tag

Al Zeer, a tough and consistent 5-year-old, captured the Gr.3 (PA) President of the U.A.E Cup, the 11th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series, at Waregem, Belgium, 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 AH 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 set the pace with Norma Al Maury (Azadi) tracking in second. 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 finished well to claim third.Bred by MBF, Al Zeer is out of Assma Al Khalediah, 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, 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, a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at four.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to end collective bargaining with federal unions in some agencies that have "national security missions", the White House said.The order would apply to unions in agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Weather Service and others, the White House said in a statement.Trump also signed a presidential memorandum aimed at preventing federal grant money from going toward political lobbying, the White House said.The memo directs Attorney-General Pam Bondi to investigate whether funds from federal grants "are being illegally used to support lobbying activities and to take appropriate enforcement action", according to a White House fact sheet.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and King Abdullah II of Jordan, who is visiting Tashkent, discussed on Tuesday ways of strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East.During the meeting, King Abdullah II emphasized the urgent need to halt the Israeli assault on Gaza, end the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip, and ensure the unimpeded flow of aid.He also underscored the importance of stopping the dangerous escalation in the West Bank and the ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.