USA, Gulfstream Park 5 December 2024
The upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” promises an electrifying showdown featuring nine top-class competitors. Leading the charge is Diamond Gem AA, the defending champion and two-time American Horse of the Year. This champion will face tough competition from three esteemed graded stakes-winning mares: Dream Seq, RB Malexis, and WMA Big Baby.
Road to the UAE President Cup
The journey to this prestigious race has been intense, starting with the Texas Arabian Stallion Stakes at Lone Star Park on November 15. In the Open Division, four out of the top five competitors are set to compete. In the Filly and Mare Division, three out of the top four will vie for victory.
A Historic Return to Florida
This event signifies a historic return of Arabian horse racing to Florida after more than two decades. Gulfstream Park, the chosen venue, will host its first Arabian race, rekindling memories of past champions who raced in the Sunshine State, particularly at Tampa Bay Downs. One of the legendary figures is Victorias Secret, the 1992 American Horse of the Year. After her success in the UAE under the name Kahayla, she became the namesake for Dubai’s premier Arabian horse race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic, held on Dubai World Cup Day.
The UAE President Cup Series
Since its inception in 1994, the UAE President Cup Series has shone a spotlight on the Arabian breed, gracing some of the world’s most renowned racing stages. The 2024 series will culminate in the Group 1 UAE President Cup, featuring a substantial purse of AED 8,000,000 (approximately $2,180,000). This prestigious race will take place at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club over a distance of 2,200 meters (1 3/8 miles) on turf on December 15. The latest champion, RB Kingmaker, claimed victory in February. Bred in Florida by RoseBrook Farm, RB Kingmaker will be represented at Gulfstream Park by RB Malexis and RB Motherload.
This highly anticipated event and the UAE President Cup will undoubtedly highlight the enduring legacy and remarkable prowess of Arabian horse racing, captivating enthusiasts and spectators from around the globe.
Notable Highlights for the Race
Diamond Gem AA:
Defending champion Diamond Gem AA will sport the same #9 saddle towel and start from the outside position, just as he did when he triumphed in the 2023 UAE President Cup at the Preakness.
Jockey Carol Cedeno, who will ride Diamond Gem AA in 2024, has a history of success in the UAE President Cup, having won with Hiab Al Zaman in 2022 and secured second place finishes with Easter Man in 2017 and RB Rich Lyke Me in 2021.
Jockey Reylu Gutierrez:
The last Arabian horse Reylu Gutierrez rode was Hiab Al Zaman, who debuted at Sam Houston in Texas on April 2, 2021. Hiab Al Zaman went on to become the American Horse of the Year in 2021 and win the UAE President Cup in 2022.
Top Female Competitors:
The field includes three graded stakes-winning fillies and mares: Dream Seq, RB Malexis, and WMA Big Baby.
Although no female horse has won the UAE President Cup, several have come close, finishing in second or third place in previous years.
Notable Bloodlines:
Diamond Gem AA and Jagman AA are full brothers, both sired by the renowned American Arabian stallion Burning Sand and out of the dam Triumphs Pearl.
AA Take a Chance and RB Motherload are half-brothers, sharing the dam Ma’ma’ah, with “Chance” being by Baseq Al Khalediah and “Motherload” by RB Burn.
Newcomers to Arabian Racing:
Luca Panici, an experienced jockey with nearly 10,000 Thoroughbred races in the U.S., will ride WMA Smoke Signal in his first Arabian race.
Other jockeys making their Arabian racing debut in America include Chris Elliott on Fleets Ace AA and Jonathan Ocasio on Jagman AA.
Jockey Carlos Montalvo, who will ride AA Take a Chance, previously competed in the $2 million Obaiyah Arabian Classic at the Saudi Cup in 2024.
AA Take a Chance:
Claimed for $7,500 in August, AA Take a Chance has won two out of four races since being owned by first-time Arabian racehorse owner Annette Lindstrom.
