Emirati-Moroccan Festival: Buraak’s victory highlights Morocco’s ambitions

In Casablanca, the second edition of the Emirati-Moroccan Festival confirmed Morocco’s rising status in Arab thoroughbred racing, with the horse Buraak winning the prestigious President of the UAE Cup.

A festival that strengthens a strategic partnership

On Saturday, Casablanca-Anfa racecourse hosted the second Emirati-Moroccan Festival. Eight races brought together Moroccan and international horses, as well as owners, trainers and jockeys keen to showcase the strength of the local racing scene.

The event was organised by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) in partnership with the Committee of the President of the UAE Cup. More than six foreign horses lined up in a renowned international race, underlining how fast this new meeting is gaining regional visibility.

For Moroccans living abroad, the festival is a sign of a structured and ambitious equine sector, opening space for investment and cooperation in breeding, ownership and sponsorship of racehorses in Morocco.

Emirati-Moroccan Festival: Buraak on top

The highlight of the day was the President of the UAE Cup, run over 1,900 metres. The race was open to Arab thoroughbreds aged four and over, with prize money of 250,000 euros, making it one of the most attractive events on the calendar.

Buraak, owned by Al Leith Racing and ridden by Moroccan jockey Mohcine Lafram, clinched victory after a fiercely contested race. Moshrif, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay for Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, finished second, while Mugheer, partnered with Omar Lakjal for Atlas Stud, completed the podium.

After the win, Mohcine Lafram said the success of Buraak was no surprise. He explained that the team trusted the horse’s abilities and that their efforts had been rewarded on the track.

Results that confirm Morocco’s level

French jockey Guillaume Guedj-Gay also shone at the Emirati-Moroccan Festival. He won the Abu Dhabi Cup with the mare Huda De Carrere, owned by Emadadein Althoushi. Ines Grine, ridden by Omar Lakjal, came second, followed by Mellie De Faust with jockey Amine…

These performances confirm the high standard of professionals working in Morocco, whether owners, trainers or jockeys, and strengthen the country’s image as a competitive home for Arab thoroughbred racing.

An equine sector with growing opportunities

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the festival highlights Morocco’s ambitions around the Arab horse. Organisers insist that Arab thoroughbred racing is opening up new prospects for local breeders and owners.

For Moroccans abroad who follow developments back home or are planning a return, this dynamic offers concrete opportunities in:

• breeding and selection of Arab thoroughbreds,
• co-ownership of racehorses,
• sponsorship of races and stables,
• services linked to racecourses, such as tourism, hospitality and events.

Driven by partnerships like the one with the United Arab Emirates, Morocco is consolidating a strategy focused on high-level competition. For the diaspora, the this case shows that the Arab horse remains both a living cultural symbol and a field of investment and projects to explore in the kingdom.

Future editions of the festival are expected to attract more foreign competitors and investors, further reinforcing Morocco’s role in the international Arab thoroughbred racing circuit.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.