Al Zeer Triumphs in Gr.3 UAE President Cup in Belgium

Al Zeer, a determined five-year-old Purebred Arabian, secured a remarkable victory in the Gr.3 (PA) UAE President Cup, held on March 4, 2024, at Waregem, Belgium. This event marked the eleventh leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series, showcasing a competitive field of 12 horses aged four and older.

Race Dynamics and Performance

Trained by François Rohaut and ridden by jockey Luka Delozier, Al Zeer arrived in Belgium following a commendable second-place finish in a Gr.3 (PA) race over 2150 meters at Duindigt. Demonstrating his potential, he added another significant Group victory to his resume, enhancing his reputation in the racing community.

The race unfolded over a distance of 2170 meters, with Al Zeer starting smartly and settling into fourth position. Although he initially found himself three wide without cover, he maintained a steady pace while Joe Star (Al Mourtajez) led the field, closely followed by Norma Al Maury (Azadi).

As the horses passed the stands with one circuit to go, Al Zeer moved up to third, continuing to race on the outside while the leading positions remained largely unchanged. Down the back straight, Joe Star heightened the tempo, challenged by Norma Al Maury on the inside, while Al Zeer shadowed the leader from the outside.

Climactic Finish

Entering the final bend, Joe Star kicked a length clear of the pack, but Al Zeer made a powerful move. In an exhilarating duel through the final furlong, Al Zeer displayed remarkable resilience, steadily wearing down Joe Star to clinch victory. Nabucco Al Maury (Assy) finished strongly to secure third place.

Bred by MBF, Al Zeer is the offspring of Assma Al Khalediah (Amer), who was a three-time winner over distances ranging from 1900 meters to 2100 meters and finished as a runner-up in a Gr.2 (PA) event over 2200 meters. Notably, Al Zeer is a half-brother to Fazza Al Khalediah (Jalnar Al Khalidiah), a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner at four and six years old and multiple Group 1 placed. Additionally, Assma Al Khalediah is a half-sister to Ocyrrhoe (Al Nasr), who also achieved victory in a Gr.1 (PA) race over 2000 meters at four years old.

Al Zeer’s latest triumph at the UAE President Cup not only highlights his exceptional capabilities on the track but also reinforces the legacy of his lineage within Purebred Arabian racing.