This year's President of the UAE Cup Series will feature seven races across the UAE, Europe and the US.
The debut race on Sunday will take place at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and the series will later move on to The Curragh in Ireland, Baden-Baden in Germany, Paris, Newmarket and Ascot in the UK, Moscow and the US.
The seven-race 2011 calendar was announced yesterday by the series organisers, the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), at a press conference at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi attended by racing personalities including trainers Philippe Barbe and Eric Lemartinel and Kieren Fallon, the jockey.
"It is very fitting that we are able to share the excitement and success of this international horse race series with everyone in Abu Dhabi," said Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa, the chairman of the EEF.
"With the support of the series partners, the February 6 race in Abu Dhabi will demonstrate how we present the Emirate to the world through this globally-recognised horse race series."
Throughout series, the race courses involved will feature cultural exhibits and activities about Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
"The 2011 schedule features two additional races, including the season debut in Abu Dhabi," Taleb al Muhairi, the EEF secretary general, said.
"We are honoured to launch our 2011 season here in Abu Dhabi.
"The nominations are particularly strong for the February 6 race, so horse enthusiasts will see a thrilling race, as well as enjoy a night at the races as never before seen in Abu Dhabi."
Established in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally, the President of the UAE Cup Series was the first international purebred Arabian horse race series, and today is still considered the premier racing series for the breed.
The series is held on the instructions Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
* Agency
