Arabian Horse Intl 25

Arabian Horse Intl

Nr 25 - 2024

Silver Jubilee of The President of The UAE Endurance Cup

World Arabian Horse Racing Forum 2023

2024 Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup

Al-Ula, The New Temple Of International Equestrian Sports

Global Champions Arabians Tour 2024

Pan American Endurance Brazil Try Out

Omar Mohammed Al Neyadi riding RO Shy Moon

Photo: Cidinha Franzão

Anne Jonchery France

Cidinha Franzão Editor-In-Chief Graphic Design

Favio Lorenz Argentina

Almir José Ribeiro Racing Director at ABCCA

Cristiane D. Guardia Vice President of Development at ABCCA

Mohamed Saad Arabic Translator & Marketing Manager

The President of The Endurance

United Arab Emirates Cup 160 km

Omar

Won Edition Of The UAE

Al Neyadi

Won The Silver Jubilee UAE President Cup

Photo Dave Quijano / EIEV

We are pleased to welcome everyone to the historic place of Al Wathba!

The Silver Jubilee of H.H. The President of United Arab Emirates Endurance Cup is a precious and dear occasion in everyone’s heart.

It is a race awaited by everyone every year, one that marks our renewed loyalty to our great leadership.

You are welcome to visit the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba; a place endowed with the glory and pride of our great history.

Musallam Salem Al Ameri

Director Manager of Emirates International Endurance Village

Arace that undoubtedly carries the values and heritage of the United Arab Emirates

Every year the Emirates International Endurance Village is blessed by hosting H.H. The President of United Arab Emirates Endurance Cup.

No doubt this event adds glamour to the Village and fills the hearts of participants with happiness, delivers an atmosphere of joy and fills the tracks with optimism.

Mohammed Al Hadrami

Events Director of Emirates International Endurance Village

Omar Mohammed Hareb Khalfan Alneyadi and RO Shy Moon

Photo Dave Quijano/EIEV

Photo Cidinha Franzão

In celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the President of The UAE Endurance Cup, Al Wathba Stables dominated the 160km race held at Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) on 11 February 2024.

Omar Mohammed Al Neyadi riding RO Shy Moon (RO Centurion x Shy Resbalada by Shy Tom) dominated the race from the beginning and won the title of champion of the 25th edition of the HH The President of the United Arab Emirates Endurance Cup.

For the first time in the history of this traditional endurance race, three Argentine horses from Los Estribos Stables, owned by Elena and Eduardo Romero Oneto, won first, third and fourth place.

A very emotional Al Neyadi, who won, said it was a matter of following the instructions and sticking to the plan as he knew he would face a classy field in the race. “I followed the trainer’s instructions, who asked me not to put too much pressure on the horse and RO Shy Moon’s strength and stamina really helped me at every stage, keeping me in control from start to finish. This is a team effort and I would like to thank everyone involved on the team for their support and efforts in helping us win.”

When asked if he felt he would win, Omar replied: “Although we dominated the entire race, I was only sure of victory in the last stage, as RO Shy Moon was impeccable. And I want to dedicate this victory to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

The race began at 06:30 with the participation of 159 elite male and female horsemen from various stables in the UAE, in addition to the participation of a number of foreign riders residing in the country.

And with the stage set perfectly for one of the most anticipated events on the UAE endurance riding calendar, Al Neyadi topped the list of 34 finishers from a field of 159 that participated, winning in the company of 10-year-old mare RO Shy Moon, trained by Jabar Singh.

The pair completed the ride with a time of 05:52:11 and average speed of 27,26 km/h. Al Neyadi had last won the Union Day Cup at the same venue in November and on that occasion the youngster led an Al Wathba Stables clean sweep of the podium.

Al Neyadi began the day confidently and set the fastest time over the 40km first loop, with the only blemish in an otherwise flawless

performance arriving during the second loop spanning 28km, which saw the youngster pass on the baton to his teammate Masa Adnan Tonbakji, who rode RO Lucky (RO Shy Dandy x RO Fortuna by BM Ponomaran) and swapped places as she move up one spot to take over the summit. A role reversal ensued once again during the third loop, also over 28km, with Al Neyadi regaining the lead and holding on to win comfortably thereafter as the battle for the minor spots continued with Al Shamsi finishing second after falling and rising consistently during the course of the ride.

There wasn’t going to be a 1-2-3 for his outfit this time around with Alya Obaid Al Shamsi of ABH Endurance finding herself between Al Neyadi and third-place Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, who also rode for Al Wathba Stables. Al Shamsi secured second aboard EUS Royal Viper (Inshallah Royal Traveller x Stockton Park Bold El Shamar by Bold Colombo), after clocking 5:53:08, with Al Redha and RO Patagonia (RO Centurion x FS Surena by HR Shakcholl), a further 37 seconds behind with a time of 5:53:45.

Musallam Al Ameri, the Director General of EIEV, said: “The presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan played a major role in influencing and encouraging the riders to give their best and make the race a highly successful affair. The event’s success began with the guidance, support and care of His Highness, and was doubled by his presence and timely follow-up to see that everything was of the highest order.”

“I would like to congratulate everyone who participated, the riders and trainers and the stables that were part of the landmark 25th edition of this prestigious ride and I would like to offer special congratulations to the winning connections.”

Elena Romero Oneto, owner of Los Estribos Stables in Argentina, said: “Eduardo and I don’t know how to express our happiness at being present and being able to see three horses from our breeding in the top four in the Silver Jubilee of the President of The UAE Endurance Cup. Two animals ours have already won this prestigious race: RO Nilo (alias Super and alias Jabar) in 2004 and the very famous RO Fabiola in 2005. We want to thank from the bottom of our hearts HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Mussalam Al Ameri, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri and the entire team from Al Wathba Stables

Alya Obaid Juma Ghanem Alshamsi and EUS Royal Viper

Photo: Cidinha Franzão

Photo Cidinha Franzão

and EIEV Team for the invitation and being able to enjoy this great victory with them.”

H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended a part of the 25th UAE President Endurance Cup who took a tour of facilities at the Emirates International Endurance Village, and reviewed the technical, organisational and logistical preparations in place for the ride.

On February 9th, a conference on horse care and a dinner for race guests were held. Veterinary examination procedures for participating horses and weigh-in of riders took place on February 10, followed by a public seminar in the village on the history of the President of UAE Endurance Cup race.

Musallam Al Ameri, Director-General of the Village, praised the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for all the events and activities organised and hosted by the village every season.

“This year marks a special Silver Jubilee and the village will come alive with a diverse programme of activities, events, and seminars”, he said.

Al Ameri elaborated: “From discussions on local and global horse-related topics to fascinating insights into sports refereeing, the program delved deep into the equestrian world. Renowned experts shared their valuable knowledge and successful experiences, offering invaluable insights for riders and workers in the sector.”

“The race holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, being named after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We have designed a comprehensive and integrated program this year, ensuring everyone in the equestrian sector benefits from expert knowledge and inspiring stories.”

Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisei, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Mohammed Al Hadhrami, EIEV Events Director, Abdul Rahman Al Rumaithi, the General Manager of EIEV, and Lara Sawaya, the Executive Director of the His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival, presented the top three with their prizes.

RO NILO (alias SUPER) y la famosísima RO FABIOLA sobre 160 km.

Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha on RO Patagonia (115) and Masa Adnan Tonbakji on RO Lucky (116)

Photo: Cidinha Franzão

Photo Cidinha Franzão

Photo Dave Quijano EIEV Team

Photo Dave Quijano / EIEV

Photo Cidinha Franzão

Photo Cidinha Franzão

Photos Dave Quijano EIEV Team

Photo Dave Quijano / EIEV

Photos: Cidinha Franzão

Photos

Cidinha Franzão

Photos Cidinha Franzão

Photos Cidinha Franzão

Photos Cidinha Franzão

Rashed Salem Malhoof Al Ketbi and Biniou El Quibi, winner 2023 HH President of the UAE Endurance Cup

Marzooq Salem Al

and RO Fabiola 2005 winner HH President of the UAE Endurance Cup

Marri

World Arabian Horse Racing Forum 2023 - HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Presidential Court, Abu Dhabi hosted from 18 November to 3 December the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

On its first day, the Forum’s activities culminated in a press conference and the glittering draw ceremony for the Jewel Crown Race, a prestigious event with a prize purse of AED5 million. Scheduled for Sunday December 3 at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the race featured 16 elite Purebred Arabian horses competing over a thrilling 2,200-meter distance. The race coincided with the 52nd Union Day celebrations and is generously sponsored by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival.

Wednesday, the headquarters of the Dusit Thani Hotel in the capital, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the launch of the activities of the thirteenth edition of the World Forum for Arabian Racing Horses, as part of the closing activities of the fifteenth edition of the His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival, and in conjunction with the celebrations of the 52nd anniversary of Federation Day.

The first session of the forum, which was entitled “Breeding Arabian Horses” and the challenges facing breeders, was headed by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and part of it was followed by Sheikh Hamid bin Khadim bin Butti Al Hamid and many officials, with the participation of 400 people from all over the world. In all specialties.

The World Arabian Horse Racing Forum 2023 took on Breeding Challenges with a panel of educated breeders and veterinarians in Abu Dhabi on November 29.

Moderator Derek Thompson led the panel of Arabian racehorse experts and breeders. They included top UAE breeder, Khalid Nabooda, Dr. Sandra Wilshire of the Sharjah Equine Hospital, winning French breeder, Renee-Laure Koch, Stud manager and pedigree specialist, Emmanuel Cessac, French trainer Paul Besquin, and consultant, advisor, and horse broker, Jean Pierre Deroubaix. Among other subjects, they discussed the ideal breeding circumstances for best chance at successful racing progeny and the plus and minus of Embryo Transfer. They agreed that to the pedigree mix, quality of food, people around the horses, and a lot of luck was all involved in the development of a good race prospect.

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh

Khaled Al Naboodah confirmed that he prepared a book in Arabic and English, about the problems he faced as a breeder of purebred Arabian horses during the past 30 years, so that new generations of breeders can benefit from them.

The second session of the global forum, which was entitled “The Future of Arabian Horse Racing,” and was moderated by journalist Karim Tarhouni, witnessed an extensive discussion of the challenges facing the renaissance of Arabian horses, with the participation of Peter Pond, President of WAHO, Hassan Mousill, breeder of Al Mourtajez, H.E. Ali Al Sheba, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Samuel Shinsky, representative of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority, Mélanie Vanlemberghe from AFAC and Genny Haynes, Executive Director of the Arabian Horse Organization in Britain. They discussed what is needed to keep Arabian Racing vibrant in their country, France and the UAE having the most horses needing races written.

They included future plans to update the number of races and how to attract the public to support racing.

H.E. Ali Al Sheba expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Presidential Court, for the support and dwirectives of His Highness, and said: “From the technical and sports side, we are working with our partners, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival, to develop the races.”

The speakers concluded that the renaissance of Arabian horse racing requires a significant increase in the number of races and an increase in owners and producers.

The focus of the third session was “Media and Public Relations”, and the session reviewed the focus on coverage of purebred Arabian horse races.

The Challenges in Racing panel moderated by Jonathan Horowitz heard from French train-

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival

ers Francois Rohaut, Eric Lemartinel and Elisabeth Bernard, Brazilian breeder Almir José Ribeiro, and UAE based owner trainers Ibrahim Al Hadrami and Ernst Oertel. They have all found success as trainers while working in various climates and facing life obstacles.

The Women in Racing Panel moderated by Lara Sawaya included Dr. Mieke De Rijck of the Sharjah Equine Hospital, Emer Felton, director of International Racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deborah Mihaloff, owner with her husband of Cre Run Farm and the owner of First Classs, entered into the Sunday Jewel Crown at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Center and winner of the 2022 edition.

Also on the panel were Annalisa Landucci, trainer Georgina Ward, and Cathie O’mers, head of Officials at the British Horseracing Authority.

They shared their inspiring stories on working their way through obstacles to gain prominent and sometimes extremely satisfying careers in Arabian horse racing.

The final session of the day and of the 2023 Forum gave the spotlight to Social Media used in this racing environment. Moderated by Massoud Mohammed, speakers were Musallem Quttan from Oman, Hassen Atiq Al Romalthy and Hamad Al Shamsi from the UAE, Abdullah Al Humayani, and Umm Kaithoum Al Berji from the K.S.A., and Khaled Makhiouf from Egypt.

The Global Arabian Horse Racing Conference is supported by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan in its 15th year.

Text and photos Cidinha Franzão

L-R: Almir José Ribeiro, Khalil Dababneh and Peter Pond

L-R: Kamal Mohamed Al Mubarak, Isameldin Sayed Salih, Lara Sawaya and Mohamed Ahmed Omer

Qatar and Bahrain crowned Custodian of The Two Holy

crowned champions of the 2024

Mosques Endurance Cup

Holy

Saeed Yahya S J Al Naimi riding G B Guillen Fantasia, 120 km winner

Text and

photos

Anne Jonchery

Riders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates topped the podium in the tremendously endowed CEI 2* held on February 10, 10th in Al-ʿUla, Saudi Arabia, while a rider from Bahrain won the CEI 3* February 11.

Three Brazilian riders took the start of this Fursan Cup 2024, with varying degrees of success.

The event, aimed at promoting the organizers’ ability to orchestrate a fine World Championships in 2026, showed that this rehearsal augured well for the future.

At 7 am on Saturday February 10th, two hundred riders representing fifty-one nations took the start of the 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, the richest 2* CEI on the planet (3.2 million euros).

The day wasn’t quite there, but the grandiose landscapes of the ancient oasis of Al-ʿUla, the tourism showcase of a Saudi Arabia that is opening up to the world, were gradually revealing themselves to the riders who set off for 120km of terrain that was

sometimes hard, sometimes deep, with gradients promising to break the frenetic speed of the most reckless riders.

All went well overall, even if a few camels came to play the troublemaker, running behind and with the horses. That’s endurance too. Right from the start, three riders set the tone. The unreasonable speed of the winner, Qatar’s Saeed Yahya SJ al-Naimi, who pushed his horse G B Guilen Fantasia, from Argentina, to 28.2km/h in the last loop, for a final average speed of 23.72km/h. He completed the race in 5h22’01’’, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Fares Abu Ras, second on Ger Ashir, and UAE’s Hamad Humaid Ali Obaïd Altamimi, third with Showman TE.

In the aftermath of his famous victory, Saeed Al Naimi said: “I’m really proud to have won this competition and competed against so many talented riders from different countries - it was a very difficult contest but I’m delighted to have made it back first in the end. The track was challenging throughout, but I loved riding out there. The experience was great and I’m already looking forward to coming back in the future.”

Hamadi Aljanahi riding Deese La Majorie (315), 160km winner, and Mohd Andulhamid Alhashemi riding Lola de Jalima (317)

Some riders preferred to play it safe, like French rider Julia Montagne (15th), who by the third loop realized that finishing in the top ten was out of the question. «Even if the first loop was easier, I understood that the leading riders would go fast. It was Elmer’s first race in the sand and his first plane trip. Even so, everything went well and he even recovered better during the race than usual.» Julia therefore chose to join Spanish rider Jaume Puntí Dachs’ group, for an intelligent race, crossing the deeper passages walking or trotting, and respecting the other difficulties of the track.

80 couples finished the event, with the last finisher, Germany’s Tanja Kraft-Muhammad and Ali Baba, finishing at 19:05:21, almost 5 hours faster than the first rider (arrival at 13:19:20 = 5:03:33 of racing), at a speed of 12.1 km/h!

64 riders set off for 6 loops to cover the 160km course. Endowed with 1.16 million euros, this Fursan Cup launched a countdown of just over two years to the 2026 World Championships, awarded last November to Al-ʿUla by the board of directors of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Setting off in the night, the competitors finally finished the event with twenty-two, offering a more cosmopolitan podium than the previous day’s. Hamad Isa Abdoullah Yousouf Al-Janahi took the win with his Arabian horse made in France, Déesse la Majorie. They crossed the finish line after 8:27:08 of effort, averaging 18.9km/h. The Bahraini was ten minutes ahead of Uruguayan Federico Ferber, second on HC Yaiza, and Spaniard Omar Blanco Rodrigo, third with JM El Sobrino.

Major efforts to ensure the horses’ well-being.

The Organizing Committee made considerable efforts for this first repeat of the World Championships. For previous editions, the horses landed in Riyadh and it took several hours by truck to reach the venue. This year, a direct flight was organized between Liège (Belgium) and Al-ʿUla. In the opinion of the riders, progress has also been made on the track. What was much appreciated were the numerous water points managed by the organization, where people gave bottles to riders. The loops were reversed so that riders could start on an easier track instead of directly on deep ground. Everyone appreciated the quality of the trails and the magnificent landscapes.

Another interesting point is that this race is accessible to all, Gulf riders or not, thanks to the varied terrain. It was therefore a good preparation for the World Championships, saluting the progress of this young nation on the world endurance scene.

Brazilians in the Top Ten

Monica Pinto Lima Graziano and Renato Salvador fared better in the 3* class. Riding Proeza do Bom Viver and Uzès Trio respectively, they remained in the Top Ten throughout the race, fluctuating between seventh and tenth place for Monica, and between sixth and eighth for Renato. Monica finished 7th, just one hundredth of a second behind Renato. They ran the 6 loops at an average speed of 17.3.

Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), this richly endowed competition attracted a lot of people. The organizing committee claims to have received seven hundred applications. For the CEI 2*, two hundred riders were invited, following a much more drastic selection process than in previous years. This is all the more important as the tracks are far more technical than those offered in other Gulf countries. De facto, this year, the horses presented for the initial veterinary inspection generally appeared to be in much better physical condition than those seen in 2023.

Renato Salvador riding Uzes Trio (6th)

A World Championship under the spotlight.

The Organizing Committee of the Al-ʿUla endurance events is well aware that the World Championships will be scrutinized from all sides, and declares its commitment to a clean and safe sport: «From this year, we have decided to intensify controls (anti-doping, weights, etc., editor’s note). And next year, we will take even more measures to preserve the integrity of the horses», explains Dr. Anas Hassan, member of the veterinary commission and event chairman. «Saudi Arabia is a young nation in endurance, its riders still have to learn. However, all must know that cheaters have no place at Al-ʿUla.» 25 doping tests were carried out over the whole weekend.

In the past, many positive cases have been recorded at this winter meeting, proving that year after year, the Organizing Committee takes the problems of doping and cheating very seriously in order to offer a World Championship worthy of the name.

Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah, President of Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, added: “We extended our congratulations to Saeed Al Naimi, Hamad Al-Janahi and every rider who competed – their performances helped pave the way for an experience that audiences will remember for many years to come. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the biggest endurance events on the Saudi Equestrian calendar and this edition has shown why such events in the Kingdom are held in such high regard regionally and internationally.”

Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO of Royal Commission for AlUla, commented: “The 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup has been an incredible success in every way possible. From riders and trainers to spectators and partners, everybody involved has played their part in making this edition so special. We extend our congratulations to the champion and all who participated.”

Monica Graziano with Proeza do Bom Viver (7th)

Maria Álvarez Pontón with Cinetik De Becherel

CEI2* 120 km Podio

CEI3* _Podio

AlUla Equestrian Village, The New Temple Of International Equestrian Sports

Saudi Arabia has been opening up to the world since 2019, and this openness includes equestrian sports.

This year, the capital, Riyadh is hosting the Jumping and Dressage World Cup finals (April 16 - 20), as well as the Global Champions Tour Play Offs (November 20 - 23).

Endurance has a special place in Saudi Arabia, and more specifically in Al-’Ula: not only will the oasis city host the World Championships in 2026, but a large-scale equestrian village is also under construction.

During the Fursan Cup 2024, Arabian Horse International met Camille Martin, Acting Head of Equestrian Sector - Equestrian Sector Gouvernance and Engagement Manager at RCU (Royal Commission of Al-’Ula).

He presents this extraordinary project which will bring Al-’Ula to the forefront of the international equestrian scene.

Al-’Ula: the hidden treasure

Located in the northwest of the kingdom, in the province of Medina, around a thousand kilometers northwest of the capital, the development of Al-’Ula is one of the flagship projects of the modern and ambitious “Vision 2030” plan led since 2016 by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This jewel which has the size of Belgium represents more than 7,000 years of history: Nabataean necropolises on the site of Hegra (listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2008), rocky landscapes of red, brown or ochre sandstone, depending on the brightness of the sun, shaped over time and by the wind, canyons,

International

basalt plateau, a desert to the skyline and a luscious green palm grove.

Al-’Ula is not just a blend of spectacularly developed natural splendors: the ancient oasis town has become the Saudi Arabian benchmark for endurance.

The horse, one of the cornestone of the Al’Ula project

Antoine Sinniger, Head of the Equestrian projects for AFALULA (French agency for the development of Al-’Ula), points out that “the strategy of the horse pole is focused on the development of horse riding for tourism and the local population”. He is working to structure the Saudi equine industry along French model, both in terms of institutions and the organization of equestrian activities, in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and the Royal Commission of Al-’Ula, which initiated the project.

Positioned as the world’s largest equestrian village (285 hectares), this site dedicated to horses and horse riding promises to be one of a kind, projecting the oasis city to the forefront of the international equestrian scene.

“This equestrian village project is designed to develop all Olympic and non-Olympic equestrian disciplines. Two sites are currently being developed, with very different objectives. The Al Motadil site will be used for sporting competitions, with two indoor arenas (with a capacity of 5,000 and 1,400 spectators respectively, ed.), grass and sand polo fields, a racecourse (with a capacity of up to 3,000 spectators, ed.) and endurance sites. The Al Atheeb site will be dedicated to training, leisure riding, the culture and heritage of the Arab horse and the region, and Furûsiyya (the tradition of equestrian art and chivalry in Islam, such as archery on horseback, ed.). The structures on this site have the potential to host major events such as the World Equestrian Games” explains Camille Martin.

The equestrian village will also offer hospitality, shops for spectators and those working on the site, and two 740 horse stables. The two large arenas will of course host equestrian competitions, but will also be transformed into a concert hall.

Priority being given to the horse welfare, the Al Motadil stables will be light-flooded, and the training stable will be equipped with swimming pools, treadmills and a vibration plate. A 6,000-square-meter veterinary clinic will provide full services: radiography, MRI, embryo transfer, emergency and routine surgery, hema-

Antoine Sinniger

Text and Photos Anne Jonchery

tology, parasitology, stem cell and plasma rehabilitation therapies, laser surgery.

The village of Al Atheeb, some 10 km from Al Motadil, will be home to a riding school for locals and tourists, a training center for riding teachers and other horse-related professions such as equestrian tourism guides, farriers, grooms and security rangers, as well as a horse museum. The museum will be divided into five pavilions set in a Pure-bred Arabians breeding farm: one dedicated to the history of the Arabian horse in Al-’Ula, a second to its history in Saudi Arabia, a third to the breed, a fourth to its place in the arts and a final one to the Furûsiyya.

Hotels are of course part of the program, one of which will be built close to the broodmare band and around the museum. Horseback rides will start from the village of Al Atheeb, giving access to the landscape art and sculpture area of Wadi Al Fann.

Why Al-’Ula?

“The positioning is very much linked to Al-’Ula: when we talk about horses, Pure-bred Arabians, it’s the link with the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian horse is truly part of Saudi Arabian culture: you see people on horses everywhere on the roadsides. On the rocks in the canyons around Al-’Ula, you can see inscriptions, engravings of horses dating back to three or four

thousand years BC, with spears, weapons... It’s already something that’s rooted in the region’s heritage, and so it was this angle that was chosen from a marketing and economic point of view, to differentiate it from the other projects being developed in Arabia, and there are many: Diriyah (38 upmarked hotels and 20,000 properties in the Riyadh area by 2027, ed.), Redsea (28,000 m2 of sea cost to the west made up of an archipelago of 90 islands with 16 hotels throughout 5 islands and 50 dormant volcanoes for hiking, ed.), Neom (new futuristic city of 26,000km2 powered by renewable energy, an answer to the Silicon Valley, ed. note). Building these kinds of structures isn’t just about the beauty of the horses. It’s also about creating an economic dynamic, a whole ecosystem that can generate resources: Arabia is moving away from oil revenues and is developing other industries” explains Camille Martin, who is delighted to be part of this “extremely dynamic and interesting project. It’s a real opportunity and a privilege to be part of the creation of an industry. We’re really at the beginning of a huge project, and projects like this only come along every 10 or 15 years”.

Architecture in harmony with nature

Taking its inspiration from the darker earth tones of the sandstone canyon walls and the lighter tones of the desert floor, the village’s architectural design harmonizes with the region’s

Camille Martin

cultural heritage and natural colors, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

The landscaping surrounding the equestrian sites, set in a dune landscape, is reminiscent of the oases along the natural Wadi stream.

The development of the region is designed to preserve its identity, its archaeological heritage and its environment, while meeting the needs and expectations of the local population.

In keeping with the principles of responsible tourism and sustainability, organic waste from the village will be used to create fertilizer and support local agriculture. The water used to cool the stables will also be recycled.

An economic booster

The equestrian village will boost development in Al-’Ula county, offering new perspectives for residents through job creation. RCU’s partnership with AFASEC (Association de Formation et d’Action Sociale des Écuries de Courses = Training and Social Action Association for Racing Stables, ed.) will enable young Saudis to train and develop their technical skills for specialized roles in the equestrian sector. A partnership with the Polo Club Saint-Tropez provides expertise in polo club management, tournament or-

ganization and horse care.

“Another interesting aspect of the project is the inclusion of as many local people as possible. If horses are part of the culture, to be able to compete at the highest level, to have high standards, there are a certain number of training courses to be set up, with knowledge to be passed on. Foreign skills are needed for the moment, but the aim is not for Arabia to rely forever on outside skills: it’s also to train and ensure that the people who are on site are self-sufficient over time. This applies to grooms, farriers, veterinarians, stable managers and nutritionists” explains Camille Martin.

Ziad Alsuhaibani Head of the Executive Sports Program at the Royal Commission for Al-’Ula

“RCU’s (Royal Commission for Al-’Ula, ed.) equestrian sector will make Al-’Ula a mustsee destination for any horse enthusiast and a regional reference point for equestrian activities. The equestrian sector will achieve several objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the RCU’s Journey Through Time master plan, including economic diversification, expansion of the tourism sector and sustainable development” explains Ziad Alsuhaibani - Head of the Executive Sports Program at the Royal Commission for Al-’Ula.

There is no doubt that the equestrian village will drive to real estate and hotel investments.

The oasis city is well on the way to becoming a leading equestrian and cultural tourist destination and we can’t help but draw a parallel with Dubai, which was a major factor in the development of endurance. Camille Martin gives his opinion: “The Emirates have built structures and they have an industry that has reached a certain maturity. Here, we don’t position ourselves in competition or anything else. We have our own dynamic in the equestrian sector, which is to build in a qualitative, reasoned way, step by step. The fact that we have the means and are able to invest makes it easier to choose our positioning. Our ambition is to see Al-’Ula as a global equestrian destination”.

The first stage of this major project will of course be the World Endurance Championships to be held on October 17, 2026: “We are diligently preparing for an event of this caliber, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030” said Prince Abdullah bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud - President of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

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AJ Kayya Wins 4thGoldMedal Championship

AjmanStud

Inaugurated in 2024, the Global Champions Arabians Tour (CGAT) is a new and exclusive Arabian Horse Championship, taking place in stateof-the-art venues in iconic locations; and offering the highest prize money ever in the sport: €17,000,000.

The GCAT is an idea of Dutch business man Jan Tops (Vice Chairman), mostly known from the Warmblood jumping horse industry, and Faleh Al Nasser (Chairman). It is a celebration of the Arabian Horse’s majestic and beauty and their rich heritage. Fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange, of which the Arabian horse community is so well known for. In line with the core values of honesty, integrity and excellence, the tour provides an unique platform to showcase the cultural richness and traditions of the participating nations to a global audience.

The GCAT is part of in total seven shows organized in several countries on different continents. GCAT assigns point to the Top 10 horses in each of the six championships categories of each GCAT event. Additionally, the GTAC allocated points to the Top 10 handlers in each Championships category.

The Tour spans the Middle East and Europe, with seven stages scheduled for 2024: Doha (01-05 February), Abu Dhabi (22-25 February), Muscat (30 March: 01 April), Cannes (11-12 June), Valkenswaard (20-21 July), Rome (04-05 September), and Riyadh (05-03 November).

In the end of the tour, all point are being calculated from each championships category, the top 20 is being awarded with prizemoney which has a grand total of more than 4 million Euro’s! On top of this, every show also has its own ranking and prize money with a total of more than 1 million euro’s per event with a total of 7.3 million euro’s for seven events!

There is also a bonus prizemoney of 500.000 euro’s for the horse that has the highest scoring points of the tour. Additionally there is a 2 million Euro’s bonus for the Legend horse. This is a horse that achieves the first place at the overall ranking three times in its lifetime. Upon its third victory, the prize will be awarded and the horse will no longer be eligible for this ti-

tle, though it can still compete for the regular prizemoney in the categories.

There has been a wide selection of judges. Every class a new team of judges was appointed.

KIAHF 2024: GCAT DOHA EDITION

The first edition of the Global Championship Arabian Tour took place from February 1st to 5th at the beach of the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, an amazing location in the heart of the Arabian horse community.

The opening of the championships was a show at its own and heard to be equaled. Not only was there a nice show with dance, music and horses but also a spectacular sound and light show, including fireworks and an amazing drone show.

During the show, the public got a surprise presentation of platinum world champion Baander-

AJ KAYYA (AJ Kafu x AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro), Gold in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Cannes.

os (Marwan al Shaqab x HB Bessolea). Baanderos was gifted by his former owner Prince Khalid Bin Abdulazziz Al Saud of the al Khalediah Stud Farm in Saudi Arabia, as a present along with the Dhakari daughter Layan Al Khalediah, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia a few years ago and is residing at the Tersk State Stud.

The Doha Champions are as follows:

Yearling Fillies Championship - Gold: D Nafayes (D Seraj x D Danat by SG Labib), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.). Silver: Sultana Al Thamer (Dominic M x Weaam Al Jassim by Emerald J), bred and owned by Al Thamer Stud. Bronze: Teha Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Marbella PCF by Exxalt), bred and owned by Al Shaqab.

Yearling Colts Championship - Gold: Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), bred and owned by Al Shaqab. Silver: D Borkan (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb by RFI Farid), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze: Mushwash Al Shaqab (Haash OSB x Shaikha Al Shaqab by Kahil Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab. Junior Fillies Championship: Gold: Shahalel Al Shaqab (NA-Mous Al Shahania x Siwar Al Shaqab by

SMA Magic One), bred and owned by Al Shaqab. Silver: D Najlah (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze: Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP), owned by Turki Alothman – Ajman Stud and bred by Agropecuária Vila dos Pinheiros (BRA).

Junior Colts Championship - Gold: Bandar Aljassimya (Picasso Di Mar x Miznat Aljassimiya by Monther Al Nasser), bred and owned by Al Jassimya Farm. Silver: Baz Aljassimya (Exxalt x MD Mirka by AJ Thee Luca), owned by HRHP Abdulmajeed Bin Sultan Al Saud - Akmal Stud (SA) and bred by Al Jassimya Farm. Bronze: D Shakhar (D Shakhat x D Shamkhah by FA El Rasheem), bred and owned Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

Senior Mares Championship - Gold: AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu x AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro), bred and owned by Ajman Stud (UAE). Silver: D Shihanah (FA El Rasheem x D Shahla by Marajj), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze: Emarella (Sahm El Arab x Emandorella by Eden C), owned by Al Jassimya Stud (QAT) and bred by SK Michalow Sp. Zo.o.

Senior Stallions Championship - Gold: E.S. Harir

(AJ Dinar x TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche), owned by Aljassimya Farm (Qatar) and bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Al Qassimi. Silver: D Seraj (FA El Rasheem x Ladi Veronika by Versace), owned and bred by Dubai Araban Horse Stud. Bronze: Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab x Jwaaher Al Shahania by FA El Rasheem), owned by HE Sheikha Reem M K Al Thani and bred by Ah Shahania Stud.

ABU DHABI, SECOND LEG OF ICONIC GLOBBAL CHAMPIONS ARABIANS TOUR

The Global Champions Arabians Tour concluded its second stage in Abu Dhabi amidst palpable excitement, as the crème de la crème of Arabian horses vied for supremacy in the championship’s final day. The event, which has quickly become a highlight in the equestrian calendar, saw top contenders from the qualifying rounds in a fierce battle for the coveted top spots. Hosted by the Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship and taking place at Yas Island’s prestigious Etihad Arena from the 22nd to

the 25th of February, this event marks the second instalment of a thrilling new seven-part series for 2024, promising an extravagant display of equestrian excellence in the UAE’s capital.

“The United Arab Emirates boasts a rich heritage in breeding world-champion Arabians, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious series,” remarked Faleh Mohammed HA Al-Nasr. “Following the success of the opening edition in Qatar, anticipation is high for the Abu Dhabi leg, promising a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.” he continued.

The stakes were high with participants aiming to maintain their lead on the tour leaderboard, inching closer to the grand prize of €1,000,000 for the leading horse of the year. The competition was particularly intense as many of the frontrunners from the first stage in Doha were determined to defend their positions.

The Abu Dhabi Champions are as follows:

E.S. HARIR (AJ Dinar x TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche), Gold in Doha, Muscat and Cannes

Yearling Fillies Championship - Gold: D Nafayes (D Seraj x D Danat by SG Labib), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.). Silver: Al Aryam Harbah (S.M.A. Magic One x Al Aryam Hamra by Marajj), owned and bred by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahayyan), Bronze: Sultana Al Thamer (Dominic M x Weaam Al Jassim by Emerald J), bred and owned by Al Thamer Stud.

Yearling Colts Championship - Gold: D Borkan (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb by RFI Farid), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Silver: AJ Rabdan (AJ Nawash x AJ Amandari by AJ Mardan), owned and bred by Ajman Stud – HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Bronze: Mushwash Al Shaqab (Haash OSB x Shaikha Al Shaqab by Kahil Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab.

Junior Fillies Championship - Gold: D Najlah (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver: TM Bella (TM Itaipu x TM Fahdeelah by Shanghai EA), owned by Aljumail Stud and bred by Espólio José Orlando A

Teixeira Júnior. Bronze: Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP), owned by Turki Alothman – Ajman Stud and bred by Agropecuária Vila dos Pinheiros (BRA).

Junior Colts Championship - Gold: RD Rajan (Polidoro FC x RD Quianna by Shanghai EA), owned by Hanaya Arabian Stud – Nayla Hayek and bred by Murray or Shirley Popplewell. Silver: D Shakhar (D Shakhat x D Shamkhah by FA El Rasheem), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Bronze: D Hayel (D Shakhat x D Jawaher by FA El Rasheem) owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud.

Senior Mares Championship - Gold: AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu x AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro), owned and bred by Ajman Stud. Silver: Basmah Al Bidayer (Fadi Al Shaqab x Bidayer by Emigrant), owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan S Al Qassimi. Bronze: Basandra Settimocielo (Ajman Moniscione x MA Scarlet by Hadidi), owned by Ajman Stud and bred by Annaratone Ferraroni Maria – Allev. Settimocielo.

SHAHBRYS HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP), Gold in Muscat; Bronze in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Cannes

Senior Stallions Championship - Gold: AJ Kafu (Shanghai EA x AJ Kahayla by QR Marc), owned and bred by Ajman Stud. Silver: Equiborn K.A. (QR Marc x Espadrilla by Monogramm), owned by Nathalie De Haes and bred by Knocke Arabians/NV Zoutekreken. Bronze: Bashir Al Bashir (Gallardo J x Nastya OS by Marajj), owned by Abdullateef Alrasheedi and bred by Ajman Stud-HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS ARABIANS

TOUR HEADS TO THE MAJESTICAL CITY OF MUSCAT

The world’s most exclusive Arabian horse show series with the highest prize fund in the history of the sport continues its exhilarating journey as it arrives at the picturesque Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat, Oman for the third stage of its highly anticipated 2024 season. Set against the breathtaking backdrop

of the Hajar Mountains and the Omani coastline, this leg of the Tour promises an immersive experience celebrating the beauty, grace and cultural significance of the Arabian horse.

Taking place within the sprawling 200-acre grounds of Al Bustan Palace from the 30th of March to the 1st of April, this show offered an impressive championship prize fund of over €1,000,000.

A panel of 20 esteemed judges from all over the world have been invited to evaluate the horses on a set of five criteria – type, head and neck, body and topline, legs and movement – each worth 20 points, allowing a maximum possible score of 100 points.

“We’re delighted to bring the Tour to Muscat in its inaugural year, and we continue to be im-

D NAFAYES (D Seraj x D Danat by SG Labib). Gold in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat. Silver in Cannes

in Doha, Muscat

pressed by the caliber of the horses presented,” commented Faleh Mohammed HA Al-Nasr, Chairman of the Global Champions Arabians Tour.

“The Tour is a celebration of the Arabian horse’s majestic beauty and rich heritage, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. Guided by our fundamental values of integrity, honesty and excellence, the Tour serves as a platform to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions from the participating nations to a global audience,” continues Al-Nasr.

The Muscat Champions are as follows:

Yearling Fillies Championship - Gold: D Nafayes (D Seraj x D Danat by WH Justice), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Silver: Sultana Al Thamer (Dominic M x Weaam Al Jassim by QR Marc), owned and bred by Al Thamer Stud. Bronze: D Rowa (FA El Rasheem x D Rawyanah by Emerald J), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud.

Yearling Colts Championship - Gold: Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), owned and bred by Ah Shaqab. Silver: D Borkan (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb by RFI Farid), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Bronze: Aesar Alwajba (AJ Radman x LR Altagracia by Exalibur EA), owned by Al Wajba Stud and bred by Sheikh Al Qaqa Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Junior Fillies Championship - Gold: Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP), owned by Turki Alothman – Ajmal Stud and bred by Agropecuária Vila dos Pinheiros. Silver: D Najlah (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione) owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Bronze: TM Bella (TM Itaipu x TM Fahdeelah by Shanghai EA), owned by Aljumail Stud and bred by Espólio José Orlando A Teixeira Júnior.

Junior Colts Championship - Gold: Bandar Aljassimya (Picasso Di Mar x Miznat Aljassimya by Monther AL), owned and bred by Al Jassimya Farm. Silver: D Shakhar (D Shakhat x D Shamkhah by FA El

BANDAR ALJASSIMYA (Picasso Di Mar x Miznat Aljassimiya by Monther Al Nasser), Gold

and Cannes

Rasheem), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horses Stud. Bronze: Hamed Sarm (Royal Asad x Treasure AS by Titan AS), owned and bred by Sultan Hamed Mastor Al Harthi.

Senior Mares Championship - Gold: AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu x AJA Caprice by EKS Alihandro), owned and bred by Ajman Stud. Silver: Emarella (Sahm El Arab x Emandorella by Eden C), owned by Al Jassimya Farm and bred by SK MIchalow Sp.zo.o. Bronze: Alexandra RC (FA El Rasheem x Amabelle by Ajman Moniscione), owned and bred by Royal Cavalry Oman.

Senior Stallions Championship - Gold: E.S. Harir (AJ Dinar x TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche), owned by Al Jassimya Farm and bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi. Silver: Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shawab x Jwaaher Al Shahania by FA El Rasheem), owned by HE Sheikha Reem M K Al Thani and bred by Al Shahania Stud. Bronze: AJ Kafu (Shangha EA x AJ Kahayla by QR Marc), owned and bred by Ajman Stud.

E.S. HARIR TAKES ANOTHER GOLD STALLION CHAMPIONSHIP FOR AL JASSIMYA STUD

The enchanting two-day Arabian horse show, the Global Champions Arabians Tour, concluded with an extraordinary closing ceremony at Cannes’ Stade des Hesperides. Against the backdrop of the glistening Mediterranean and the timeless allure of Cannes, this prestigious event celebrated the majesty and elegance of Arabian horses, captivating enthusiasts and spectators from around the globe.

The Global Champions Arabians Tour, renowned for celebrating Arabian excellence, made a grand stop in Cannes as part of its international journey. This year’s event drew together top breeders, trainers, and handlers who showcased the remarkable breed to a new and en-

AFREEN AL SHAQAB (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One). Gold in Doha, Muscat and Cannes

gaged audience, along with dedicated followers of the Tour.

“The Global Champions Arabians Tour in Cannes has been an extraordinary success, thanks to the exceptional quality of participants and the captivating cultural elements that enriched the experience,” said Faleh Al-Nasr, Chairman of Global Champions Arabians Tour. “We are proud to have hosted such a remarkable celebration of Arabian horses in this beautiful city, and we look forward to continuing our tour with the same spirit and enthusiasm.”

“We would like to thank Global Partners, Qatar Airways, Doha Bank and Old Doha Port, along with Institutional Partner Ville Cannes and Broadcast Partner Alkass, who have been instrumental in the success of the Tour,” continued Al-Nasr.

Throughout the two-day spectacular show, thousands of guests from all over the world descended on Cannes to see horses from 13 countries compete for the coveted Championships titles and ranking points towards the Leading male, female and handler titles, which will be announced at the finals, taking place in Riyadh on 03-05 November.

The Cannes Champions are as follows: Yearling Fillies Championship - Gold: Durrat Al Bidayer (Jyar Meia Lua x A Vision MI by Allegiance MI), owned and bred by Al Bidayer Stud: Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan Al Qassimi, (U.A.E.). Silver: D Nafayes (D Seraj x D Danat por SG Labib), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.). Bronze: Royal Futurista (AJ Radman x HK Sweet Musique por HDF Lugano), owned by Al Wajba Stud (Qatar) and bred by Cindy McGown.

Yearling Colts Championship - Gold: Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), owned and bred by Al Shaqab Stud (Qatar). Silver: D Borkan (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb by RFI Farid), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.). Bronze: Aesar Alwajba (AJ Radman x LR Altagracia by Excalibur), owned and bred by Al Wajba Stud (Qatar)

Junior Fillies Championship - Gold: Aisha Al Sheikh (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab by SMA Magic One), owned and bred by Al Sheikh Stud (Palestine). Silver: D Najlah (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca by Ajman Moniscione), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.). Bronze: Shahbrys HVP (Royal Asad x Rebecca HVP by Magnum Chall HVP), owned by Ajmal Stud (KSA) and bred by Agropecuária Vila dos Pinheiros.

Junior Colts Championship - Gold: Bandar Aljassimya (Picasso Di Mar x Miznat Aljassimya by Monther Al Nasser), owned and bred by Aljassimya Stud (Qatar). Silver: Baz Aljassimya (Exxalt x MD Mirka by AJ Thee Luca), owned by Akmal Stud (KSA) and bred by Aljassimya Stud. Bronze: D Shakhar (D Shakhat x D Shamkhah by FA El Rasheem), owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.)

Senior Mares Championship - Gold: AJ Kayya (AJ Kafu x Aja Caprice by EKS Alihandro), owned and bred by Ajman Stud (U.A.E.). Silver: Basmah Al Bidayer (Fadi Al Shaqab x Bidayer by Emigrant), owned and bred by Al Bidayer Stud: Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan Al Qassimi, (U.A.E.). Bronze: Basandra Settimocielo (Ajman Moniscione x MA Scarlet by Hadidi), owned by Ajman Stud (U.A.E.) and bred by Annaratone Ferraroni Maria

Senior Stallions Championship - Gold: E.S. Harir (AJ Dinar x TF Magnums Magic by Magnum Psyche), owned by Aljassimya Farm (Qatar) and bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Al Qassimi. Silver: Pilatus PCF (Exxalt x Alexandria PCF by PCF Vision), owned by Amer Stud (KSA) and bred by Peacemakers Choice Farms. Bronze: AJ Kafu (Shanghai EA x AJ Kahayla by QR Marc), owned and bred by Ajman Stud (U.A.E.).

Source and photos: Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT)

AJ Kafu (Shanghai EA x AJ Kahayla by QR Marc)

AJ KAYYA

E.S. HARIR

SHAHBRYS HVP D NAFAYES

PAN AMERICAN ENDURANCE BRAZIL TRY OUT 2024

Albar Stables, located in the city of Campinas, 90 km from the city of São Paulo, hosted on the 1st and 2nd of June the II Stage of the Paulista Endurance Ranking and Test Race of the Pan-American Championship that will be held in 2025 in the same local. The race brought together more than 100 riders from Brazil and other countries who came to test and learn about the location and trails for next year’s international competition.

In addition to Brazilian riders from several states (São Paulo, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Brasília), representatives from Uruguay, Argentina and Chile participated.

In the CEI2* 120 km Senior category race, Monica Pinto Lima Graziano riding NNL Provence was the champion, completing the four stages in 05:46:18 with an average speed of 20.79 km/h. Daniel de Oliveira Ferreira with Tifany BV was second with a ride time of 05:50:35 and an average speed of 20.54 km/h.

João Pedro Bornia Antocheski driving Kerouan Endurance and his father João Leonel Antocheski with Corlay Endurance finished in third and fourth place respectively.

The much-coveted Best Condition award for the 120 km race was won by the horse Kerouan Endurance from the State of Paraná.

Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer riding RG Kamen was the only one to win in the Young Riders category. The pair completed the race in 06:25:22 with an average speed of 18.62 km/h.

In the CEI1* 100 km Senior race, the champion was Alessandro Santos Celestino riding Stud Brasil Araguaia, followed by José Willian Teixeira dos Santos with RG El Cid and Isha Judd, from Uruguay, who rode RG Kisil.

In the Young Riders category, Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa with Bint Amyra BV crossed in first place followed by Max Perlman Rabinovitz who rode Phuket do Bom Viver.

The rider from the state of Rio de Janeiro,

Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer and RG Kamen

José Geraldo da Costa Moreira Filho, who rode Katalina Rach, was the winner of the CEN 80 km race, followed by the representative from Brasilia, Ana Carolina Pereira Bernardes with Argentina BV.

The winners in the CEN 60 km races were Flávio Daccache with Congo Rach, in the Senior category, Philip Mattos Botelho Greenlees with Naizza Rach in the Young category and Bernardo Machado Ulsenheimer with Tábita Rach in the Junior category.

Ricardo Jamil Saliba, Vice-President of Races at the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA), highlighted the quality of the race: “This test event for the Pan-American was excellent. A challenging and high-speed race. Haras Albar is constantly improving its structure with each event, which raises the level of competition even further.”

Saliba highlighted the importance of the event as preparation for the Pan-American Endurance Championship in 2025, which is scheduled for July next year. “Expectations are high. Most likely, we will have the best edition of the Pan American Games in history. All countries are committed to participating. Some competitors will rent horses here in Brazil, which also heats up our market, being vital for the Arabian horse industry in Brazil.”

With an impeccable organization led by Mari Quinteri and Carlito (Carlos Augusto Amaral Paes de Barros) and a high technical level, the try out of the 2025 Pan-American Endurance at Haras Albar not only fulfilled its objective of preparing for the important race, but it also strengthened the Enduro Equestrian community and the Arabian horse industry in Brazil.

Photos by Marina Pedroso

Partial view of the endurance area

Monica Pinto Lima Graziano riding NNL

Best Condition winner: Kerouan Endurance

José Geraldo da Costa Moreira Filho and Ana Carolina Pereira Bernardes

RACH STUD INTERNATIONAL CUP

João Pedro Bornia Antocheski, rider from the State of Paraná riding RG Koral, won his first CEI3* 160 km race at the Rach Stud International Cup, held on Saturday, May 4 on Ilha da Chapada, State of Minas Gerais, headquarters of Rach Stud.

At 4:30 am was the start of the CEI3* 160 km and CEI3* 140 km races. The well-planned trails and adequate vet check area were unanimously approved by all competitors, alongside stunning landscapes provided by a river island, where all participants and their teams stay on the farm for four or five days.

The rider from Brasília, Diogo de Oliveira Martins who rode CP Latifa and the representative of the State of São Paulo, Luiz Felipe Pupo G. Rossi, riding San José Cesáreo, finished in second and third places respectively.

The Bronze medalist pair at the Pan-American Championships in Chile, José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães and Stud Brasil Itajara won the CEI3* 140 km race, followed by João Leonel Antocheski riding Mars Endurance. João Leonel is the father of João Pedro, winner of the 160 km.

The rider from the State of Minas Gerais, Renato Salvador with Logan D’Jok Trio was the champion of the CEI2* 120 km race. He finished eighth in February riding Uzès Trio in the 160km race in Al’Ula, Saudi Arabia.

In the CEIYR2* 120 km race the winner was Gustavo Machado Ulsenheimer with Zoey Kong Rach. Carolina Cardoso Duarte who rode Peridot Rach won the CEI1* 100 km Senior race and in the CEIYR1* 100 km the winner was the young rider from São Paulo, João Vitor Bagarolli Rodrigues riding Bellodalix SBV.

On Friday, May 3rd, the Jamil Saliba Cup (CEI1* 100 km and CEIYR1* 100 km) was held in honor of the patriarch of the Saliba family and founder of Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda.

Uruguayan Mateo Castro Papayani riding Nona Djok Trio won in the Senior category and Diogo de Oliveira Martins won in the Young Riders category riding Infinity Stone Rach.

In addition to the races, the Saliba family organizes a friendly social integration with

football, fishing, trips and diving in the dam, dinners and even a show of animals from the Haras, which make the International Rach Stud International Cup a totally different event with its own characteristics and a event probably without similar in the world.

The Rach Stud Internacional Cup is established as one of the biggest Endurance events of the year, according to the opinion of competitors, teams and families who attended the race.

According to Ricardo Saliba, the race was attended by 82 riders: “It was fantastic to welcome a group of friendly athletes and their families. We had the presence of more or less 150 people, with more than 100 staying or camping at the stud farm.”

“We had an intense social part, with Arabic dinner, barbecue and even football. Without a doubt, it was a very special moment for everyone. The result left us very satisfied and looking forward to holding a new race next year, in order to provide this union of endurance riders and their families excited by their love for the sport and the Arabian horse”, concludes Saliba.

COPA JAMIL SALIBA - CEI 1* 100 Km Adulto: 1 Uruguaio Mateo Castro Papayani/Nona Djok Trio, 18.40 km/h. Telmo Jose Sousa Gois/Pepi Djok Trio, 18.40 km/h. 3 Ederson F. da Costa/ Stud Brasil Negroni, 17.60 km/h.

CEIYR1* 100 km: 1- Diogo de Oliveira Martins/Infinity Stone Rach, 15.91 km/h. Gustavo M. Ulsenheimer/ASTON RACh/vel.: 15.90

RACH STUD INTERNATIONAL CUP/4 de maio de 2024

CEI3* 160 km: 1 João Pedro Bornia Antocheski/RG Koral, 16.14 km/h, 2 Diogo de Oliveira Martins/CP Latifa, 15.73 km/h. 3 Luiz Felipe P. G. Rossi/San José Cesáreo/vel.: 15.73 km/h.

CEI3* 140 km: 1- José Caio F. Vaz Guimarães/ Stud Brasil Itajara, 16.73 km/h. 2- João Leonel Antocheski/Mars Endurance, 16.42 km/h.

CEI2* 120 km: 1 Renato M. Salvador Silva/ Logan D’Jok Trio, 18.46 km/h. 2 Ana Carla Ma-

“I aimed to finish the race, as I didn’t manage to finish the first one. It was an ideal race for Koral, in addition to the wonderful trails, it was a paradisi-acal race. As I said, my objective was to finish the race with the horse in good condition, because the trails are flat, which means running at a higher speed than the others.”

“I participated in previous editions in other categories, 120 km and 100 km, so I knew the trails, although this year there was small changes. During all the stages, both my team and I were very nervous, but we overcame each one. In the last five kilometers, I caressed Koral’s neck and said to him: ‘You are a warrior, you will finish this race with fireworks’”.

“With three kilometers to go, I told him: ‘only three more kilometers, and he started galloping freely and with a lot of energy, as if he was telling me: I’m fine and we’re going to win’. And when he saw that crowd screaming at the finish line and I dismounted, he showed all his happiness, as if telling me: ‘We did it, mission accomplished!’ And the final crowning achievement was, in addition to first place, winning the Best Condition Award which, for us Brazilians, is very important because it means that the horse had an excellent performance.”

km winner: João Pedro Bornia Antocheski / RG Koral

Horse

José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães / Stud Brasil Itajara - CEI 3* 140 km winner

“Since the first edition, I have been going to the Rach Stud race with a lot of expectation and excitement. It’s my favorite place and it brings me a feeling of closeness to animals, nature, trails and endurance people. That’s why we chose her to try my first 160 km race and that of my mare CP Latifa. The two days of racing were excellent. On Friday, I competed and won the CEIYR1* 100 km race with Infinity Stone Rach, a very resistant mare loaned by Ricardo Saliba. In that first moment we were able to get to know the trail better, the support points and organize the team, which worked very well and resulted in the podium for the Rach team.”

“On Saturday we ran the CEI3* 160 km race, a much-awaited challenge that we chose to do with CP Latifa after the excellent result at the Pan-American Championships in Chile. She looked great, very well trained and with fire in her eyes, I had never seen her look so good. Of course, it was still a big challenge to debut at a distance we had never done before, but it was one of the races I enjoyed most in my life. Running on those trails with Latifa and a committed team from sunrise to sunset is definitely a memory I will never forget. In fact, I still get chills just thinking about those moments. We didn’t go to win, but to complete the distance in good health, and I was very happy to see her complete the 160 km in excellent condition; going through all the vet checks and resting times feeling good, eating, with desire and with joy to be there.”

Diogo de Oliveira Martins / CP Latifa

ciel/Traviatta SBV, 18.36 km/h. 3 André Vidiz/ NNL Emilia, 18.33 km/h.

CEIYR2* 120 km: 1 Gustavo M. Ulsenheimer/ Zoey Kong Rach, 17.03 km/h. 2 Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa/Acrux Albar, 17.03 km/h.

CEI1* 100 km: 1 Carolina Cardoso Duarte/Peridot Rach, 17.26 km/h. 2 Ederson Fernandes da Costa/Asterix SBV, 17.24 km/h. 3 Cláudio Eluan Kalume/Mazurka Rach, 15.74 km/h.

CEIYR1* 100 km: 1 João Vitor Bagarolli Rodrigues/Bellodalix SBV, 14.49 km/h.

The winners in the other races were: CEN 80 km Adult: José Willian Teixeira dos Santos with RG Kares; CEN 80 km Junior: Bernardo Machado Ulsenheimer with Patriotka Rach; CEN 60 km Adult: Rodrigo Storani Saliba with Verve Rach; CEN 60 km Young: Sofia Engels with Miranda Rach; CEN 40 km Adult: Juliana Rodrigues de Paiva with Quinteto Armorial (horse of the Crioulo breed) and CEN 20 km: Ricardo Sobreira Silva Araújo with Lutero Original (horse Mangalarga Marchador).

Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos Marina Pedroso

Renato M. Salvador Silva/Logan D’Jok Trio

Mateo Castro Papayani/Nona Djok Trio

HH Sheikh Nasser Wins Šamorín Endurance Championship

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Commander of the Royal Endurance Team, has successfully led the Royal Endurance Team to victory in the 120-kilometre race at the Šamorín championship in Slovakia.

The prestigious race was attended by prominent figures including H. H. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, as well as His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice-President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport.

In his statement, His Highness Shaikh Nasser highlighted the Royal Endurance Team’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in the European endurance racing scene. This victory is a testament to the team’s strategic approach and the expertise of its jockeys, setting a solid foundation for future competitions.

The Šamorín championship marks a significant milestone as the team prepares for the upcoming Monpazier World Championship in France this September. His Highness Shaikh

Nasser expressed his pride in the team’s performance, congratulating the jockeys for their first-place finishes in both the 160 km and 120 km races. He extended his best wishes for their continued success.

Leading from the first stage through to the fourth, HH Shaikh Nasser, riding Darco La Majorie, showcased his exceptional skill and experience, finishing the race in first place with an impressive time of 5:25:17. Following closely were Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, riding Jade FNMS, who secured second place, and Yousuf Al Jaboori, riding Loukario Desverrieres, who finished third, both representing Team Victorious.

This victory not only underscores the prowess of the Royal Endurance Team but also highlights Bahrain’s growing influence in the world of endurance racing. The team’s ongoing success in European competitions reinforces its position as a formidable force in the sport.

As the Royal Endurance Team looks ahead to the Monpazier World Championship, the focus remains on preparation and strategic excellence. The team’s achievements at the Šamorín championship serve as a powerful motivation to continue striving for excellence on the global stage.

Source and photos: HHSN Media Office

Muraad Shines In The des Pur-Sang Arabes

We witnessed a brave victory from the frontrunner Muraad in the €150,000 Qatar 4-yearold purebred Arabians’ Derby (Gr1-PA, 4yo, 2,000m/1m2f). The Yas Horse Racing Management homebred led the entire race, fending off challengers at the entrance to the straight and then repelling the final assault from Extra Time (Valiant Boy), who had steadily closed in.

Trained by Damien de Watrigant, Muraad (Thakif x Gabra by Dormane); ridden by loyal partner Ioritz Mendizabal, Muraad made the running and won by a neck in a decisive battle.

Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya, President of the Asian Equestrian Federation and Vice Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club QREC, presented the trophies to the winners of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club sponsored the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 Ans.

Winner of the Gr.3 (PA) Sheikh Mansoor Festival - Prix Dormane at La Teste; France, when last seen, the superb chestnut Muraad landed the 2,000m black-type race, which saw 11 fouryear-old Arabian runners vying for the title at Chantilly, France on Sunday, 16th June 2024.

The favourite Luwsail (Al Mourtajez x Al Dowha by Munjiz), finished third; three lengths behind, without any real excuse.

“It’s a horse that hasn’t run much because it took a little time to come,” recalled Damien de Watrigant. “Whether it is an English thoroughbred or an Arabian thoroughbred, when a horse has courage and desire, it stands out from the others and Muraad has these qualities. Today he was on top and I think the best one won.”

This was Muraad’s fourth race and his third victory, 52 days after winning his first Group race, the Sheikh Mansoor Festival—Prix Dormane (Gr3-PA) at La Teste.

He left Extra Time (Valiant Boy x Sand Witchh by Burning Sand), who finished fifth that day, 6.5 lengths behind. Muraad, very keen that day,

The Gr1 PA Qatar Derby Arabes In Chantilly

had given a hard time to his rider, Ioritz Mendizabal, who had already ridden him in his first two outings at Toulouse.

Muraad is the sixth foal out of Gabra (Dormane), a winner of the Qatar French Arabian Breeders’ Cup for 3-year-old fillies at Longchamp for Sheikh Mansoor Al Zayed.

Thanks to embryo transfer technology, the mare produced two sets of offspring from different sires in the same year. Therefore, Muraad has a uterine brother named Sameer, also trained by Damien de Watrigant. He has raced twice and could compete against his “twin”, which would be prohibited if he were also sired by Thakif.

Sporting the silks of owner and breeder Yas Horse Racing Management, Muraad was considered as the main danger to favourite Luwsail, owned by Al Shaqab Racing.

Trained by Damien De Watrigant, Muraad is now a Gr.1 (PA) winner. Still in the lead entering the final straight, he pulled clear and held on the late challenge of Extra Time (Valiant Boy) by a neck. Luwsail ran on to take third.

“The last fifty meters was long, very very long”, said the winning trainer said after the race, “His quality is that he’s very courageous. At La Teste nobody wanted to go forward, so Ioritz ended up leading as the horse wanted to stride on. His only problem is that he jumps off very quickly from the stalls and then we can’t stop him. I said to Ioritz to not fight with him and make the running unless one of Al Shaqab’s horses decides to. But don’t fight with him. Ride him like a good horse. He’s in top form and that’s the race to win, that’s his race.”

Source: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). Photos SCOOPDYGA - CHOURAQUI ELLIOTT

Unbeatable, VG Raj Al Mared Achieves His Ninth Victory

VG Raj Al Mared under the impeccable command of Jeane Alves dominated from the start and masterfully won the Grand Prix São Paulo Interamericana do Cavalo Arabian 2024 - UAE President Cup Series Mondial – Brazil, at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome and was organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association in partnership with Jockey Club of São Paulo.

The race over 1,600 meters on turf for 3-yearold and older had the participation of eight animals, took place on Saturday, May 25th, the last weekend of the São Paulo Grand Prix, the main race in the State of São Paulo, and was part of the schedule of the 7th edition of the Inter-American Arabian Horse Show.

Ridden by Jeane Alves since the first race on August 20, 2022, the five-year-old gray, VG Raj Al Mared, demonstrated all his superiority and won, with Alves’ usual affection, the race with 11 and ½ lengths advantage ahead of RG El Bak, driven by Ruberlei Viana, achieving his ninth victory and eighth in a row.

The double VG Raj Al Mared and RG El Bak, first and second placed in the Cashmerie AJR Handicap Award on March 30, also over 1,600 meters on grass, repeated the feat and stood out brilliantly in the race.

Lady jockey Jeane Alves declared: “Riding VG Raj Al Mared, my Branquinho, is a breeze. He’s an exceptional horse, a real running machine and doesn’t give any work at all. From the first race I let him do what he loves most, which is running. It’s our tenth race and ninth win and we hope to break the record for wins this year with him.”

The Grand Prix São Paulo Interamericana do Cavalo Arabian 2024 is the first race of the UAE President Cup Arabian Purebred Classic Series South America Mondial Brazil, which is expected to feature 10 more races this year.

Almir José Ribeiro, Racing Director of the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA), said: “Firstly I want to thank our sponsors, especially His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and

Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE , Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority; and HE Faisal Al Rahmani, President of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing (IFAHR) and General Director of the UAE President Cup for their trust in the Brazilian Arabian horse racing program which, with this race, begins our fifth year of partnership as our sponsor; and also ABCCA and our breeders who practically took over Cidade Jardim in this race.”

“Indisputable victory for VG Raj Al Mared; which proves his superiority in this important race. It is also important to remember that with this victory, Mared Al Sahra confirms his position as the Best Arabian Horse Racing Sire in the history of Brazil. There are 24 victories with four winning offspring from three different breeders, which demonstrates the correct decision of Brazilian breeders in using the best racing sires available in the world.”

“It is important to highlight that this initiative was thanks to our racing department, which obtained the first coverings of Mared Al Sahra free of charge from Al Shahania Stud in Qatar. We thank H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani for his generosity and desire to promote Arabian horse racing in the world;

especially to the Al Shahania Stud team who have been carrying out this mission brilliantly and efficiently,” added Ribeiro.

RESULTADOS: 1 VG RAJ AL MARED (Mared Al Sahra x Daughter of Just HVP by FA El Shawan); J: Jeane Alves, T: Thiago Haidar, B/O: Haras Bluegrass. 2 RG EL BAK (RG Karat x *Endora by Wojslaw) J: Ruberlei Viana, T: Estanislau Petrochinski, B/O: Cláudio Roberto Guimarães Ribas; 3 GULLIVER RACH (Bismarck Rach x Guinevere Rach by Mister Eros HX); J: Jeffecleone Bispo, T: Estanislau Petrochinski, O: Eduardo Iared, B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 4 PASSIONADDO RACH (Atentaddo VE x Passion Rach by Vaillant Rach), J: Idevaldo Silva, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Ricardo Jamil Saliba, B: 5 Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 5 RG ERA (RG Karat x RG Kasta by *Sarmata), J: Wellinton Ariel, T: Estanislau Petrochinski. O/B: Cláudio Roberto Guimarães Ribas. 6 OLYMPICKA RACH (Bismarck Rach x Olympia Rach by *Aicyng AHRA), J: Luís Henriques, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Agropecuária Ilha da Chapada Ltda. B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 7 SERAFINA RACH (Bismarck Rach x Seresta VE by Feitizzo Rach), J: André Rodrigues Oliveira, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Rodrigo Storani Saliba, B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 8 FLÓRIDA (Bismarck Rach x Fiorella Rach by *Polonez), J: Gabriel Santana Ap2, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Agropecuária Ilha da Chapada Ltda. B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda.

Photos Porfírio Menezes. Text Cidinha Franzão

Ozymandias Rach, Son Of Sir Bani Yas, Won His Debut Race In Cidade Jardim

Ridden with supreme confidence by jockey Ruberlei Viana, Ozymandias Rach, son of Sir Bani Yas and grandson of Amer, had a brilliant and convincing debut at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome, at the Jockey Club of São Paulo, by winning the Wathba Stallions Cup for Fillies Award and Colts.

The race on Saturday, June 29th, was contested over 1,000 meters on turf for 3-year-old and older with up to 1 victory, and featured the participation of two debuting animals: Ozymandias Rach (Sir Bani Yas x Orchestra Rach by Vaillant Rach) and RG Karmel (RG Karat x RG Kalja by *Zapal).

The race’s big favorite, Ozymandias Rach took the lead from the start, after a small dispute with his stablemate, Florida Rach (Bismarck Rach x Fiorella Rach by *Polonez) driven by André R. Oliveira, and showed all his potential and that can qualify to fight with the best to this day. A star is born in Cidade Jardim!

The three-year-old gray is the son of multiple Group 1 race winner Sir Bani Yas (Amer x

Nassem El Baher by Elios de Carrere); and, like champions VG Raj Al Mared and Clapton AJR, he is the grandson of Amer, one of the most influential stallions in the history of Arabian horse racing.

Ozymandias Rach ran a brilliant race and won with 7 and ¾ lengths of advantage over Florida Rach, who battled for second place with fellow debutant RG Karmel, ridden by apprentice jockey Danilo Novais, the third Wathba Stallions Cup race held in São Paulo, which is part of the international calendar of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival.

Ozymandias Rach and Florida Rach are trained by Lucas Quintana and bred and owned by Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda., the biggest supporter of Arabian horse racing in Brazil.

Rach Stud owner Ricardo Jamil Saliba said: “Although we felt he was not yet 100% ready and could do more, it was an excellent debut for Ozymandias Rach against experienced opponents. For us, as breeders, it was very important because we are importing proven ge-

netics and being the first son of Sir Bani Yas to race in Brazil.”

Saliba makes a point of highlighting Rach Stud’s genetic heritage, known as “Line O”, meticulously cultivated over several generations.

“We have a series of outstanding animals, such as Omega, Obstinado, Osiris, Oneida, in short, a series of animals from the “O Line” which is the best racing line at Rach Stud. Ozymandias is another one that confirms this. I understand that it is not enough to think that it is because of outside genetics, but there has to be a well-built base and I am sure that our base focused on racing is already very solid for this mix with European bloodlines.”

The Prêmio Wathba Stallions Cup for Fillies and Colts was organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association in partnership with the Jockey Club of São Paulo.

RESULTS: 1 OZYMANDIAS RACH (Sir Bani Yas x Orchestra Rach by Vaillant Rach), J: Ruberlei Viana, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Rodrigo Storani, B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 2 FLÓRIDA RACH (Bismarck Rach x Fiorella Rach by *Polonez), J: André R. Oliveira, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Agropecuária Ilha da Chapada Ltda. B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 3 RG KARMEL (RG Karat x RG Kalja by *Zapal), J: Danilo Novais Ap3, T: Estanislau Petrochinski, O/B: Claudio Roberto Guimarães Ribas. 4 RG ERA RG (Karat x RG Kasta by *Sarmata), J: Wellinton Ariel, T: Estanislau Petrochinski, O/B: Claudio Roberto Guimarães Ribas. 5 GULLIVER RACH (Bismarck Rach x Guinevere Rach by Mister Eros HX), J: Jeane Alves, T: Estanislau Petrochinski, O: Eduardo Iared, B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. 6 OLYMPICKA RACH (Bismarck Rach x Olympia Rach by *Aicyng AHRA), J: Idevaldo Silva, T: Lucas Quintana, O: Agropecuária Ilha da Chapada Ltda. B: Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda.

Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos Porfírio Menezes

Hermes D`Etiolles Wins First Wathba Stallions Cup Race In Romania

The 7-year-old gray Hermes D`Etiolles (FRA, Damis x Ouasis Du Croate) ridden by Bulgarian jockey Arif Marinov won the first race of the 2024 Wathba Stallions Cup (WSC) calendar in Romania.

Held at Racecourse Ploiesti, on Sunday 16 June, the first edition of the WSC was contested over 1,720 meters on turf for 4-year-old and older and with the participation of eight animals that defied the intense 30º heat of the day.

Got De Lagarde (FRA, Kerbella x Moubaraka), ridden by Nurhay Zyulkyuf, another jockey from Bulgaria, took second place followed by Maraya (FRA, Mouheeb x Lamar).

Hermes D`Etiolles and Maraya are trained by Yulyan Yordanov and owned by Ivan Yourdano.

The Wathba Stalions Cup race run under Romanian Horse Racing Federation rules and open to professional, amateur and apprentice jockeys.

1. Hermes D`Etiolles (FRA, Damis x Ouasis Du Croate), J: Arif Marinov (BUL), T: Yulyan Yordanov (BUL), O: Ivan Yourdano(BUL). 2. Got De Lagarde (FRA, Kerbella x Moubaraka), J: Nurhay Zyulkyuf (BUL), T/O: Stefan Razvan Auras. 3. Maraya (FRA, Mouheeb x Lamar), J: Yuli Asenov (BUL), T: T: Yulyan Yordanov (BUL), O: Ivan Yourdano(BUL). 4. No Neveur Saularie (FRA, Dahess x No Score), J: Svelta Mihaleva (BUL), T/O: Hristo Hristov. 5. Billi Al Izi (FRA, Handassa x Tendresse De Jansavis), J: Dobrin Ganchev (BUL), T: Yulyan Yordanovn, O: Ivan Yourdanov. 6 Walala (RO, Cocor x Haga), J: Sandu Octavian S., T/O: Kinda Maria Fillet. 7 Murat Al Arab (BUL, Mouheeb x Lamar), J: Hristov Asen Yankov, T: Yulyan Yordanov (BUL), O: Ivan Yourdano(BUL). 8 Zubaida (RO, Gand Bun x 867 Olivia), J/T: Lorenzo Gheorghe, O: Clara Jumeau.

Source and photos: Racecourse Ploiesti

Ska De L’Aigle and Al Riffaa: Double Victory For Trainer François Rohaut

The horses trained in France dominated the seventh edition of the Milan UAE President Cup Group 2, the most important Italian race for Arabian thoroughbreds, reserved for horses aged 4-year-old and older. Congratulations to trainer François Rohaut, who placed Ska de L’Aigle (Al Mourtajez x Sia) and Al Riffaa (Al Mourtajez x Saleema) in the first two places, both belonging to members of the important Qatari Al Attiyah family. And the Italians were therefore still defeated; with Dubainulese (Divamer x Oliena By Veinard) still third and a valid protagonist until the final 200 metres.

Ska de l’Aigle, a 5-year-old chestnut son of Al Mourtajez, kept Abu di Gallura (Abu Alemarat x Elettra De Nulvi) and Jindor de Bozouls (Al Mourtajez x Udjidor De Bozouls) under control in the initial stages of the race, and then committed himself as leader ahead of his two opponents. Dubainulese settled in fourth position, preceding Altajani VDC (Burning Sand x

Patterdale), Al Riffaa, Deu di Gallura and Zefiro di Chia.

In the home straight, Ska de l’Aigle extended, putting Jindor de Bozouls in difficulty, at the final 400 meters Al Riffaa looked for space outside the leader and anticipated Dubainulese’s effort.

Another important victory, therefore, for the Milanese race valid for the UAE President Cup circuit, in anticipation of a further “upgrade” to group 1. In 2023, Ska de l’Aigle won the Amir Silver Sword in Doha and above all the Qatar Derby.

Jockey Lukas Delozier said: “He is not always sincere in his performance, but today he gave his best performance and respected the values on the track, as a horse with the highest rating.”

Source: Anica Horse. Photo: Snaitech/Dena

Arabian Horse Intl Endurance