Al Zeer Battles To Victory In Gr3 UAE President Cup

Doha, Qatar: Al Zeer, a tough and consistent 5-year-old, captured the Gr.3 (PA) UAE President Cup, the 11th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series, at Waregem, Belgium on Tuesday.

The race, run over 2170m, attracted a field of 12 Purebred Arabians aged four and older.

Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Luka Delozier and owned by Mohammed bin Fahad A H Al Attiya, Al Zeer arrived in Belgium following an excellent second place in a Gr.3 (PA) over 2150m at Duindigt.

Already a Gr.2 (PA) winner last season, he added another important Group victory to his CV with a display of determination.

Smartly away, Al Zeer settled in fourth, but was stuck three wide without cover, as Joe Star (Al Mourtajez) set the pace with Norma Al Maury (Azadi) tracking in second.

The connections of Al Zeer celebrate with their trophies.

With one circuit to go and passing the stands, Al Zeer improved into third, travelling on the outside with positions largely unchanged. Down the back straight, Joe Star lifted the tempo, pressed by Norma Al Maury on his inside, with Al Zeer shadowing the leader from the outside.

Entering the final bend, the long-time leader kicked a length clear, but Al Zeer loomed strongly. In a thrilling duel through the final furlong, Al Zeer dug deep, wearing down Joe Star to take victory. Nabucco Al Maury (Assy) finished well to claim third.

Bred by MBF, Al Zeer is out of Assma Al Khalediah (Amer), a three-time winner between 1900m and 2100m at four and runner-up in a Gr.2 (PA) over 2200m at five.

He is a half-brother to Fazza Al Khalediah (Jalnar Al Khalidiah), a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at four and six and multiple Group 1 placed. Assma Al Khalediah is also a half-sister to Ocyrrhoe (Al Nasr), a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at four.

MENAFN04092025000063011010ID1110015652