Al Zeer Clinches Victory in Gr.3 UAE President Cup in Belgium

Al Zeer, a formidable five-year-old Purebred Arabian, triumphed in the Gr.3 (PA) UAE President Cup, held on March 12, 2024, at Waregem, Belgium. This victory marks the 11th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series, showcasing Al Zeer’s consistent performance and determination on the track.

The race covered a distance of 2,170 meters and featured a competitive field of 12 horses, all aged four years and older. Under the skilled guidance of trainer François Rohaut and rider Luka Delozier, Al Zeer entered the race following a commendable second-place finish in a Gr.3 (PA) race over 2,150 meters at Duindigt.

Dynamic Race Unfolds

Al Zeer, already a winner of a Gr.2 (PA) title last season, displayed remarkable tenacity throughout the race. He began smartly and settled into fourth position, despite encountering challenges as he raced three wide without cover. Joe Star, trained by Al Mourtajez, set a brisk pace, with Norma Al Maury, trained by Azadi, closely following in second place.

As the horses made their way past the stands with one circuit remaining, Al Zeer advanced to third place, maintaining a position on the outside while the leaders held their ground. During the back straight, Joe Star increased the tempo, with Norma Al Maury pressing closely on his inside, while Al Zeer shadowed them from the outside.

Entering the final bend, Joe Star surged ahead by a length, but Al Zeer began to loom ominously behind. In a thrilling showdown through the last furlong, Al Zeer showcased his grit and determination, gradually wearing down Joe Star to secure a hard-fought victory. Nabucco Al Maury, trained by Assy, finished strongly to claim third place.

Pedigree and Background

Al Zeer was bred by MBF and is the offspring of Assma Al Khalediah (sired by Amer), who boasts three victories between 1,900 and 2,100 meters and was a runner-up in a Gr.2 (PA) race over 2,200 meters at the age of five. Moreover, Al Zeer has a noteworthy lineage as a half-brother to Fazza Al Khalediah (sired by Jalnar Al Khalidiah), a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner over distances of 2,000 meters at ages four and six, alongside multiple Group 1 placings. Assma Al Khalediah is also a half-sister to Ocyrrhoe (sired by Al Nasr), a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2,000 meters at age four.

The victory at the UAE President Cup further cements Al Zeer’s reputation as a leading competitor in the Arabian racing circuit, showcasing the horse’s resilience and promising future in the sport.