A SHORT OVERVIEW After three exhilarating stages in Ajman, Doha, and Muscat, the Global Champions Arabians Tour made a thrilling return to Riyadh from April 9th to 12th, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences. This fourth stage of the Europe and Middle East series wasn’t just another event; it marked the final stop in the Middle East, becoming a crucial turning point in the exciting eight-stage journey towards the 2025 tour. Held in the breathtaking newly-constructed Jump Saudi Arena, nearly 250 of the region’s finest Arabian horses showcased their incredible talent and unwavering determination. Each competitor was not only vying for points in the overall rankings but also a slice of the record-breaking prize money—creating an electric atmosphere filled with anticipation. True to the spirit of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, the Riyadh round was a celebration of culture and community. Hundreds gathered to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, exploring local and international retail stalls, strolling through a captivating cultural village, and indulging in an array of family-friendly entertainment. It was a feast for the senses, inspiring everyone in attendance and weaving together the worlds of sport and culture in a truly spectacular fashion. THE OFFICIALS AND SHOW STAFF The judging panel for the GCAT Riyadh 2025 brought together distinguished experts from around the globe, creating an environment ripe for exceptional and unbiased evaluation. Leading the panel were remarkable judges like Mr. William Oppen from Argentina and Mr. Hammad Abduljabbar Alaa from Bahrain, alongside the accomplished duo of Mrs. Helen Hennekens and Mrs. Julie Maden from Belgium. This elite team was further enriched by the insights of Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Badrawy from Egypt, Mrs. Bérengère Fayt from France, and Mr. Mark Ismer and Mr. Nikolaus Jung from Germany. Dr. Abderrazak Hmidani represented Morocco, while Mr. Cedes Bakker hailed from the Netherlands. The depth of expertise continued with the talented Mr. Jerzy Bialobok and Mr. Lucas Gozdzialski from Poland, Mrs. Kathleen Ohlsson from Sweden and esteemed judges like Mrs. Caroline Reid and Mr. Hassanain Al-Nakeeb from the United Kingdom. Mr. Jerzy Zbyszewski from the United States rounded out this remarkable jury. The Disciplinary Committee featured prominent figures such as Dr. Bassem Badr from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Malak Benamar from Morocco, Mrs. Sandra Boogaard from the Netherlands, Dr. Bhaskar Sujeet Suryawanshi from the United Arab Emirates, and Mrs. Suzanne Hennekens from the United Kingdom. Each member was devoted to upholding the rules of integrity and respect, guiding everyone toward a shared vision of fairness. As the Jump Saudi arena came alive, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, embodying the spirit of aspiration and passion. Ringmasters Mr. Bart Beckers and Dr. Mohammed Hammad stood ready to demonstrate their unique leadership styles. Local media teams were present, and Arabian Horse Magazine from Italy caught every special and exciting moment. For fans unable to join in person, ArabianEssence provided a powerful live stream, allowing to experience the event’s excitement from anywhere in the world. In the Jump Saudi Arena of the GCAT Riyadh 2025, dreams took flight, and the talent of each participant shone brightly, proving the beauty of global unity and the pursuit of breeding and equestrian excellence. THE SHOW The competition started on 9 April 2025 at 17:00 Asia/Riyadh - 16:00 Europe/Rome and ended on 13 April 2025 at 00:00 Asia/Riyadh - 23:00 Europe/Rome, with the awarding of the new champion horses divided by age and sex: In a spectacular performance of elegance and spirit, the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP crowned its gold medallist, the magnificent Arabella Al Shahania (Lr Solo Mio x Assilah Al Shahania). Bred and owned by the esteemed H.E. Sheikha Yasmeen M K H Al Thani of Al Shahania Stud, Arabella’s poise and athleticism captivated the judges and audience alike. Claiming the silver medal was the striking Areej Akmal (Rhan AlShahania x Badia A), a stunning representative from Akmal Stud, who demonstrated a remarkable combination of grace and tenacity. Rounding out the podium, the bronze medal went to Aj Sindala (Ghaith Al Zobair x Aj Sajwa), proudly bred and owned by Ajman Stud of HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The excitement continued in the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, where the gold medal was awarded to the breathtaking Shahalel Al Shaqab (Na Mous Al Shahania x Siwar Al Shaqab), an exceptional creation of Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.). Taking home the silver was Shahbrys Hvp (Royal Asad x Rebecca Hvp), a product of Agropecuaria Vila Dos Pinheiros, now owned by Turki Alothman. Securing the bronze medal was Expectation Alwajba (Excalibur Ea x Expected Beauty), bred by Sheikh Al Qaqa Bin Hamad K Al Thani and owned by Al Wajba Stud. In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, the gold medal winner was D Beisan (D Seraj x Rah Rosalia), who was bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and is owned by Al Shaqab, a member of Q.F. The silver medal was awarded to Rk Sadeem (Magid Moniscione x Bv Especially Stivana), bred by Rashed Khaled Alanzan/Shazin Stud and owned by Ajman Stud, under HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The bronze medal went to Najla Umm Aludham (Wadee Al Shaqab x Da Magic Moment), bred and owned by Nasser Mohammed Mesfer Al Hajri. In the YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, the gold medal winner was Mistiq Al Shahania (Lr Solo Mio x Haya Al Shahania), bred and owned by H.E. Sheikha Iman M.K. Al Thani of Al Shahania Stud. The silver medal was claimed by Nebras Na (Mutbahi Al Hawajer x Bint Maraj), bred and owned by Mohammed Alkhudhayr. The bronze medal winner was the gorgeous Sharar Almanhal (M Munter x Shams Almanhal), bred by Fahed Salem Alzaabi and owned by Sk Arabians. In the exhilarating JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, D Borkan emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal with grace and strength. Bred by the esteemed Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, D Borkan is a testament to the dedication and passion behind breeding excellence. The silver medal went to the remarkable Chalino Cj, a striking embodiment of elegance and power, brought to life by Jame Swaenpoel and now proudly owned by Al Shahania Stud. The bronze medallist, Naif Al Areeb, shone brightly in this talented group, bred by Faisal Saad Jofain Al Otaibe and owned by Al Nouf Stud. In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, the spotlight was on Alexxanderr, who gallantly took home the gold medal. A product of the remarkable pairing of Excalibur Ea and Ar Most Irresistible, he reflects the hard work of his breeders, Frances Butler and Brandi Carson and owner Almirqab Farm. The silver medallist, Berlin Mp, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud and bred by Mindy Peters, radiated unmatched charisma and prowess in the arena. Finally, the bronze medallist, the stunning E.s. Harir, bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi and owned by Sk Arabians, completed this extraordinary line up. GLOBAL CHAMPIONS ARABIANS TOUR RIYADH 2025 CONCLUSION The GCAT Riyadh 2025 concluded with the much anticipated Best Female, Best Male, and Best Handler rankings. Shahalel Al Shaqab bred and owned by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.) remains proudly undefeated at the top of the female leader board, Sharar Almanhal bred by Fahed Salem Alzaabi and owned by Sk Arabians shines in his light at the top of the male leader board, and Mr Paolo Capecci from Italy continues to lead the overall handler ranking, constantly proving his outstanding skills and dedication during this Tour. The GCAT journey doesn’t end here, however... Those flying across the Atlantic Ocean are preparing for the second stage of the Americas series, which will debut in sunny Miami Beach, USA, from April 17th to 19th at 36th Street Park. The Tour will return to Europe in June 2025 for the Cannes leg and then head to other outstanding locales. Stay tuned with Arabian Horse Magazine so you do not miss any of this planetary equestrian circuit!