Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Omani coastline and the Hajar Mountains, the third stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) in Muscat delivered an extraordinary showcase of Arabian horse breeding.
With Tour regulars such as D Borkan (FA el Rasheem x D Ajayeb) and Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP) returning to the ring alongside some exceptional horses from Omani breeders, the event welcomed esteemed guests and passionate fans from around the world for three days of thrilling competition and cultural celebration.
With an impressive roster of world-class contenders, the Muscat stage concluded with an unforgettable closing ceremony. The evening’s festivities celebrated Omani heritage with an enchanting display of traditional music and dance, immersing spectators in the rich culture of the region. The excitement continued with the entrance of Gold Senior Male Champion Berlin MP (SMA Magic One x Baraka MP), who was honoured in a grand procession beneath a canopy of golden lights. As the final moments unfolded, the night sky was set ablaze with a breathtaking drone display over the Arabian Gulf, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in the Global Champions Arabians Tour.
AJ Sindala (Ghaith al Zobair x AJ Sajwa) secured the first gold of Muscat for Ajman Stud, United Arab Emirates, with eight votes for gold. The refined grey yearling filly, expertly handled by Glenn Schoukens, won her qualifying class with a score of 92 points. Dubai Arabian Horse Stud clinched the Silver title with D Neeran (Exxalt D Shihanah), who placed third in her qualifying class with a score of 91.93 points. The winner of Section A, Athbah (Ghaith al Zobair x Shamah al Athba), secured Bronze for Qatar’s Al Thamer Stud.
Yearling colt Tashaar al Shaqab (Excalibur EA x Mazaya al Shaqab) took Gold for Al Shaqab Stud of Qatar, following a class win in the qualifier with 91.79 points. Sharar Almanhal (M Munther x Shams Almanhal) took silver for Qatar’s SK Arabians following a Gold title at GCAT Ajman in January. AJ Nayd (AJ Mardan x HDM Bella Ciao) followed in Bronze for Ajman Stud.
Shahalel al Shaqab (Na-mous al Shahania x Siwar al Shaqab) continued her unbeatable winning streak, taking another Gold for Al Shaqab Stud and handler Arnauld Mertens in the Junior Female Championship. Shahbrys HVP followed in Silver for Ajmal Stud of Saudi Arabia, while AJ Sajeel (Shanghai EA x AJ Sephora) took Bronze for Ajman Stud.
Last year’s Leading Male, D Borkan, returns to winning form, taking the Gold Junior Male Champion title for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud following a class win on 92.57 points, with unanimous 20s across the board for type, plus head and neck. Albidayer Stud, also from the UAE, took Silver with Azaam al Amal (El Galal Baahir x Arabesca Scarlet Moon), while D Hayel (D Shakhat x D Jawaher) took Bronze for Al Thamer Stud.
Former World Champion D Shihanah (FA el Rasheem x D Shahla) delivered a breathtaking performance to take Gold in the Senior Female Championship for owners Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Ajman Stud took Silver and Bronze with Al Aryam Banafsaj (Dominic M x Al Aryam Basma) and RK Sadeem (Magid Moniscione x BV Especially Stivana) respectively.
The grand finale of the event saw Berlin MP crowned the Gold Senior Male Champion for Hleetan Stud, Qatar, after an electrifying performance. Ammar (RFI Farid x Adiya) stood Silver for Qatar’s Almirqab Stud, while Oman’s Royal Cavalry took Bronze with Shareem RC (FA el Rasheem x EKS Shakira).
Shareem RCAs the Tour moves forward to its next destination, Shahalel Al Shaqab retains her position at the top of the Female Rankings with 60 points, while Sharar Almanhal takes the lead in the Male Standings with 54 points. Last year’s Best Handler, Paolo Capecci, now leads the Overall Handler Rankings with 153 points, following a dominant performance in Muscat.
Next month sees the Global Champions Arabians Tour return to Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Europe and Middle East series on 9-12 April at Jump Saudi. The Tour also makes its debut in Miami Beach, USA, on 17-19 April at 36th Street Park for the second stage of the Americas series.
For more information about the Global Champions Arabians Tour, follow @arabianstour on Instagram or visit www.gcarabianstour.com to stay updated with the latest news. You can also download the GCAT app, available on Apple and Android for real-time results and rankings.
About Global Champions Arabians Tour
Inaugurated in 2024, the Global Champions Arabians Tour is an exclusive Arabian Horse Championship series, taking place in state-of-the-art venues in iconic locations and offering the highest prize money in the sport’s history. Its mission is to promote the uniqueness of Purebred Arabian Horses through an international platform, fostering a legacy of excellence, transparency, fairness and integrity.
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