presidents Cup Series, Faisal Al Rahmani. "The series was established by the late Shk Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse worldwide and its significant place in UAE culture and history. What better way to do this than to hold the race at the home of The Kentucky Derby."
The President of the UAE Cup Sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council will continue its tradition as an invitational race. Invitations to run, made by the sponsor, will be determined from the nominees.
Also of note, the total entrance fees will be significantly lower than many race events with smaller purses, making nomination decisions easier for owners.
The Arabian Jockey Club, working in conjunction with Churchill Downs will carry all pertinent information for this race on its website, www.arabianracing.org, AJC Facebook page, AJC Eblasts, and other social media outlets.
-- via AHA