The initiatory Ajman leg of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) 2025 season was inspiring, captivating all attendees with a stunning showcase of majestic Arabian horses. Held from January 3rd to 6th against the breathtaking backdrop of Ajman’s Al Zorah waterfront, this event marked an exhilarating start to the second season of GCAT’s Europe and Middle East series. This year is fascinating with eight scintillating stages, including Ajman (United Arab Emirates), Doha (Qatar), Muscat (Oman), Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Cannes (France), Valkenswaard (Netherlands), London (United Kingdom), and Rome (Italy). Even more thrilling is the opportunity for top winners from both the European and Middle Eastern stages to compete at the end of the year against champions from the Americas series (Scottsdale, Arizona- Miami Beach, Florida- São Paulo, Brazil; Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, and the final in Las Vegas, Nevada), the ultimate goal being the all-new Supreme World Champion Title at the World Arabian Horse Championship in December 2025.The Global Champions Arabians Tour indeed champions equestrian excellence. It attracted the finest Arabian horses in the heart of Ajman. With an impressive overall prize pool of €24,000,000 during the 2025 series, handlers worldwide showcased their prodigious horsemanship skills alongside Ajman’s passionate Arabian horse community. Building on the excitement of the first season, in which Ajman Stud’s AJ Kayya claimed the prestigious ‘Horse of the Tour’ title and a share of €1.35 million in prize money, the excitement for the second season was skyrocketing. The energy and passion surrounding this first Ajman leg of the tour made it an incredible experience for all involved. Including us on the Arabian Horse Magazine team! OFFICIALS & MEDIA PARTNERS Over 150 Arabian horses entered the arena, vying for an early lead in this prestigious eight-part series spanning Europe and the Middle East. The judging panel for this inaugural event boasted a important lineup of international expertise, featuring Mr Benjamin Scott (Australia), Mr Antonio Luiz Rocco Moreira (Brazil), Mr Ahmed Hamza (Egypt), Mr Hamza Tarek (Egypt), Mr Marc Veray (France), Ms Sharzad Aslani Amir (Iran), Mr Christian Moschini (Italy), Mrs Maria Annaratone-Ferraroni (Italy), Mr Abdelouahed Maagoul (Morocco), Mrs Alicja Poszepczyńska (Poland), Mrs Anna Stefaniuk (Poland), Mr Urs Aeschbacher (Switzerland), Mrs Caroline Reid (United Kingdom), Mrs Joanne Lowe (United Kingdom), Mrs Janice Mc Crea Wight (United States), and Mr Joseph Polo (United States). In a remarkable display of collaboration and integrity, five dedicated Disciplinary Commissioners upheld the tournament’s spirit: Mr Bart Beckers (Belgium), Mr Danial Alavi (Iran), Mrs Laura Mascagna (Italy), Dr Razan N. Mohamed (Oman), and Dr Sujeet Bhaskar Suryawanshi (United Arab Emirates). Stepping into the arena with poise, ringmasters Dr Mohammed Hammad (Egypt) and Mr Roberto Ceccaroni (Italy) guided the participants, leading to breathtaking performances that culminated in the results announced by the talented Mr Fahad Abdullah (Qatar). The passion and commitment of the press and media partners, Arabian Horse Magazine (Italy), Arabian Insider (Italy), and the local media team, were vital in capturing this extraordinary event. ArabianEssence (Italy), with a heart for storytelling, live-streamed the show, allowing the world to witness the magic unfold.The show occurred from January 3rd to 6th, with performances starting daily at 15:30. Qualifying classes were held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Monday, the Top five horses from each class showcased their beauty and skills in the final championship round. The competition concluded with the announcement of the champion winner horses embodying the pinnacle of breeding excellence on the GCAT Ajman 2025.The atmosphere was exciting in the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP as SQ Ghandoura (SQ Sager x Miss Enzo Rlc) claimed the coveted gold medal. She is proudly bred by Al Saqran Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Hanaya Arabian Stud - Nayla Hayek. The radiant D Neeran (Exxalt x D Shihanah) won the silver medal, a testament to Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s incredible breeding and ownership. Claiming the bronze medal, AJ Sindala(Ghaith Al Zobair x AJ Sajwa), hailing from Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.Moving to the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Shahalel Al Shaqab (NAMous Al Shahania x Siwar Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.), secured a well-deserved gold medal. The silver medal was awarded to the graceful D Rowa (FA El Rasheem x D Rawayanah), also bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Completing the podium with the bronze medal Aseelah Albidayer (AJ Marzan x Allezandra Albidayer), bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud al Qasimi.In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, the spotlight shone brightly on D Beisan (D Seraj x Rah Rosalia), who triumphed with the gold medal. She is bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.).Grabbing the silver medal was AL Aryam Banafsaj (Dominic M x Al Aryam Basma), bred by Al Aryam Arabians and owned by Ajman Stud - HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Finally, the bronze medal was awarded to El Esmera (Sahm El Arab x Esmeraldia), bred by Michalow Stud and owned by Sheikh Abdullah Bin N Mohammed Ali Al Thani.The YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP was an exhilarating showcase of talent and passion, with the highly esteemed gold medal going to the stunning Sharar Al- manhal (M Munther x Shams AlManhal), proudly bred and owned by Fahed Alzaabi. The silver medal was captured by the impressive Fam Vortex (D Shahhar x D Hamsah), bred and owned by Federico Jose Morales Jordan. The bronze medal was awarded to the charming D Mazyoon (D Fannan x D Al Shahba), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.The JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP was equally intense, with the dazzling Azzaam Al Amal (El Galal Baahir x Arabesca Scarlett Moon) seizing the gold medal. Bred by Al Amal Arabians and owned by the distinguished Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Azzaam truly stood out. The silver medal was proudly claimed by D Hayel (D Shakhat x D Jawaher), bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Thamer Stud. The bronze medal went to the striking D Shakhar (D Shakhat x D Shamkhah), also bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, reflecting their unwavering commitment to excellence. In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, the coveted gold medal was awarded to the extraordinary D Seraj (FA El Rasheem x Ladi Veronika), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Amaar (Rfi Farid x Adiya), bred by Al Juman Stud and owned by Almirqab Farm, proudly took home the silver medal. Finally, the exquisite Berlin Mp (SMA Magic One x Baraka Mp), bred by Mindy Peters and owned by Hleetan Stud, won the bronze medal, contributing to the remarkable prestige of this fantastic event. GCAT AJMAN 2025 - CONCLUSION After the thrilling Ajman stage of the GCAT 2025 Europe & Middle East Series, the formidable D Seraj, proudly bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, is currently leading the Males Leaderboard with an impressive 20 points. Hot on his heels are Azzaam Al Amal, bred by Al Amal Arabians and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, also sitting at 20 points, and Sharar Almanhal, who shares the exact tally, bred and owned by Fahed Saeed Alzaabi. In the Overall Handler ranking, last year’s celebrated “Handler of the Year,” Paolo Capecci, has taken the lead with 54 points, closely followed by Arnauld Mertens at 52 points and Raphael Curti in third with 50 points.The calibre of horses displayed at the Ajman stage was genuinely remarkable. While it may be too soon to predict the Horse of the Tour with seven thrilling stages still to come, one of the stars from Ajman is poised to rise as a strong contender as we look ahead to the series finale in Prague in September 2025. Next, the Tour advances to Doha for the second stage of the Europe and Middle East series, set for February 5-8. Following that, we eagerly anticipate the Americas series kicking off in Scottsdale on February 18 and 20. Stay tuned and embrace every moment of this extraordinary Tour with Arabian Horse Magazine!