Sheikh Ahmed's horse wins
Irish Arabian Handicap...

Sheikh Hamdan's horse finishes in second place...

Super Man Al Maury, owned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was ridden to brilliant victory by jockey H.C. Hussey to clinch The United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation Irish Arabian Handicap races held at Curragh Racecourse, Ireland, on Saturday, June 28, 2003. The horse was trained by W.W. Smith.

Run over a distance of 1,600 metres, the race, exclusively featuring Pure-bred Arabian horses aged five years and above, was sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation in conjunction with the Curragh Racecourse, and was part of the races entitled "The UAE President Prize for Pure-bred Arabian Horses" held every year in different parts of Europe.

Ikhteyaar, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister for Finance and Industry, bagged the second place. Ikhteyaar was trained by Mrs. G.M Duffield and ridden by N.G. McCulfagh, whereas third place went to WFA Leopard owned by Hutchings Timber Ltd and ridden by T.M. Houfihan.

As many as nine Pure-bred Arabian horses, mainly from France and Great Britain, participated in the event held at the Curragh Racecourse. Curragh is considered the headquarters of flat racing in Ireland and hosts all five Classic Races and up to 13 other quality race days. 

The Racecourse is owned and managed by the Irish Turf Club, founded in the 1760's to encourage horse racing and continues today as the regulatory body for racing throughout Ireland.

The race offered prize money of €10,000 with the first-placed winner getting €5,000. Hussein Mohammed Hussein, Secretary General, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, gave away the prizes. The UAE Equestrian Federation presented trophies to the winning owner, trainer and the jockey and a token amount to the groom in charge of the best turned out horse in the race. While presenting the trophies, Hussein Mohammed Hussein said that the races are held every year under the directives of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court. 

Hussein added that he is very impressed by the performance of the horses owned by the Emiratis, particularly the Pure-bred Arabians, at the international arena. "The standard of the races are steadily improving over the years and has now reached a very high status so much so many European countries are eager to host these races."

He further added that the success of these races has given a fillip to the UAE Racing Federation to organize more such races not just in Europe but also in America and Canada.

The UAE President Prize Championship is held every year under the directives of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, and comes as part of the Federation's drive to raise and enhance the status of Pure-bred Arabian horses at the international level. 

The Series began in Ireland this year and will continue in Germany, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, USA and Canada.