Italy, San Siro Track 23 June 2024
In a thrilling display of equestrian excellence, French-trained horses emerged victorious in the seventh edition of the Milan UAE President Cup (Group 2, €50,060, 2000 meters), the premier Italian race for Arabian thoroughbreds aged four years and older. The event saw a remarkable performance by trainer François Rohaut, who secured the top two positions with Ska de l’Aigle and Al Riffaa, both owned by members of the prominent Qatari Al Attiyah family. Italian hopes were dashed once again, with Dubainulese finishing third after a strong showing until the final 200 meters.
Ska de l’Aigle, a five-year-old (Al Mourtajez X Sia), demonstrated exceptional control in the early stages, keeping rivals Abu di Gallura and Jindor de Bozouls at bay. Taking the lead, Ska de l’Aigle maintained his position ahead of the competition. Dubainulese settled into fourth place, followed by Altajani Vdc, Al Riffaa, Deu di Gallura, and Zefiro di Chia. As the race progressed, positions shifted, with Deu di Gallura falling behind and Dubainulese closing in on Ska de l’Aigle and Jindor de Bozouls. Al Riffaa made a strategic move on the inside, while Altajani Vdc stayed on the outside.
In the home stretch, Ska de l’Aigle surged ahead, leaving Jindor de Bozouls struggling. Al Riffaa found space on the outside and preempted Dubainulese’s effort. With 200 meters remaining, Dubainulese faltered, allowing the two French horses to break away. Ska de l’Aigle decisively held off Al Riffaa, while Dubainulese secured third place, despite being difficult to manage in the crucial moments of the race. Altajani Vdc finished fourth, followed by Jindor de Bozouls. This victory marks another significant achievement for the Milanese race, part of the UAE President Cup circuit, which is poised for a potential upgrade to Group 1 status. Ska de l’Aigle, who previously won the Amir Silver Sword and the Qatar Derby in Doha in 2023, delivered his best performance yet. “He is not always consistent,” said jockey Lukas Delozier, “but today he showed his true potential and lived up to his high rating.”
Connections with the winning horse
The ANICA trophies were presented by Mattia Cadrobbi, councilor of the association, to the owner of Ska de l’Aigle, represented by his racing manager, and to the breeder of the highest-ranked Italian horse, accepted by trainer Antonio Efisio Pinna on behalf of Antonio Francesco Mellino. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Policy, represented by Saeed Bin Maizar Al Mheiri of the Abu Dhabi royal family, also presented awards.
Final Standings of the Milan UAE President Cup:
- Ska de l’Aigle (L. Delozier)
- Al Riffaa (S. Planque)
- Dubainulese (A. Fadda)
Race Time: 2:18.3
Mattia Cadrobbi, councilor of ANICA, with connections at the trophy presentation
