Sharjah Equestrian Club launches 8th GCC Cup race Sunday

The race, which marks the fourth event at Sharjah Longines Racecourse, is held under the patronage of Al Marwan Group, Al Marwan Developments, Al Marwan Machinary, the Sharjah Sports Council, and Sharjah Sports Channel.

Strengthening bonds of brotherhood

Sheikh Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, welcomed the participants from GCC countries, emphasising that such participation highlights the high regard for this race in the region. The event brings together the finest purebred Arabian horses while reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and cohesion among the GCC nations.

A stage for elite Gulf-bred Arabian horses

Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi added that the aim of continuing this event is to enhance the status of locally bred purebred Arabian horses within the GCC and to include the race annually in the club’s race calendar as a platform for showcasing elite Gulf-bred Arabian horses.

87 horses with 11 reserves

For his part, Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyai, General Director of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, stated that the race has become one of the key events uniting GCC countries. He highlighted the strong entries, which include purebred Arabian horses, locally bred horses, and purebred hybrids, with a total of 87 horses and 11 reserves competing for cash prizes totaling AED 400,000.

6 races for different distances and levels

The event comprises six races for varying distances and levels. The first race is for three-year-old beginner purebred Arabian horses, including colts and geldings, over 1,200 metres, with prizes up to AED 40,000, featuring 16 horses with 4 reserves. The second race is for three-year-old beginner purebred Arabian fillies, also over 1,200 metres, with prizes of AED 40,000, including 16 fillies with 4 reserves.

Third and fourth races

The third race is for three-year-old and older purebred Arabian horses, beginners from UAE local production, over 1,700 metres, with prizes of AED 40,000, featuring 16 horses with 2 reserves. The fourth race is a handicap for purebred Arabian horses aged four and above, bred in the UAE, over 2,000 metres, with prizes of AED 40,000, including 9 horses.

Fifth and sixth races

The fifth race is for purebred Arabian horses bred in GCC countries, aged four and above, over 1,700 metres, with prizes of AED 200,000, featuring 14 horses from the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. The sixth and final race is a handicap for purebred hybrid horses aged three and above, over 1,200 metres, with prizes of AED 40,000, including 16 horses with 4 reserves.