TM Fred Texas wins UAE President Cup

And once again it was TM Fred Texas who entered the history books as the first winner at the Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, US, just as he had done so in winning at Churchill Downs last June.

A strong field of 10 top Arabians made history in this first-ever running of Arabians at the historic home of the 2^nd leg of the Triple Crown.

Owned by Sam Vasquez, Fred Texas was ridden by Abel Castellano and trained by Ronald Martino.

Fred Texas, the 5-year-old son of Burning Sands had enough in the tank to win the 1800-metre Grade 1 President of the UAE Cup under jockey Abel Castellano.

It was a great moment for the UAE and the Purebred Arabian racing as over 120,000 fans watched the top Arabian horses battle in the $75,000 race on Preakness Day, the middle leg of the American Triple Crown.

Fred Texas, off his March 31^st win in the Kahayla Classic Group 1 at Meydan Race Course in Dubai, proved that victory was no fluke. This well-travelled Arabian showed his mettle by coming back to the USA to win the Group 1 UAE President Cup at Pimlico Race track on Preakness Day.

Stalking the pace TM Fred Texas moved past front running Grilla at the top of the stretch to cross the wire 2 ¾ ahead of the 2^nd placed Grilla, with Rich Frynchman in the show position. So Big Is Better, Ovour The Top, Spin Doctor, Dixies Valentine, Status Symboll, Born To Boogie MC and French Fry completed the field.

Fred Texas took a circuitous route in overtaking Grilla. “I was a little worried about that,” jockey Castellano said of the early maneuvering. “I was able to drop him over and gradually saved some ground in the second turn. When I asked him to really run, he responded pretty good. He is a very nice horse.”

Castellano had raced an Arabian horse only once before and had never met the trainer before. And the trainer, a former jockey himself, had never mounted an Arabian. Castellano said that Martino had a lot of confidence in him. He just said ‘it is a nice horse, ride your race and he will take you to the wire first’.”

Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General, Emirates Equestrian Federation, was excited over the outcome of the race. He said: “What we have seen is unbelievable. When we decided to field the Arabians on such an important day, we never expected to get such an overwhelming response. We are touched by the turnout of people and the hospitality. It is a great feeling to be part of the famous Preakness Stakes, one of the most popular races in the US. We hope to return to this place next year too.”

“Such achievements are possible, thanks to the UAE leadership, directives of the Chairman of the Federation HE Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, and the combined efforts of the Organizing Committee and the Series partners,” he said.

The race was supported by Abu Dhabi Brand, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Trophies were presented by a number of officials of the UAE Embassy in America beside Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi. Abu Dhabi Heritage Tent proved attractive to scores of race goers who flocked to taste the UAE culture, traditions and hospitality. Free gifts and educative leaflets were given to visitors. The Etihad Airways Formula 1 car was on display and a draw was made for two in a 5-star trip to Abu Dhabi.

The idea to bring Arabians to Pimlico for the first time was mooted by the EEF who put up the prize money with the idea of running the race on the day of the Preakness. In all probability it will become an annual feature. “I think it’s something we will look at seriously in the future years, if they are interested in coming back” said Tom Chuckas, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. He added that the Maryland Jockey Club can conduct three such events to feature Purebred Arabians. “It would be for big days”, he said. “They need more exposure and our view would be to provide maximum interest on a day like this.”

The President of the UAE Cup Group 1 Stakes for Arabians runs at some of the most prestigious venues around the world, and this year Pimlico was graced by this most ancient breed of equines.

The second leg of the UAE President Cup will be held on May 26, at Curragh Racecourse, Ireland.