Stage set for The President Cup

abu dhabi — another busy uaE weekend concludes on Sunday in the capital when the abu dhabi Equestrian Club hosts a six race card featuring the HH The President Cup Prep, over the same 2,200m course and distance as the Group One feature, scheduled to be run in three weeks.

Twelve have been declared, including the first three home from the same race 12 months ago, headed by winner Mahbooba. Trained at al asayl by Eric Lemartinel for HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, she contested that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan Jewel Crown this season but, not surprisingly, found the 1,600m trip on the short side as she did on her other start this season, when second in a conditions race six weeks ago.

Slowly away in the HH The President Cup last February, she only managed to finish fifth but confirmed her undoubted class by winning the Group 1 Emirates Championship, over the same 2,200m abu dhabi course and distance, in March.

Tadhg O’Shea, who intriguingly beat stable companion Mawahib last time over the inadequate 1,600m, has opted to resume his partnership with the mare with Lemartinel also saddling Shaheer and abu alabyad, the mount of Gerald avranche as he was when second to Mahbooba in this last year.

O’Shea said: “Sunday’s conditions are probably her optimum and, despite the fact she carries a penalty, she looks to have very strong claims. Looking at the field, i would say Loraa is probably the main danger given her proven course and distance form in illustrious company.”

Trained by Jean de Roualle for Sheikha Fatima bin Mansour al Nahyan, Loraa, third in this prep 12 months ago, went on to win the HH The President Cup itself in February before seemingly not taking to the Meydan dirt when well beaten in the Kahayla Classic.