Irad Ortiz Jr will ride Diamond Gem AA in the UAE President Cup on April 30. The five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey has been given the call to ride the two-time Arabian horse of the Year.
What's at stake?
The UAE President Cup will offer a record purse of $400,000, exceeding last year's record purse of $200,000.
The horse's record
Diamond Gem AA has career earnings of $374,425 from 21 starts, with seven career stakes victories.
The competition
Diamond Gem AA narrowly missed victory in the 2024 edition, finishing a neck behind RB Malexis.
The race details
The nomination deadline for the UAE President Cup is set for April 16, with entries to be taken on April 23. The race will return to the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs.
The homebred gelding is trained by Jerenesto Torrez, who has achieved four wins in the UAE President Cup's North American stop.
The trainer's strategy
Torrez will aim to secure a historic third win in the race for Diamond Gem AA.
Diamond Gem AA is sired by the Arabian stallion Burning Sand.
The horse's background
The gelding has been dominant in recent memory, with a strong record in Arabian racing.
The 2026 edition of the UAE President Cup will be the eighth time Churchill Downs has hosted the event.
The event's history
The UAE President Cup has a rich history, with past winners including Paddys Day.
Irad Ortiz Jr will be seeking to secure a win for Diamond Gem AA on April 30.
The jockey's experience
Ortiz Jr has a wealth of experience, with five Eclipse Awards to his name.
The UAE President Cup will be a key event in the Arabian racing calendar.
The calendar
The event will take place on April 30, with a record purse on offer.