2nd UAE-Morocco Horse Racing Festival: “Bouraq” Crowned Champion of the UAE President’s Cup

The stallion “Bouraq,” ridden by jockey Mohcine Lafram, claimed victory on Saturday at the Casablanca-Anfa Hippodrome, winning the UAE President’s Cup—the flagship race of the 2nd UAE-Morocco Horse Racing Festival. The event was organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) in partnership with the Cup’s organizing committee.

Owned by Al Laith Racing, “Bouraq” dominated the 1,900-meter international race for Purebred Arabians aged four and above, finishing ahead of runner-up “Moucharif,” ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay and owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Third place went to “Moughir,” ridden by Omar Lakjal and owned by Atlas Stud. The race stands as one of the richest in Morocco, boasting a total prize purse of €250,000.

The festival features seven additional races, bringing together an elite field of domestic and international owners, trainers, and jockeys.

Among the day’s highlights was the Abu Dhabi Cup, dedicated to four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies. Victory in the 1,900-meter sprint went to “Houda de Carrere,” ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay and owned by Imad Eddine El Touchi. “Inas Green,” ridden by Omar Lakjal and owned by Ahmed Karimine, finished second, while “Melly de Faust,” ridden by Amin Moughat and owned by Atlas Stud, rounded out the podium.

Hicham Debbagh, Deputy General Manager of SOREC in charge of the Equine Sector, praised the success of the festival’s second edition, describing it as a major equestrian showcase reflecting the deep cultural and sports partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

In statements to the press, Debbagh highlighted that this partnership extends beyond racing events to encompass strategic cooperation within international governing bodies for Purebred Arabian racing. He emphasized the exceptional caliber of this year’s UAE President’s Cup, noting strong international participation. Debbagh added that Morocco hosts over 1,000 races annually and produces high-quality racehorses, creating a dynamic environment for local breeders and owners to expand commercialization and export opportunities.

Faisal Al Rahmani, President of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), expressed high satisfaction with the quality of competing horses and the overall athletic level of the event. He noted that Morocco has established itself as a leading benchmark in the Arab world for horse racing, citing significant advances in race organization, horse welfare, and officiating standards.

Beyond the track action, the UAE-Morocco Festival served as a major cultural celebration highlighting the heritage of both nations. Open to the public free of charge, the event offered families and horse enthusiasts a full day of festivities, featuring a Pony Club area for young riders, a children’s entertainment village, and traditional folklore performances celebrating Moroccan and Emirati arts.