Invincible Al Ghadeer wins again Qatar Arabian World Cup
World Young Horse Championship in Sardegna
AJ Kayya Crowned ‘Horse of the Tour’
Interview Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães
Franzão Editor-In-Chief Graphic Design
Marketing Manager
Favio
Publisher Argentina
Cidinha
Mohamed Saad Arabic Translator &
HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Everest La Majorie
Photo: Ahmed Fathi - HHSN
Almir José Ribeiro Racing Director at ABCCA
Ricardo Jamil Saliba Vice President of Racing at ABCCA
Lorenz
Cristiane R D Guardia Vice President of Promotion at ABCCA
Anne Jonchery France
Isam Sayed UAE
FEATURES
6 Interview with Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães
14 France And Sheikh Nasser Remain the Master of Endurance, While China and Malaysia Spring a Surprise
20 China: The Other Surprise Of The Championship!
22 A Half-Swiss Bronze Medal
24 Hispano-Emirien SW Triunphs At The World Championships For Eight-Year-Old Horses In Arborea
28 Carla Mosti And Gino D’Armani European Champions, France Silver and Spain Gold, But In Questionable Manner
32 Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Tevis and Haggin Cup
36 Hungarian Judit Otilia Knotik wins 160 km race in Romania
40 Arabian Horse National Endurance Cup
44 The Legendary Cup
50 AJ Kayya Crowned ‘Horse of the Tour’ in the Global Champions Arabians Tour Season Finale
56 Global Champions Tour Unveils Eight-Stage 2025 Calendar
58 Global Champions Arabians Tour Announces Launch of the Americas Circuit
60 RFI Sharam wins the Stallion Championship for the highly prized RFI Arabans
65 RFI Arabians Wins Brazilian Breeders’ Cup Best Breeder Award for Fourth Conseow and cutive Year
68 27th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show and Inaugural Edition of Al Rayyan National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show
72 4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup and 4th Qatar Arabian Local Bred Show
79 Invincible Al Ghadeer wins again Qatar Arabian World Cup
81 Are’ej scores second win for Yas Horse Racing
84 Mutaz Follows In The Hoofprints Of Mushrae
86 Allure BV wins third race in a row and trainer Haidar takes 1-2
90 Cromo D’Jok Trio Conquers Second Victory
92 Allure BV achieves third victory in the IFAHR Cup Race and second victory in a row
96 Allure BV wins end-to-end in an exceptional race
99 HM Al Zalmaa & Xavier Thomas Round Off A Great Day
101 Nour AL Maury triumphs in GR1 PA French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic
103 Hajmah Scores First Group PA victory in Prix Nevada II
105 Hibikinada Du Mazet Impresses in the Wathba Stallions Cup
Super Caio, Bronze Medalist at the Pan in Chile, Wins Two Brazilian National Championships
Champion in all categories that competed,
José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães began to stand out as one of the greatest promises of Brazilian endurance as of 2010. He is the only Brazilian endurance rider, until today, to complete 10 international races in a year and thus to enter the select Elite Group (in the Young Riders category) of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).
José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães is the youngest son of Mia Frisoni and José Carlos Vaz Guimarães, owners of Haras Bluegrass. From the time he started, at the age of five, to participate in endurance rides with his father, he is undoubtedly responsible for the family’s dedication to the sport.
Caio - as he is known nationally - is passionate about horses and endurance from an early age, which made the whole family return to the Equestrian Endurance once again, since his parents, José Carlos and Mia Frisoni; were one of the precursors of the sport in Brazil.
He grew up surrounded by sports. At the age of three, he started riding; then, at the age of five, in 2005, he participated in his first 20 km race, always alongside his father. “I have always been in contact with this world. So, I have never thought and still do not think about any other sport. Endurance is in my blood, I cannot see myself without it.”
In 2014, he was ranked 3rd in the FEI Endurance Junior/Young Riders World Ranking; in 2017 he was ranked 2nd in the same Ranking and 1st in the FEI Endurance Junior/Young Riders Combination World Ranking 2017.
Name, age and place of birth
José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães, 24-year-old, São Paulo – Brazil.
Tell us about yourself. I practically grew up on horseback. My earliest memories are of being on a horse, and they have always been an escape for me. Throughout my adolescence, I was deeply dedicated to horses, and over time, I began working in the financial sector. As a result, I started having less time to train and focus on horses. Today, what horses mean to me, beyond being a passion, is the moment when I can disconnect from everything and simply be present.
José Caio and Stud Brasil Itajara, CEI3* 160 km Brazilian National Champions
When and why did you start riding?
My father has an import and exportation of horses company (Vazmar) and as I lived in the farm all the time, horse was my great pet. At 3 years old with my father Jose Carlos Vaz Guimarães and under the watchful eyes of my mother, Mia Frisoni Vaz Guimarães. At 5, I was already competing in my first endurance race and never stopped.
How and when did you know the Endurance? I started with endurance in 2005 (I was 5 years old), my parents with my uncles brought the endurance to Brazil (in the rides they orga-
nized they followed the American model); so the sport was always there and I’ve always been in love.
Tell us about your first horse. I learned to ride a horse with an Appaloosa horse called Bullmore that was my sister’s and she gave to me as a birthday gift. I grew up and started riding VG Fame, a mare who took me to my first 120 km and is still in the tracks with me.
What was your greatest experience in Endurance?
It is difficult, after 19 years of career, to choose a specific moment in endurance. Today, without a shadow of a doubt, my greatest and best achievement in endurance was winning
the bronze medal at the Senior Pan American and becoming a two-time Brazilian champion of 160 km with the same horse. This demonstrates the consistency of the horse and the team, shows that we are on the right track, and encourages us to work harder every day to stay at the top.
How do you prepare yourself for the Endurance race?
Today, with the rush of daily work, I always try to fit in running, weight training, and of course, horseback riding training.
One race has not yet competed and an unforgettable race.
Florac and Tevis Cup are two events that I have not yet done and I have a lot of will. Fontainebleau was an impressive race, with several competitors, running in the same race in which the French team was chosen for the WECYR2017 and we managed to stay in 6th place.
What was your most challenging endurance ride?
The two World Championships I participated in (2015 and 2017) and the two Pan American Championships (2017 and 2023).
Which horse has marked your trajectory, so far, in Endurance?
Many horses have marked my journey over the years. It’s impossible not to mention Bullmore, an Appaloosa who taught me how to ride; or VG Fame, my mare who grew alongside me in
José Caio and Djebel I Endurance - CEI1* 100 km Brazilian National Young Horse Champion
José Caio at the age of 6 with his father José Carlos Vaz Guimarães
Individual Podio Pan American Endurance Championship 2023-Chile
the sport. Likewise, I cannot forget Vermute Endurance, which, although I had a short time with him, marked an era in my career. More recently, Cabo Frio CSM and Stud Brasil Itajara helped me elevate my position in the endurance scene. All of these hold a special place in my heart, each in its own unique, powerful, magnificent, and special way.
What titles have you won?
I finished 3rd place in the FEI Endurance Young Riders World Ranking (2014 and 2017); 1st place in the FEI Endurance Young Riders Combination World Ranking with Zane Gray Endurance, that finished in second place in the FEI Endurance Young Riders Horse World Ranking (2017); 6 times champion of the Brazilian National Ranking of the Confederação Brasileira de Hipismo (CBH – Equestrian Brazilian Confederation); 2 times Brazilian National Young Rider Champion 120km consecutive years (2016 with Cabo Frio CSM and in 2017 with Zane Gray Endurance); Brazilian Vice Champion 120km Adult Category (2018 with Monalisa CRH); the youngest young rider in Brazil to become Elite member; Champion Copa Chile CEI* 80kmYR (2015); 3 times member of the Brazilian team;
Bronze medal by team at Pan American Endurance Championship Uruguay 2017; Bronze Medal Individual at Pan American Endurance Championship Chile 2023; Two times in a row Brazilian National Champion 160km; Champion of the State of São Paulo and I won several times the Efficiency Trophy (awarded by the Paulista Equestrian Federation, of the State of São Paulo).
Do you think that to run a 160km race you need to adopt a specific race strategy? Did you have one?
Indeed, running a 160 km race is much more strategic than a 120 km one, especially when we talk about the Haras Endurance race, which requires more strategy than any other race in Brazil. I think the secret lies in knowing and recognizing every signal your horse gives throughout the race.
How did you feel once you crossed the finish line and after the last vet check was validated for your first place?
I’m sure I’ll never forget what I felt that day; just thinking about it gives me goosebumps, and the feeling of gratitude towards Itajara
overflows. Crossing the finish line after 160 km with the entire endurance community applauding was very emotional. After we passed the final vet check, all the effort was worth it, seeing the happiness of my parents, Dr. Henrique Garcia, and the whole Haras Bluegrass team, especially Daniel and Valmir.
This year you won 2 Brazilian national championships and a runner-up. Tell us a little about this experience. This year, the results were exceptional for Haras Bluegrass. We won the Brazilian championship for young horses in Brasília with Djebel I Endurance, then we became consecutive 160 km Brazilian champions with Stud Brasil Itajara, and to top it off, we were vice-champions of the Brazilian 120 km senior championship with Sazira BV, owned by Gastão Mesquita. I believe this is the result when the entire team looks at and works toward the same goal. I’m very grateful to everyone who contributes daily to ensure that the horses of the Bluegrass team are always in top condition.
Do you have any plans or even desires for your future career as a rider?
I’m not sure “desire” is the word I would use to define my future plans in endurance, but we certainly have objectives and goals that we dream of as a team, together. Above all, I want to keep enjoying endurance, the adrenaline and emotion that only it can provide. May we never lack horses, and may we continue together to always carry Brazil’s flag high.
Besides Endurance, what do you do?
It’s hard to separate life from endurance, but being with the people I love makes me very happy.
Do you have any superstition when you compete?
Every time I get on a horse I pray.
Idols you have in endurance and in life. I’ve always looked up to people who could take me to the next level. Today, two great inspirations for me are Virginie Atger and Adolfo Cambiaso.
Photos: Francisco Boetsch Tagle, Family Collection, Luciano Inácio, Cidinha Franzão, Brasília, Haras Endurance
Individual
José Caio and VG Fame
José Caio and Stud Brasil Itajara, Bronze Medal
2023 Pan American Championship Chile
José Caio and Zane Grey Endurance 2027 Pan American Championship Uruguay
30 YEARS
TRANSPORTING HORSES FOR 30 YEARS
OVER 5,000 HORSES IMPORTED AND EXPORTED
THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS
HUNDREDS OF ROAD TRANSPORTATIONS
MILLIONS OF KILOMETERS BY AIR AND ROAD
THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE BREEDERS AND OWNERS WHO SUPPORTED US IN THE PAST AND SUPPORT US IN THE PRESENT
THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE PROFESSIONALS AND VETERINARIANS WHO ACCOMPANIED US AND STAY BY OUR SIDE
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO MY MENTORS: MY COUSIN, THE GREAT KA, AND MY FATHER JRVG AND SO WE HAVE CONTINUED WORKING WITH THE SAME PASSION SINCE 1994, ADDING 3 DECADES OF EXPERTISE, TO CONTINUE WRITING OUR HISTORY.
José Carlos Vaz Guimarães +55 11 99983-7214 josecarlos@vazmar.com.br
STUD BRASIL ITAJARA CAIO VAZ GUIMARÃES
TWO-TIME BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONS 160 KM 2023 AND 2024
France and Sheikh Nasser Endurance, While China and
By Anne Jonchery
Looking at the latest World medalists, one might think that the Endurance World Championships are all the same. It is true that the French team has retained the title it won a year and a half ago in Butheeb, United Arab Emirates, in a totally different landscape. Bahraini Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, untouchable on this Championship, won his second consecutive title, associated with a horse made in France, Everest La Majorie. Like the sky, which oscillated between torrential rain, lightning, deafening thunder and surprising winds, the event ranking was full of surprises right up to the end.
Saturday, September 7, 5:30 am: the 118 competitors set off at night, on Périgord trails that are now trails in name only! The hellish weather forecast promises a long and exhausting day covering the 6 loops and 160km of this Championship.
The first stage, 38.65km long, overstretched horses ‘and riders’ bodies. The riders’ headlamps were of no use, as the rain was so heavy. Only lightning illuminated the track revealing holes of water and mud.
Maria Alvarez Pontón, the Spaniard with seven individual and ten team medals to her name and a total of eleven gold medals, was forced to retire at the first assistance point. Her horse, Cinetik de Bécherel, suffered from myositis due to weather conditions.
It was a heavy loss for the Spanish team, who were hoping, in Monpazier, to counter bad spells that has been hitting them in the World Championships for some time now.
Two and a half hours after the start, the first competitors crossed the finish line of this first stage, which was completed at an average speed of around 18km/hour. There were four other withdrawals.
The provisional ranking was dominated by Said Ahmad Rashid Abdullah al-Chamsi and Mobhir (ex-Eria des Egas). The Emirati is ahead of Bahraini Sheikh Isa Faisal Rashid Isa al-Khalifa and Fizz Fageole. The temporary podium is completed by Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Everest La Majorie.
As for the Tricolors, Virginie Atger, the best French rider, was tenth with Cham de la Palud, just 23’’ behind. Clémentine Chaud (Doha d’Artagnan), Mélody Théolissat (Yalla de Jalima) and Philippe Tomas (Biwaka de Chalendrat) follow between one and two minutes behind. Fazay Cabirat’s re-examination meant that Julien Lafaure, the local boy and co-organizer of these championships, was eleven minutes behind.
Calmer weather, but riders still determined to do battle
At the end of the second loop, still at an average speed of around 18km/h, two pelotons emerged. These included the Emiratis and Bahrainis, as well as the four best French riders and the four Spaniards still in the race.
The Emirati Said Ahmad al-Harbi leads with Castlebar Cadabra, four seconds ahead of his compatriot Said Ahmad Rashid Abdullah al-Chamsi, second on Mobhir (ex-Eria des Egas), and thirteen hundredths ahead of Sheikh Nasser ben Hamad al-Khalifa, third with Everest La Majorie.
The best French rider, Virginie Atger, was fourteenth, trailing by just fifty-two seconds. Mélody Théolissat, Philippe Tomas and Clémentine Chaud follow at 56’’, 1’’36, 2’’01 respectively. Julien Lafaure is now 14’33” behind the leader..
On the third loop, the best riders maintained an average speed of 18km/h, but the gaps were so wide that some couples were already two hours behind the front rank.
It was at the end of this stage that Sheikh Nasser ben Hamad al-Khalifa took the lead with Everest La Majorie, determined not to relinquish it, despite the 70km to go. The Emiratis Said Ahmad Rashid Abdullah al-Chamsi and Said Ahmad al-Harbi follow on Mobhir and Castlebar Cadabra, 4 and 15’’ behind. France still has five couples: Virginie Atger, thirteenth, now 14’10” behind, Mélody Théolissat is fifteenth, Clémentine Chaud twentieth, Philippe Tomas twenty-fifth and Julien Lafaure thirty-second.
Twelve more couples will not be continuing with the race, including Bahrain’s Salmane Isa Salmane Ali al-Radhi (Elmer de Bozouls), UAE’s
Nasser Remain the Masters of and Malaysia Spring a Surprise
Zayed Mohamed Atiq Khamis al-Muhairi (Al Shemaime), Spaniards Gerard Casadesus Ruaix (Jilguero II, ex-Clavijo de Guad) and Omar Blanco Rodrigo (Warrens Hill Chayze), Italians Daniele Serioli (Conand Jok Trio) and Daniel Braido (Pundiss du Bienn). As a result, Spain and Italy no longer have a team, unlike France and the two great Persian Gulf nations. The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Bulgaria, Great Britain, China, Malaysia, Australia and Brazil are still in the running.
A sunny start to the afternoon
The thunderstorms and showers of the early morning gave way to grey sky, and the sun started to appear. The World Championships will come to a sunny end, with a light wind speeding up the drying of the ground, but also bringing up the humidity, making it harder for the horses to breathe.
The fourth stage, run on the same loop as the second one, saw Sheikh Nasser ben Hamad al-Khalifa retain the lead. Emirati riders
Said Ahmad al-Harbi and Saif al-Mazroui completed the provisional podium. Second-placed Said Ahmad Rashid Abdullah al-Chamsi saw his Championship come to an end; the vets asked to re-examine Mobhir and the verdict was in: lameness. The French, all four in the leading group, held out and looked well on their way to the team podium thanks to Virginie Atger, eleventh at 15’34’’ behind, Clémentine Chaud and Mélody Théolissat, fifteenth and sixteenth, 18’11’’ and 18’13’’ from the lead. Philippe Tomas is nineteenth, while Julien Lafaure is still on the fourth loop.
A breathless sixth and final loop
As the best couples enter the final loop, some nations now have fewer than three couples, which means they are out of the Team Championship. This is the case for Bulgaria, Chile, Spain and Italy, as well as Portugal and Thailand.
Everyone is holding their breath on the Marsalès racecourse; the best competitors are approaching. Riders representing the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are expected to take the lion’s share of individual, but Marijke Visser of the Netherlands is bravely defending Europe’s chances: the podium is within reach. In the team Championship, anything is still possible. One thing is certain: France, provisionally third, will win a medal, but of what color? Although the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are ahead of France on the track, they have only three couples left in the race.
At 5.50 pm, the suspense was over for the individual title: Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa retained his World Champion title.
Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (UAE) on Castlebar Cadabra FEI Massimo Argenziano
Twenty minutes later, Said Ahmad al-Harbi and Castlebar Cadabra took silver, while bronze went to France with Mélody Théolissat who finished with a bang on a Yalla de Jalima whose recovery skills were exemplary. Third-placed Saif al-Mazrouei and Magic Glenn Torque were eliminated due to lameness, dashing the medal hopes of the United Arab Emirates, who no longer have a team.
Reigning European Champion Sabrina ArnoldEasy El Bohera from Germany finished ahead of Dutch rider Marijke Visser - Chaitana des Chaises, who was once running for the podium. The first Brazilian, Felipe De Azevedo Morgulis - Al Saida Larzac (daughter of Said Lotois) climbed into the Top Ten by taking eighth place.
But the team title is still up for grabs. The three best French pairs have crossed the finish line, but not yet the second and third Bahraini pairs: France therefore has a great chance of retaining its team title.
18:30: time of issue! Clémentine Chaud and Doha d’Artagnan easily pass the final veterinary check, confirming the triumph of the French team: the world title remains French. Mélody Théolissat and Yalla de Jalima finished third, just ahead of Virginie Atger and Cham de la Pa-
lud, who had to slow down to avoid a fall due to the mud on the last track.
An almost improbable team podium
At 8.15pm, it was time for triumph for China, who took silver and Malaysia bronze, bluffing everyone, while many competitors were still on the track more than two and a half hours after the arrival of Sheikh Nasser al-Khalifa. The two emerging Asian nations finished nearly five hours (!) behind France, based on the combined times of their three best couples.
China shone thanks to Wang Zhiqiang (As Embrujo), but also Sui Bo and Sui Jiahe, father and daughter aged just fifteen, associated with Eiwa de Bozouls and Venecia Cid respectively. Malaysia, coached by Gabriella Von Felten Ginesta from Switzerland, owes its historic medal to Mohamed Bulkhari Rozali (Bushra Albidayer), Muhammad Aïzad Mohamed Riduan (Émir de Flauzins) and Mohamed Syukri Tengku Mahmoud (Farouk du Cavallon).
Switzerland, coached by Frenchman Allan Léon, finished 5th with 4 couples out of 5 entered: the Swiss nation thus achieved its objective of finishing in the top 5.
Melody Theossilat (FRA) on Yalla De Jalima
FEI Massimo Argenziano
China and Malaysia benefited from the extreme caution of Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, and the failures of the Bahrainis and Emiratis, who relied heavily on individual stakes. Their strategy paid off, as they won gold and silver.
Never give up!
What a commitment! Setting off at 5.30 am, Germany’s Alexandra Weiz (Saiide Al Samarra) and Bernhard Dornsiepen (Bekele El Djem) crossed the finish line almost four hours after the World Champion pair and more than sixteen hours after the start of this anthological event. In the end, they were eliminated for failing to finish within the allocated time.
Forty-five of the one hundred and eighteen starters were finally classified, a rate of 38.14%.
Well done!
It took guts to stay the course in organizing this Championship! With rain falling non-stop since the day before the race, the organizers’ nerves were severely tested. Jean-Noël Lafaure, his son Roman and their entire team managed to make this Championship a remarkable edition despite the appalling weather conditions.
In two years’ time, the World Championships will be held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.
A symbolic handover took place during the
prize-giving ceremony, a way of wishing the Saudi organizing committee good luck.
The 2026 edition of the World Championships also promises to be a great spectacle: the Al Ula tracks are not as easy as you might think.
Individual Results:
Gold: HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamada AL Khalifa (BRN) on Everest La Majorie
Silver: Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (UAE) on Castlebar Cadabra
Bronze: Melody Theossilat (FRA) on Yalla De Jalima
Team Results:
Gold: France 26h33min (Melody Theossilat/Yalla De Jalima, Clementine Chaud/Doha D’Artagnan AA, Julien Lafaure/Fazay Cabirat, Philippe Tomas/Biwaka De Chalendrat)
Silver: China 31h21min (Bo Sui/Venecia Cid and daughter Jiahe Sui/Eiwa De Bozouls, Zhiqiang Wang/AS Embujo, Dayong Fu/Sallaz Djin N’Tonic).
Bronze: Malaysia 31h33min (Mohd Bulkhari Rozali/Bushra Albidayer, Muhammad Aizad Mohd Riduan/Emir De Flauzins, Tengku Muhammad Syukri/Farouk Du Cavallon
Photo: Anne Jonchery
France Team, Gold Medal
Photo: Anne Jonchery
Photo: Anne Jonchery
China: The Other Surprise Of The Championship!
By Anne Jonchery
The World Endurance Championships, which took place in Monpazier on September 7, confounded all forecasts!
After Malaysia, bronze medalist, China took silver, behind France, World Champion for the second year in a row.
After thirty-one hours and twenty-one minutes of racing, 4 Chinese riders bluffed everyone by taking the second step of the podium - a first in the history of equestrian endurance. Bluffed, not so much, in fact: several experts had noted the fine evolution in the riding of these riders, whose horses were prepared by French trainers.
By setting off cautiously to cope with the disastrous weather conditions on the first loop, the strategy paid off. The withdrawal of an Emirati
rider and a Bahraini left the field wide open for the Chinese team, whose strategy has proved its worth.
Outsiders ahead of the leading European and Gulf nations, the Chinese quietly but surely secured their place on the podium.
An intergenerational team
Fifty years separate the youngest rider on the Chinese team from the oldest.
HUILIN Jia, 66 years old and with 4 World Championship participations to his name, is considered the mentor of this Chinese team and the initiator of Chinese riders to endurance.
SUI Jiahe, meanwhile, is just 16 years old, and was the youngest competitor in this edition. Af-
FEI
Massimo Argenziano
ter a 10km sprint with Indian rider Nida Anjum CHELAT, Jiahe finished 16th on Eiwa de Bozouls (Muguet de Pascade x Jaya de Bozouls), and was the first to carry the Chinese flag across the finish line. In Castelsagrat last year, Jiahe finished 30th in the Young Riders World Championship.
Another member of this team had a special role to play in this Championship: SUI Bo. He is none other than Jiahe’s father, who declares that he is “passing the torch to his daughter”.
“I hope to inspire people to nurture vocations”.
“I started riding when I was five. I simply love their presence, and I can feel their emotions when I look into their eyes. I know it sounds cheesy, but that’s how I feel”, says Sui Jiahe.
The teenager regrets one thing today: “I’ve been a student in the UK for 3 years, and I have less time to ride”.
The young rider is involved in a number of activities and has somewhat modified her career plan, because of, or for, horse riding: “I wanted to work for the Chinese government, but it’s difficult to reconcile that with my sporting goals. I thought about becoming a lawyer. What I want to do is defend the truth, at the UN for example. I want to help people and commit myself to just causes”.
The brilliant student has also written a text on gender inequality in sport, researched Victorian women’s sport and the impact of puberty on young sportswomen. She has also been shortlisted for the final of a writing competition.
This Chinese team is hoping to inspire vocations. Among the 1.2 billion inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, there are undoubtedly thousands of riders potentially capable of performing at a high level in endurance: China has the financial capacity to constitute a competitive team, like the one present at Monpazier.
Photo: Anne Jonchery
A Half-Swiss Bronze Medal
By Anne Jonchery
This year, Swiss rider Gabriella Von Felten Ginesta, known to everyone as Gaby, was not competing on her horse; she was coaching the Malaysian team, which surprised everyone by taking third place on the podium, wearing a particularly elegant traditional outfit.
This bronze medal is the result of several years of trust with Malaysia.
For the past five years, Gaby has been training horses for the Royal Malaysian Stables: “ I first sold them a horse, and they liked my stable. They then decided to entrust me with training their horses, which they own. Their horses have been coming to my stables since the winter before the confinement (COVID, editor’s note), and we have been working towards these championships ever since.
Four Senior riders come to La Ferme du Cavallon for a fortnight’s training before the events, and since February, another has been there permanently: “I made friends with Tengku Muhammad Syukri Tengku Mahmood, who was very keen to learn. Since his first visit, he has been very interested in endurance riding as we practice it in Europe. We made a request to the King, who agreed to let him stay with me for
six months. Tengku works with his horse Farouk du Cavallon, a pure product of Gaby’s breeding.
If today, this long-term trust with Malaysia has been established, it was not always easy, as Gaby explains: “At first, they didn’t listen to me! But now they listen to me and have total confidence in me”.
Their training at the Cavallon breeding was all the more interesting given the similarities between this terrain and the one in Monpazier: “My training terrain and the Monpazier tracks are quite similar: it goes up, it goes down, it turns! I had them ride at my place every day, so that they could see what it’s like to not always ride in a straight line, and not just put their buttocks in the saddle. They learned what it was like to really gallop!” Gaby smiles.
However, not everything went according to plan on this Championship: “It wasn’t really the race we wanted to do. We wanted to go faster, but given the state of the tracks, we were very, very scared. So we waited ... and got a medal.
This podium, as surprising as it is encouraging, shows that emerging nations are becoming real competitors in the face of the supremacy of European and Gulf nations.
Photo: Anne Jonchery
Is another image of endurance racing emerging? Gaby thinks so: “That’s exactly what we’re telling ourselves. In fact, I’ve already won a silver medal with the young riders at Ermelo (Netherlands, ed-note). We had the same strategy: ride a real waiting race to get as many riders as possible to finish the race. And that’s how we ended up with the silver medal, because in the end, all the other countries dropped out of the team rankings. France was the only one to stuck it out!
These two medals show the full potential of the riders from this constitutional monarchy.
The eyes of Gaby and his Malaysian riders are now turned towards another goal: “We’re now looking towards Al Ula of course!”, Al Ula, in Saudi Arabia, where the next World Championships will be held on October 17, 2026. And there, too, there will be a card to play: “That’s what I think! At Butheeb and Al Wathba (in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, editor’s note), the tracks are very galloping, but at Al Lula, it’s more technical. That’s really our next objective, given that Malaysian riders can’t take part in the European Championships”.
In Al Ula, Malaysian riders and horses should be the same as in Monpazier, with two exceptions: “Two of our horses are fifteen years old and we’re going to replace them. We need to find four horses. That will be my job this winter: to find horses with the profile to go to Al Ula!
Gaby intends to “secure” his team, as she did for Monpazier: “In fact, we had five horses up close, and one in reserve. Six horses had qualified for the Périgord Championship. Farouk’s rider had a second horse, Ali Salou, also qualified at Compiègne this year. But we had to add a horse from Argentina to the team (H K Tyson Mas ridden by Abdul Latif Abd Rani, (eliminated for lameness on the third loop, editor’s note)”.
If the Helvetian trainer was delighted with this first medal in the Seniors category, another person was just as delighted, if not more so: HRH Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin: “The King was present with all his family. He had such a smile on his face that his entourage said they’d never seen him so happy!” Gaby smiles.
Massimo Argenziano
Rashed Saeed Hamad Saeed Al-Ketbi on
By Anne Jonchery
The SW affix, used to label horses born in Catalonia on behalf of Spaniard Jaume Puntí Dachs and HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, dominated the World Endurance Championships for eight-year-olds on September 29 in Arborea, Sardinia. Anglo-Arabian SW Jhimerifa was crowned champion under the saddle of Emirati Rashed Saeed Hamad Saeed Al-Ketbi, while CDE stallion SW Joystick came third with French rider Kenza Bettenfeld. Second with Bahraini Mayoof Abdul Aziz Al-Romaihi, Guerwan du Barthas ensured the presence of French breeding on the podium of this 120km event.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) clearly intend to remain a major power on the world equestrian endurance scene. Unlucky at the Senior World Championships in Monpazier last September, where France and Bahrain took the two gold medals at stake and the Emiratis had to be content with individual silver from Said Ahmad Jaber Abdoullah al-Harbi with the extraterrestrial Castlebar Cadabra, they made up for it in Arborea, Sardinia, at the World Championship for eight-year-old horses.
Since 2021, this competition has succeeded the former 7 years old Championship, the international summit for endurance horse breeders, which Compiègne hosted continuously from 2006 to 2011. From 2009 to 2012, championships for two age classes were held jointly, over 120km for seven-year-old candidates and 160km for their elders. From now on, in order to avoid over-testing young and sometimes still inexperienced horses, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is inviting eight-year-old females, geldings and males to test themselves over a 120km event. Was it a good strategy? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for these young horses to compete on a 140km event? These questions must be asked considering the average speed of which, however, is tending to increase from year to year…
There is another question: to what extent do the performances achieved at Arborea serve as a benchmark for the breeders, particularly the French, who dominate this sector, which is relatively modest in terms of number of births, but increasingly professionalized?
This question deserves to be debated too, but as far as the 2024 edition of this championship is concerned, it is indeed the SW breeders, Spanish from a geographical point of view and Emirati in financial terms, who have taken the lion’s share. Eight of the seventy-eight starters
carried this affix, associated with Catalan Jaume Puntí Dachs, totem of Spanish endurance and business partner of Sheikh Mohamed ben Rachid Al Maktoum, the discipline’s official paymaster, who was crowned World Senior Champion at Euston Park in 2012.
What’s more, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum owns nineteen of the horses taking part in this World Championships, including four from the MRM stable and fifteen from the M7 stable, based at Mas de Belle, the former property of French champion Philippe Tomas, in Lisle-surTarn, in the Tarn region of France. Not forgetting the three competing for the F3 stable of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, heir to the patriarch and himself crowned World Champion
Mayoof Abdul Aziz Al-Romaihi, Guerwan du Barthas
in 2014 at Sartilly, during the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. .These twenty-two horses competed, as it is often the case in endurance, for many different flags, including France, the world’s richest nation of excellent riders and breeders. (You can read article about France, Land of Champions: But What Is The Secret?, www.arabianhorseintl.com - Issue 26)
Nine of the top ten have French pedigree
On September 29 at 7am, seventy-eight couples set off from a beautiful hotel complex for a 120
km raid across marshes, dunes and beaches. Right from the first loop, Rashed Saeed Hamad Saeed Al-Ketbi revealed his intentions of victory with SW Jhimerifa, an Anglo-Arabian mare by Calif El Masan (PSA) and the AQPS Lady Chimera. Fourth at the end of the second stage, the Emirati quickly regained the lead and held on to it until the final finish line. In addition to an average speed of 24.56 km/h, Jhimerifa, competing in his third CEI 2* of the year, completed the final leg at a stratospheric 29.07 km/h! Another impressive figure for this couple was the time taken to pass the first veterinary check: 59’’, just enough time to unsaddle the mare! She also won the prize for Best Condition. SW’s success didn’t stop there, as SW Joystick (CDE, Ulm de Domenjoi, PSA), SW Jippyzac (CDE, Zippy Al Maury, PSA x Aziz El Maklouf, PSA) and SW Jiska (Ulm de Domenjoi) were placed third, fifth and seventh with French rider Kenza Bettenfeld and Emirati Salem Malhoof Al-Kitbi and Saif Juma Mohamed Khamis Beljafla. Spanish breeding can also take pride with sixth place for Puliol dels Aiguamolls, a gelding born in Catalonia and ridden by Uruguayan Kristofer Borges.
Defeated, France nonetheless maintained a strong presence with five representatives in the top ten: Guerwan du Barthas (PSA, Simba du Barthas x Tango d’Ayres), silver medallist with Bahrain’s Mayoof Abdul Aziz Al-Romaihi, as well as Gethro du Vallois (AA, Nabath, PSA x Aziz El Maklouf), fourth with Manon Capitaine, and Sallaz Golly Gosh (PSA, Born Free of Sallaz x Djamel), born in Orne (right in the middle of the Thoroughbred and Trotter studs), Gaz J’m de Jalima (PSA, Djevar des Graves x Ismaël d’Aubanel) and Malala Font Noire (PSA, Lakshmi Font Noire x Soliman Cabirat), eighth, ninth and tenth with Mélody Théolissat, the British Imran Iqbal and the young French Svéa Coulon. Jhimerifa’s sire, Calif El Masan, was born in France, and at least nine of the top ten have French ancestry in their pedigrees.
In terms of riders, the Emirati triumph could have been total without the final eliminations of Rachid Mohamed Atiq Khamis Al-Mehaïri and Abdoullah Ghanim Mohammad al-Marri with Goran au Xois (AA, Fakir de Domenjoi, PSA x Saint des Saints, PSA) and Gentleman du Mas (PSA, Ada’am Al Shaqab x Shamilah Vassili).
Finally, for the first time, the FEI instituted a team ranking, which may seem surprising for a Championship for Young Horses. Unsurprisingly, the United Arab Emirates took gold. Saudi Arabia came in second at one stage, but lost out.
Kenza Bettenfeld and SW Joystick
Mélody Théolissat, Svéa Coulon and Julia Montagne, 15th with Alba de Fignols (PSA, Alltair de Fignols x Djelfor) took silver, ahead of Italy in bronze. The three Tricolors intelligently managed their speed, galloping at around 20km/h.
We’re already looking forward to August 2, 2025, with a new venue: Jullianges (Haute Loire) will host the next World Championships.
The first FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses was in Compiègne (FRA) in 2006. This was the 18th edition in Arborea and the second time that Arborea is hosting. The last time was in September 2021.
NUMBERS:
●Competitors were 44% Female and 55% Male
●Horses were 29% Gelding, 47% Mare & 26% Stallion
●22 different National Federations – ARG, BRN, CHI, ESP, EST, FIN, FRA, GBR, ITA, JOR, KSA, KUW, POL, POR, QAT, ROU, SLO, SUI, SYR, TUR, UAE and URU.
●Youngest athlete (16 yo): Khalifa Rashed Mugheer Salem ALAMEEMI (UAE)
●Oldest athlete (71 yo): Roland Verge (FRA)
●58 new athletes (first appearance)
●Turkey’s first appearance as Individual & Team.
Photos: FEI/Oreste Testa/Sportendurance
European Champions, France
Silver And Spain Gold, But In Questionable Manner
Carla Mosti And Gino D’armani
By Anne Jonchery
The 120km of trails in Arborea, Sardinia, venue for the European Young Riders Endurance Championships, proved a great success for France. In addition to the gold medal won by Carla Mosti & Gino d’Armani, the Bleuets took silver in the team event, behind Spain, who had started as favourites. Italy took third place.
It was a hot 28 degrees on this September 27th, at Arborea, but that didn’t stop the 41 pairs from starting in what promised to be an intense event.
Setting off at 7:00 in the morning, Carla Mosti and Gino d’Armani (Sahar d’Aiza x Djalila du Porche Ar x Rocco Ibn Persik Ar) took the lead from the very first loop and never relinquished it! With 3km to go, Carla had a 300m lead over the Spaniards, who were determined to catch her, but their determination and the
26km/h speed on the last loop were no match for Carla’s masterly race management: “I even allowed myself to slow down before the finish to get my horse’s heart rate down!” laughs the new European Champion.
After 5 hours and 48 seconds of racing, Carla crossed the finish line alone with Gino d’Armani in fine form, leaving Spain’s Joana Ullastre Niubo - Balma Peu and Celia Solder Capdevila - F Hazfat Al Shaqab (once second) 52 and 53 seconds behind her.
As for the team result, Carla recognize the work carried out by the French team “the great teamwork that made all the difference”.
Small frights...
The Italian team had a few scares in the 2nd loop when Maria-Chiara Fagiani - Elka du Barthas AA was eliminated for lameness.
Joana Ullastre Niubó Joana & Balma Peu, Soler Capdevila Celia & F Hazfat Al Shaqab, Clara Latorre Sala & Bonasa Du Vrihou
Other cold sweats for the Italians, when at the 3rd loop, Carlotta Ganelli - Free Gemma were also eliminated for irregular gaits: Italy then had no more reserve “cartridges”. Mauro Fedriga - Kimono Dell Orsetta, Lucrezia Romina Mondini - Twilight la Roncola and Martina Pisano - Zagaia dei Laghi completed the rest of the race to take 3rd place on the podium.
The French also had to worry about their horse: at the 3rd loop, Léa Clerissi’s horse was stopped at the vet for a very slight lameness. Fortunately, this didn’t dampen the spirits of the other 3 French riders, Ema Chazel - Cookie Hipolyte, Lou BIannic - Erminig El Quibi and Victor Fabre Carlus - Bamos de Kerdraon, who finished grouped together in sixth, seventh and eighth place. Long in the leading group, the French trio secured the silver medal and their place in the Top Ten, just fourteen minutes behind the Spaniards.
Although they were ahead in the first loops, the French riders took a step back on the third
stage: as the temperature became increasingly hot, they had to avoid any risk to their horses’ fitness.
Worth noting the Portuguese 4th position, with 4 out of 5 horses finishing the race.
On the Spanish side, the 5 riders continued their race, and Joana Ullastre Niubo - Balma Peu, Celia Soler Capdevila - F Hazfat Al Shaqab, and Clara Latorse Sala - Bonasa du Vrihou respectively finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th, giving Spain a new title in this category, even if the medal could/should have been of a different metal...
Spain Gold, But In Questionable Manner
In Arborea, Spain got gold for the fifth time in a row, in the Junior and Young Riders Endurance Championships.
But this year, this European title is tinged with black with the “problem” that arose during the final veterinary inspection of the Spanish horse, Bonasa du Vrihou.
Rules applied with variable-geometry
For the past 10 years, Spain dominated the European Youth Championships in this class. This Iberian supremacy could have come to an end if the rules of the International Equestrian Federation had been applied.
In the final trotting, Bonasa du Vrihou, Clara Latorre Sala’s horse, made 3 passes, whereas article 9.10 of the endurance regulations stipulates that only two passes are allowed.
Moreover, during the first two passages, the horse’s presenter was in front of the horse to pull it as it didn’t want to move forward. Yet, according to the same rules, the presenter must stand at the horse’s shoulder.
It’s astonishing that such mistakes could have been made at this level of competition: a European Champions team title was in challenge.
Let’s hope that in future championships, all riders will compete on an equal footing...
Photos: FEI/Oreste Testa/Sportendurance
Individual Podium
1°Carla Mosti (FRA) & GINO D’ARMANI
2°Joana Ullastre Niubó (ESP) & BALMA PEU
3°Celia Soler Capdevila (ESP) & F HAZFAT AL SHAQAB - 6
This was the first time Arborea hosted this Championship. The first FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors was in Cirencester (GBR) in 1997. This was the 11th edition.
Competitors were 69% Female and 31% Male
16 different National Federations: BEL, CRO, ESP, EST, FIN, FRA, GER, HUN, ITA, NED, POL, POR, ROU, SUI, SWE, TUR. This was Romania & Turkey’s first appearance
Youngest athlete (14 yo): Manuel Maria PEREIRA (POR) & Léa CLERISSI (FRA)
Oldest athlete (21 yo)
For 39 athletes this was their first appearance. For 48 out of 49 horses, this was their first appearance.
Mother-Daughter Duo Claim
Tevis and Haggin Cup
Tevis Cup Winners: Dr. Jeanette (Jay) Mero, DVM riding Ozark Kaolina SWA (Lena) Haggin Cup Winners Reyna Mero riding Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie)
The running of the iconic Tevis Cuo, known as one of the toughest 100-mile endurance rides in the world, was held July 21st, 2024. 139 horses and riders started from Robie Park above Lake Tahoe at 5:15AM and climbed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the goal of reaching Auburn, California, in a 24-hour time limit.
Combining almost 15,000 feet of elevation gain and 21,000 feet of descent, punishing st, heat, rocks and bogs underfoot, canyons, rivers, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range to cross, the 100-mile Tevis Cup is one of the toughest endurance rides in the world. Riders from all over the globe come to test their horsemanship, partnership, and luck with their mount from the start at Robie Park above Lake Tahoe to the finish line in Auburn, California, in a time limit of 24 hours.
The Tevis Cup has seen many firsts throughout the decades, but this year’s 68th running was the first time a mother-daughter team, Jeanette and Reyna Mero, from Mariposa, California, finished first and second.
Mother Jeanette rode 12-year-old Ozark Kaolena SWA (“Lena”) to first place in a ride time of 14 hours 50 minutes. Fourteen minutes later daughter Reyna
crossed the finish line aboard 11-year-old Chndakas Eklipse SWA (“Clippie”). The next morning, Clippie took the Haggin Cup, awarded to the horse in the top ten judged to be in the most superior condition.
While any breed can compete in and finish Tevis, it is the Arabian with its marvelous long-distance stamina that dominates entries. Sixty-seven percent of this year’s entries were Arabians, and twelve percent were part-Arabians.
The Meros ride race-bred Arabians from Polish and French lines. They are three-quarter sisters out of the dam FMR Ozark Eklipse, by Cassels Roszlem, and granddaughters of Dormane. Lena won two races in a 19-start career, while Clippie ran unplaced in six starts. Their racing foundations made the transition to the endurance trails easier.
The mares had finished Tevis previously, Lena three times and Clippie twice. The Meros were hoping for a chance to win this year, but that depends on training, luck, and on how the horse is feeling. “The code at my house is, ‘Ride the horse we have underneath us that day,’” Jeanette said. She consistently conditioned the mares in temperatures over 100 degrees, which was an advantage for this year’s exceptionally hot ride.
The Meros held their top twenty positions the first half of the ride, being passed out on the trail by faster horses, but utilizing the mares’ quick recoveries to move up in the vet checks. “The mares are metabolic freaks,” Jeanette said. Around the 60mile mark, the Meros gained the lead. “And then it was game on. The hardest thing after that was managing the mares’ need to be cooled, drink, and get a bite to eat, and not wasting time.”
Arriving at Francisco’s, the next-to-last vet check at 85 miles, it took Clippie a little longer to recover. Reyna encouraged her mother to go on and not wait for her. Jeanette and Lena raced on to the finish in the dark, a thrilling but tense time of looking over her shoulder, waiting for the sound hoofbeats coming up behind her. “Lena gave to me willingly and easily everything we needed to cross under those lights [at the Auburn finish line] first!”
Another astonishing record set in this year’s Tevis Cup was courtesy of Hal Hall, from Auburn, California. Riding the 13-year-old Arabian gelding Direct, by Stratagem out of Doree, by Bandjo de Falgas, Hall finished Tevis an almost-unequaled 33rd time.
Hall has a remarkable 82% finish rate at Tevis. All but one of his Tevis finishes was aboard Arabians. He has visited the Tevis winner’s circle in 1974 and 1977 aboard the phenomenal El Karbaj (and won the Haggin Cup with him in 1972 and 1978), and in 1990 aboard HCC Zarlusko.
It was Hall’s third consecutive finish on Direct, an Asgard Arabian from West Virginia with Russian/ French/American Crabbet lines.
Their ride this year was not devoid of tension. They finished with just a nail-biting five minutes to spare, a first for Hall, who normally finishes in the midnight-to-1 AM time frame.
“The weak link was me. It wasn’t the horse,” Hall said. Though he conditioned in the heat, this year the fierce heat and intense sun affected him with dizziness and nausea. “At Francisco’s vet check [85 miles], I was now competing not just with other riders but against the clock. I was at the cut-off time.
“So I asked my horse to give me what he had left, which was a lot, and we flew in to be able to finish in time. Direct did a wonderful job. I think he’s a keeper,” he quipped.
Tevis averages a just-over-50% finish rate, but this year’s heat contributed to the lowest in the history of the ride of 40%.
And yet the Arabian dominated. Purebred Arabians swept the top twenty positions; Arabians and Arabian crosses accounted for 94% of this year’s finishers.
“You plan for the worst and hope for the best,” Hall summed up the beast that is the Tevis Cup.
Hungarian Judit Otilia Knotik wins 160 km race in Romania
Buftea has confirmed its presence on the map of international competitions
The 13th edition of the Shagya Arab Cup, held on September 14 in Buftea, was truly memorable, bringing to the fore not only the skill of the athletes and the beauty of the thoroughbred horses, but also the difficult weather conditions that tested the determination of each participant. Under the auspices of the Romanian Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation, this equestrian endurance competition brought together elite athletes and horses from various corners of the world, offering an unforgettable show.
On Saturday, September 14, the competition day was an atypical one, characterized by continuous rain and unfavorable weather conditions. However, the courage and passion of the participants was stronger than the weather. Horses and riders successfully tackled the difficult courses, demonstrating self-control and an impressive horse-rider connection. The competition events, which ranged in distance from 40km to 160km, tested the limits of each crew’s endurance and skill.
Judit Otilia Knotik from Hungary riding El Sbaa Bohu won the 160km race, followed by Romania’s representative Diego Leon Balis on Zagira.
In the CEI YJ 2* 120 km race, the young US rid-
er Annamaria Clarke, riding Zabavna, was the winner. In second place was the Bulgarian duo formed by Yoana Kyumyurdzhiyska riding Prizma.
The competition included a series of equestrian endurance events, both national and international. The 13th edition of the Shagya Arab Cup included the CEN1* National Equestrian Endurance Championship over a distance of 100 km, the CEN Novice Equestrian Endurance National Championship over a distance of 80 km, as well as an International Equestrian Endurance Competition with the CEI1* events 100 km, CEIYJ1* 100 km, CEI2* 120 km, CEIYJ2* 120 km, CEI3* 140 km and CEI3* 160 km. The National Equestrian Endurance Competition was also held, with the CEN 40 km, CEN 60 km and CEN 80 km events.
The event brought together riders and horses from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and the United States, emphasizing international collaboration and the promotion of this sport in Romania.
The Shagya Arab Cup was organized by the Shagya Sports Club Association, with the support of the Ilfov County Council, the Buftea City Hall and prestigious partners, such as the Emirates International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed al Nahyan, the vice president of the United Arab Emirates.
The president of the Ilfov County Council, Hubert Petru Ștefan Thuma, the mayor of Buftea, Gheorghe Pistol and Event Director of EIEV-Abu Dhabi, Mr. Mohammed Al Hadrami were present at the event, thus marking its importance for the local community and for the image of Ilfov County, at the international level.
Preparations for next year’s edition: FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2025- a premium event
The Shagya Arab Cup has become a reference point in the world of equestrian endurance in Romania, and the success of this edition heralds an even better future. Shagya Sports Club has been named the organizer of the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2025, an event that will attract participants from around the world and bring Buftea into the spotlight of global equestrian sport.
The President of the Ilfov County Council, Hubert Thuma emphasized the importance of this event which has already become a tradition in Ilfov.
“A fact for which I want to congratulate the organizers, the Buftea City Hall, the mayor, but I also want to congratulate the participants. I think this sport itself is a feat to practice. I was also looking at the horses, they are very beautiful, they are very well cared for and from my point of view, the gain of our county is that we manage to bring the community of Ilfov together through such events. I hope to have as many events of our county as possible”, said Thuma.
“This event, held under the auspices of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, with the support of the National Sports Agency, is extremely important for us as it is a test that we give, considering that next year we will have in Romania, for the first time, the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors. From year to year we have greater participation, and for next year we will have to start preparations already because participants will come from all parts of the world and it will require very good planning”, said Marilena Mladin, president of the Romanian Equestrian Federation
“The national competition included 24 participants, while at the international level we had 20 competitors from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and the United States of America. We would like to express our appreciation for the involvement of the partners who were essential in the success of this event. Without their valuable support and collaboration, organizing such a championship would not have been possible. Our partners have contributed not only financially, but also through logistical resources, expertise and ongoing support, ensuring that every detail of the competition is carried out to the highest standards. We hope that our partnership will continue to strengthen in the future, thus contributing to the organization of even more successful and impactful events in the equestrian field”, said the organiser Viorel Dabija
National Championship
CEN1* 100 Km: 1. Mihai Tiberiu Popescu, Club Sportsman At the Trees; 2. Sebastian Duță, Shagya Buftea Sports Club; 3. Marius Viorel Lazar, ClubSportsman Shagya Buftea
CEN 80 km Juniors: 1. Mary Simtion, Zorabia Sibiu Sports Club; 2. Emma Belea, Club Sportsman Shagya Buftea
CEN 80 km Youth: 1. Aisha Salem Al Kaabi, United Arab Emirates; Novice National Championship 80 Km: 1. ChristianTarca, Shagya Buftea Sports Club; 2. Veronica Vlaicu Simona, Club Sportsman Shagya Buftea; 3. Pierre Hilal, Club Sportsman Hilal’s Rider
CEN 60 km Children: 1. Antonia Tudoran, Club Sportsman Zorabia Sibiu; 2. The year Bobirica, Shagya Buftea Sports Club
CEN 40 km: 1. Rudolf Moricz, Club Sportive Silver Bit – Satu Mare; 2. Octavian Cherecheș, Silver Bit Sports Club – Satu Mare; 3. TheodoraSeculk Maria, Decebal Sports Club Bacău
International Race “EIEV CUP”
3* 160 km: 1st place - Judit Otilia Knotik, with El Sbaa Bohu, Hungary; 2nd placeDiego Leon Balis, with Zagira, Romania
CEI YJ 2* 120 km: 1st place – Annamaria Clarke, with Zabavna, USA; 2nd place - Yoana Kyumyurdzhiyska, with Prizma, Bulgaria
CEI 2* 120 km Seniors: 1st place - Mircea Simţion, with Cygaj 75, Romania; 2nd place - Jessica Ruth Ginter, with Sillag Jewelle, USA
CEI1* YJ 100 km: 1st place - Oana Maria Popescu, with Koheilan XLII 39, Romania; 2nd place - Raul Alexandru Lujerdean, with Altair, Romania
CEI1* 100 km: 1st place - Mihai Tiberiu Popescu, with Xaver (Gazal XXII-3), Romania; 2nd place - Sebastian Duţă, with Amurg, Romania
Arabian Horse National Endurance Cup
Monica Pinto Lima Graziano with Nona D’Jok Trio
Haras Albar, located in Campinas, state of São Paulo, hosted the Arabian Horse National Endurance Cup on the 19th and 20th of October, which brought together 104 participants from Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and the United States.
The event, which was also the 4th Stage of the São Paulo Endurance Championship, prepared competitors to get to know the trails of the 2025 Pan-American Endurance Championship, which will be held at the same location.
Monica Pinto Lima Graziano with Nona D’Jok Trio won the CEI2* 120 km Senior race and Lavinya Lacalvia Ferreira riding Baruc do Triunfo was the winner in the Young Riders category.
The rider from the state of Minas Gerais, Telmo José Sousa Gois with Pepi D’Jok Trio was the first placed in the CEI1* 100 km Senior race and the young rider from São Paulo Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa riding Helanca Rach won in the Young Riders category.
In the CEN 80 km races, Patricia Bicudo Barbosa with CS Italy won in the Senior category and the brothers Isabela Steinbruch who rode Heaven Endurance and Eli Peres Steinbruch riding Detetive Endurance won in the Young Riders and Junior categories respectively.
In the other races the winners were: Felizardo Costa Brandao and Bim Albar in CEN 60 km Senior; Lucas Beurdouche Machado with Quinteto Armorial in CEN Mirim 60 km.
Ricardo Saliba, Vice-President of Competitions at the Brazilian Arabian Horse Breeders Association (ABCCA), highlighted the importance of the event: “The competition was an excellent opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with the course that will host the Pan-American Equestrian Endurance Championship, scheduled for July 2025.”
Despite the warning from the Civil Defense of the State of São Paulo about possible storms, the weather conditions were favorable during the weekend. “There were no incidents and everyone was satisfied with the quality of the event. We must praise the staff at Haras Albar for improving the trails and the new finish line, which was a great success,” said Saliba.
During the award ceremony for the Arabian Horse National Enduro Cup, ABCCA also delivered the checks corresponding to the awards for the Arabian Cup 2023 Endurance category.
Fotos: Thiago Pedroso Morais
Carlos Augusto Amaral Paes De Barros riding
Asterix SBV
Organizer of the 2025 Pan American Endurance Championship and owner of Haras Albar
Lavinya Lacalvia Ferreira riding Baruc do Triunfo
Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa riding Helanca Rach
THE LEGENDARY CUP
Written by: Mia Mia Team. Photo credits: Nadine Frampton & Dan Finn
Mia Mia is a small country town in Central Victoria, Australia. It is about 119 kilometers north of Melbourne. The name is taken from a Taungurung word meaning “camp” or “dwelling”. The area is mainly made up of broadacre farms raising cattle and sheep. It is part of the Heathcote wine region, with a number of vineyards having been established in the area. The population of this little country town was listed in 2021 to be 213. But on the weekend of the 22nd – 24th of November, the town swelled when people came from as far away as Singapore, Malaysia and Oman to compete in the Legendary Cup.
The Legendary Cup has been running for the last three years and seems to be growing each year. On this weekend the whole of the Mia Mia community came together to help run the ride. The ride itself was organised by Ken Bradley in Australia combined with Peter Tan of Legendary Endurance Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. Peter sponsored the ride and provided some amazing trophies. The beautiful endurance saddles offered for the winners of each section were provided by Holebrook Saddlery.
Peter Tan owns stables and an equestrian farm in Australia which is the Legendary Estate. Endurance is his biggest passion in life and so he has been very active in South East Asia for some time now, hosting and officiating on the endurance circuit. The Legendary Cup has grown from Peter’s passion for endurance and
his desire to encourage both the seasoned rider and the new people to enjoy the sport. An amazing raffle with a 75-inch smart TV, Local buildings and locations on canvas and Perry’s 50/50 chaff as prizes were also provided.
The ride itself supplied competitors with the opportunity to compete over different distances from 40km through 80km and all the way to 120 km. The course was laid out over hilly pastures on a merino sheep property and along granitic sand country roads through stunning scenery. The event had something for everyone with great food, drinks, and live entertainment being on offer over the very hot weekend. Individual riders and well-known endurance families with young children competed.
The fastest time was achieved by Tracey Lee Cossor from New South Wales on Future Dreams Savannah in a time of 8.50.22 in the 120 km Light Weight; while Hannah Rose Cossor riding Newbury Illustraa’s Impact won the Middle Weight category. In the Junior race, Poppy Kettlewell mounting Silver Oso Solaris was the winner.
In the 80km races, Russell Robinson and Alan Pendragon won the Heavy Weight category; Shannon Cossor riding Future Dream Oliver won the Middle Weight category; Heather Stuchbree on Kalody Park Piper won the Light Weight category and Emma Forbes on Amberlee Electric Blue won the Junior category.
This event will be held again in 2025 on the 26th, 27th and 28th of September and is expected to be bigger and better.
Tracey-Lee Cossor on Future Dream Savannah
Tracey-Lee Cossor on Future Dream Savannah
Hannah Rose Cossor riding Newbury Illustraa’s Impact
AJ Kayya Crowned ‘Horse Global Champions Arabians
The Global Champions Arabians Tour’s final stage of the series concluded in remarkable Riyadh following four days of formidable contests between more than 200 of the finest Arabian horses in the world. This brings the fans of this beloved breed to the end of this inaugural Tour for 2024.
Following a seven-stage spectacular season, the show ended on a high note with the longawaited Best Handler, Best Female, and Best Male rankings revealed in Riyadh’s KAFD X Arena.
H.H. Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and President of the Host Organising
Committee, spoke of the final saying: “Hosting the final stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh has been an honour and a celebration of the Arabian horse’s unparalleled beauty, heritage, and legacy. This prestigious event reflects our nation’s deep-rooted passion for the breed. We are immensely proud to have welcomed participants and enthusiasts from around the world, and this occasion has further solidified Riyadh’s role as a premier destination for equestrian excellence.”
CEO of Global Champions Arabians Tour, Bader Al Darwish, added: “Choosing Riyadh as a final stop for the GCAT series was no coincidence; Saudi Arabia is a homeland for Arabian horses
‘Horse of the Tour’ in the Arabians Tour Season Finale
and a crossroad between Arab cultures. We were thrilled and pleased that during the past four days of Arabian horse competitions, we managed to delightfully host owners, breeders, judges and guests from around the world.
“Congratulations to all the current Champions and all the best of luck to the participants of the upcoming 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour in the Middle East and Europe. By January 2025, the show will commence in the Emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.
“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the wise Leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a special mention going to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
“We also express our sincere thanks to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation. Their unmatched hard work and efforts, especially with logistics and infrastructure, is an endeavour to be embraced.”
Ajman Stud’s AJ Kayya was crowned Best Female and Horse of the Tour following flawless performances throughout the year. Amidst a breathtaking drone and firework display, AJ Kayya trotted into the area to rapturous applause from the sold-out stadium.
She takes home €1,000,000 in prize money and the €350,000 in championship prize money collected at each stage during 2024.
Best Male of the Year, and a €500,000 prize purse goes to Dubai Stud’s D Borkan, a refined yearling bay colt sired by FA El Rasheem out of an RFI Farid daughter. With a total of 122 points, Borkan has collected 6 x silver titles and 1 x gold title this season to take the top spot.
Paolo Capecci collected the coveted Best Handler of the Year, topping the leaderboard with 387 points, having expertly handled his beloved horses to 11 gold, 19 silver, and three bronze championship titles in 2024. Alongside the €50,000 prize, Capecci was presented with an exquisite, bejewelled whip and a luxury
Senior Mares Championship
GOLD: AJ KAYYA (AJ Kafu x Aja Caprice), bred and owned by Ajman Stud/HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid AL Nuaimi. SILVER. BASANDRASETTIMOCIELO (Ajman Moniscione x MA Scarlet), breeder Annaratone Ferraroni Maria, Alev. Settimocielo, owner Ajman Stud. BRONZE: XXPECTATIONS (Excalibur EA x MC Psynammon), breeder Cecil or Frances Buttler & Jeff or Sybil Collins, owner Khalid Bin Zaid Bin Aliq Alroweidan.
trip to the Maldives, courtesy of GCAT Global Partner Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi.
Dubai Arabian Horse Stud collected the ‘Best Breeding Farm’ of 2024 award, with their home-bred progeny collecting the most points of any breeder throughout the year. The Stud’s Executive Manager, Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, and General Manager Eng. Mohammed Al Tawhidi, received an ornate embroidered frame, embodying the spirit of the breed.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Yearling Fillies Championship was taken by Sultana Al Thamer following an impressive performance. Al Shaqab secured the Yearling Colts Championship and Junior Filles Championship with Tour-regular Afreen Al Shaqab and returning star Shahalel Al Shaqab.
LR Anselmo, a 2022 bay colt bred by Uruguay’s Las Rosas Estancia and owned by Al Wajba Stud,
Qatar, took top honours in the Junior Colt Championships.
The Senior Mares Championship was once again taken by AJ Kayya, with stablemate Basandrasettimocielo, the highest-scoring mare in the qualifying class, securing silver for Ajman Stud.
Saudi-owned Alexxanderr, a former World and ANC Champion topped the Senior Male Championships, pipping E.S. Harir—previously undefeated in the Tour—to Gold.
The 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour commences in January with Ajman, followed by Doha, Muscat and Riyadh, before moving on to Europe with Cannes, Valkenswaard, London and Prague—and finally—a ‘Supreme’ in a city yet to be revealed.
Source and photos: Global Champions Arabians Tour
AJ KAYYA (AJ Kafu x Aja Caprice)
ALEXXANDERR (Excalibur EA x AR Most Irresistible)
Senior Stallions Championship
GOLD: ALEXXANDERR (Excalibur EA x AR Most Irresistible), breeder Frances Butler and Brandi Carson. SILVER: E.S. HARIR AJ Dinar x TF Magnums Magic), breeder Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Al Qassimi, owner Al Saqran Arabian Horse Stud. BRONZE: AMAAR (RFI Farid x Adiya), Breeder Al Juman Stud, owner Sheikh Hamad Falah JJ Al-Thani.
Yearling Fillies Championship
GOLD: SULTANA AL THAMER (Dominic M x Weaam Al Jassim), breeder and owner Al Thamer Stud. SILVER: MARWAA ALAOON (Hilal Alkhalediah x Marsoulat Alkhalediah); breeder Mhumeed Altmmia, owner Abdullah Alotaibi. BRONZE: SANDI RS (Ghaith Al Zobair x ZG. Iklil); bred and owned by Fahad Bin Quryan Bin Fahad Al-Khanfari Al-Qahtani.
SULTANA AL THAMER (Dominic M x Weaam Al Jassim),
AL
Yearling Colts Championship
GOLD: AFREEN AL SHAQAB (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab. SILVER: D BORKAN (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. BRONZE: SINAN AL BAHYA (AJ Redan x AJ Saray), breeder Ajman Stud, owner Abdullah Alotaibi
AFREEN
SHAQAB (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab),
Junior Fillies Championship
GOLD: SHAHALEL AL SHAQAB (NA-Mous Al Shahania x Siwar Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab. SILVER: D NAJLAH (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. BRONZE: D SANAYEN (Wortex Kalliste x D Seeneyyah), breeder Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, owner Akmal Stud.
LR ANSELMO (RFI Unique x LL Almudena)
Junior Colts Championship
GOLD: LR ANSELMO (RFI Unique x LL Almudena), breeder Las Rosas Estancia SRL, owner Al Wajba Stud.
SILVER: D SHAK Shakhat x D Shamkhah) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. BRONZE: ADHM SARM (Royal Asad x Bandahleeza ZB), bred and owned by Sultan Hamed Mastor Alharthi/Sarm Stud.
D NAJLAH (D Seraj x Elle Flamenca)
Global Champions Arabians Tour Unveils Eight-Stage 2025 Calendar
• Increased Prize Money of Over €20,000,000 and Brand-New GCAT Supreme at the End of the Season
• Ajman, London and Prague confirmed as new destinations for the second year of the ground-breaking series
• Additional €360,000 prize money for each of the European stages
• New GCAT Supreme concept with an overall €4,000,000 prize purse welcomes the champions from each stage
• GCAT Supreme will rotate between Europe and the Middle East, bringing an exciting new layer of competition and tactical planning to the industry
The Global Champions Arabians Tour is excited to announce its 2025 calendar, featuring three new landmark venues—Ajman in the UAE, London in the UK and Prague in the Czech Republic—and an increase in prize money for European events. In addition to the confirmed eight stages of the Tour, the all-new GCAT Supreme will take place at the end of 2025. With this bold expansion, the Tour continues to solid-
ify its reputation as a premier global platform for Arabian horse competitions.
Faleh Al-Nasr, Chairman of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, said: “Our 2025 season marks a significant evolution for the Global Champions Arabians Tour. By bringing the Tour to new locations such as Ajman, London, and Prague, we are not only expanding our global reach but also deepening our commitment to showcasing the extraordinary beauty of Arabian horses around the world. With increased prize money in Europe, we aim to elevate the competition and attract even more world-class participants. In addition, the new GCAT Supreme will bring the Tour to the next level of excellence ensuring that this year will be our most exciting and competitive yet.”
The year will kick start with a new location, Ajman, U.A.E, from 03-06 January. The show will run alongside the Ajman National Show near the mangrove-filled natural reserve in the coastal suburb of Al Zorah.
Next, the Tour will move to Doha, in the amazing beachside Katara, from 05-08 Feb-
ruary before returning to Muscat from 06-08 March for the Holy Month of Ramadan. In April, the Tour will head to Riyadh from 9-12 April to make its last stop in the Middle East before a summer of competition on European soil.
In line with the Tour’s commitment to supporting the global Arabian horse community, the 2025 season will feature increased prize money for its European events. This enhanced financial incentive is expected to attract an even greater caliber of competitors and make the European leg of the Tour more competitive than ever before.
The additional prize fund of €360,000 per event will be distributed to the Top 10 in each qualifying class. The European leg is set to start with Cannes, which will take place from 14-15 June, followed by Valkenswaard from 19-20 July, and the all-new London stage from 16-17 August in the grounds of the Chelsea Royal Hospital. The last European stage will take place in the beautiful city of Prague, from 06-07 September.
In keeping with the Tour’s commitment to fairness and integrity, each stage will see the competitors judged on the set criteria by a panel of 16 internationally renowned experts on a rotational system. From the 16 invited judges, nine will be selected at random before the start of each class to assess the horses. For the Championships, the same rotational system will apply, but with 11 judges on the ground for each category.
Horses and handlers may compete in any number of the Tour’s eight stages during 2025, however, to be eligible for the overall ranking and end-of-season bonus prize money allocated to the top 20 Leading Males, Leading Females and Leading Handlers of the Year, competitors must participate in at least six of the eight stages, in line with the 80% participation rule.
At the end of the season, the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s newest concept, ‘GCAT Supreme’ will take place, showcasing the best horses of the season—the Gold, Silver and Bronze Champions from each of the eight stages—vying for a €500,000 win. Featuring a substantial overall prize purse of €4,000,000, the GCAT Supreme will rotate between spectacular venues in Europe and the Middle East, underscoring the Tour’s commitment to global reach and fostering cultural exchange.
Speaking of the ‘GCAT Supreme’ concept, Global Champions Arabians Tour CEO Bader Al-Darwish commented: “Competitors now must strategically choose whether to compete across the entire tour to accumulate points and vie for titles such as Horse of the Tour, or Leading Stallion or Mare, or to concentrate on securing a medal position at select stages to qualify for the Supreme, while preserving their horses’ condition for the decisive final stage. This strategic choice introduces a complex layer of tactical planning that enhances the overall competitive dynamics.”
Global Champions Arabians Tour Announces Launch of the Americas Circuit
The Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) officially launched its highly anticipated Americas circuit last night during a dazzling event at the New World Center in Miami Beach. The launch, attended by Arabian horse enthusiasts and industry leaders, media and personalities, marks an exciting new chapter for the tour as it expands into new territories.
With $2.7 million in total prize money, the GCAT Americas solidifies the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s position as the most prestigious circuit in the Arabian horse world and will launch with five iconic locations in 2025:
Following the same innovative and unique judging system employed in the Middle East and Europe to uphold the core values of fairness and
integrity, each stage of the Tour will see horses evaluated by a panel of judges selected at random before the start of each qualifying class and championship. Horses will be judged on a set of five criteria—type, head & neck, body, legs and movement—and awarded a maximum of 20 points for each.
During each stage of the Tour, the top 10 females, males and handlers in each of the six championships will be awarded points toward the overall ranking. At the final stage in Las Vegas, the Best Female, Best Male, Best Handler and Horse of theTour will be crowned.
In addition to the overall rankings, the gold, silver and bronze champions from each of the six championships at each stage will be invited
From L-R: Jeff Sloan, Murray Popplewell, Cindy McGowan, Faleh Al Nasr, Francisco Carrasco, Taryl O’Shea, Greg Knowles
to compete in the recently announced World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, next December. This exciting new addition to the Tour will see the champions from four continents go head-tohead to be awarded the coveted Supreme World Champion title, and a share of the €4,000,000 prize pool.
Speaking at the launch event, Faleh Al Nasr, Chairman of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, shared his excitement about the new chapter for the Tour: “The launch of the Americas circuit represents a bold step forward for GCAT. It’s a testament to the growing global appreciation for Arabian horses and their unique qualities. We are thrilled to bring this celebration of excellence to the Americas and build lasting connections across continents.”
Cindy McGown, CEO of GCAT Americas, highlighted the significance of bringing GCAT to the region: “The Arabian horse has a deep-rooted legacy here in the Americas, and GCAT’s presence will only amplify the admiration and respect these remarkable animals deserve. This
Tour is a unique opportunity to unite communities through the shared passion for these extraordinary horses and their incredible stories.”
With the opening stage in Scottsdale set for February 2025, the GCAT Americas is poised to captivate audiences, set new standards in Arabian horse shows, and inspire a deeper appreciation for Arabian horses across the hemisphere.
About Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT)
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.
Source and photos: Global Champions Arabians Tour
RFI Sharam wins the Stallion for the highly prized
The 30th International Arabian Horse Exhibition, held from November 14th to 16th at the Tatuí Equestrian Center (SP), brought together the best specimens of the breed in competitions in the Performance and Halter modalities, consecrating the champions who stood out for their beauty, conformation and dominance in different riding styles. Promoted by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA), the competition was a great success.
Francisco Carrasco, president of ABCCA, celebrated the success of the exhibitions held in Tatuí, highlighting the growing participation
Source: Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association and Cidinha Franzão. Photos: Rogério Santos and Machado/Cavalus
and the high level of the presentations.
“The 30th International Arabian Horse Exhibition was a great milestone and we are very satisfied with the technical level of the championships, as well as with the participation of breeders from different regions of the country”, stated Carrasco.
José Alves Filho/Haras JM’s Jucienne D’Bandit JM (Bandit SRA x Juenne Apprentice) was the Gold Champion of the JR Filly Championship. Ricardo Conrado Mesquita/ Haras Divino’s Samurai Do Divino (Jyvar Meia Lua x Halyrah do Divino) was the Gold Champion of the JR
Stallion Championship prized RFI Arabians
Colt Championship. Ricardo Conrado Mesquita/ Haras Divino’s Planeta Rach (*Elferus x Preciosa Rach)was the Gold Champions of the Filly Championship and the Gold Champion of the Junior Colt Championship went to Luciano Cappeli/ Haras Irmã Magda’s LML Zafir Ali (Jyvar Meia Lua x RFI Beatrice).
Jorge Constantino Selume Zaror/Haras Santa Marta’s Aria Dhalia (Delacroixx x Rhiana FFW) was the Gold Champion of the Mare Championship. Rodrigo Foz Forte/Haras RFI Arabians’s RFI Sharam (RFI Unique x RFI Sawari) was the Gold Champion of the Stallion Championship.
Finally, it is worth highlighting that the event also hosted important awards, including the drawing of a brand new car among the best classified in the Arabian Cup 2023, a ranking created and managed by ABCCA, which records the classifications of Arabian blood animals in
the most diverse equestrian sports modalities. Rodrigo Foz Forte, from RF Arabians, was the winner, due to the performance of his mare RFI Naamia Al NeschiI.
In a gesture of solidarity, Rodrigo Forte announced that, together with his family, he decided to donate the entire value of the car to a charity in his city, Itapetininga, State of São Paulo.
“As many of you know, RFI has always been dedicated to promoting the ridden Arabian horse, as we believe its true essence lies in its function. I am honored and deeply grateful to the ABCCA. We are transforming the fortune and recognition of the saddle Arabian horse into a benefit for those who need it most; especially during this holiday season,” concluded Forte.
STALLION CHAMPIONSHIP – GOLD: RFI SHARAM (RFI Unique x RFI Sawari), cri-ador e expositor Rodrigo Foz Forte / Haras RFI Arabians. SILVER: DAIMMEN HVP (Nuzyr HCF x *Maqna Leenda HBV), criador: Agropecuária Vila Dos Pinheiros Ltda., expositor: Caranda Empreend Agropec Ltda. / Haras: Fazenda Caranda. BRONZE: CASH DEL TINO JM (*EL Tino x Stig Justhine), criador e expositor José Alves Filho / Haras: JM.
MARE CHAMPIONSHIP – GOLD: ARIA DHALIA (Delacroixx x Rhiana FFW), cria-dor Julianna Partners LLC, expositor Jorge Constantino Selume Zaror / Haras Santa Marta. SILVER: MONAH HVP (Hariry Al Shaqab x *Monalisa HVP (AHA)), criador: Agropecuária Vila Dos Pinheiros Ltda. / Haras HVP, expositor: Thiago Mauro Tavares Pontes / Haras: TP Arabians. BRONZE: RHAYDEE SERONDELLA (*EL Tino x Only Serondella), criador e expositor: Fábio Alberto Amorosino / Haras: Serondella
JR FILLY CHAMPIONSHIP – GOLD: JUCIENNE D’BANDIT JM (Bandit SRA x Juenne Apprentice), criador e expositor José Alves Filho, Haras JM. SILVER: BINT ONLY SERONDELLA (Razeer Serondella x Only Serondella), criador e ex-positor: Fabio Alberto Amorosino / Haras Serondella. BRONZE: BARONEZAH SERONDELLA (Vision Serondella x Rhavina Serondella), criador e expositor: Fabio wAlberto Amorosino / Haras Serondella.
JR COLT CHAMPIONSHIP - GOLD: SAMURAI DO DIVINO (Jyvar Meia Lua x Halyrah do Divino), criador e expositor Ricardo Conrado Mesquita / Haras Divino. SILVER: RFI SPLENDORE (RFI Splendor x Nubbya El Shawan JQ), criador e expositor: Rodrigo Foz Forte / Haras: Santo Antonio Da Bela Vista. BRONZE: BALTHUS JSZ (ARIA RAKEEM x *PALITRAA), criador e expositor: Jorge Constantino Selume Zaror / Haras: Santa Marta.
FILLY CHAMPIONSHIP – GOLD: PLANETA RACH (*Elferus x Preciosa Rach), cri-ador Rach Stud Agropecuária, Haras Ilha da Chapada, Boa Esperança; expositor Ricardo Conrado Mesquita / Haras Divino. SILVER: LUKA LA (*EKS Farouk x Havanna Arabco), criador e Expositor: Leandro De Aguiar / Haras Cruzeiro BRONZE: FT CARÍSSIMA (*EL Jahez WH x Stinna), Criador E Expositor: Flavia Maria Ramalho Torres / Haras: FT.
COLT CHAMPIONSHIP - GOLD: LML ZAFIR ALI (Jyvar Meia Lua x RFI Beatrice), criador e expositor Luciano Cappeli, Haras Irmã Magda. SILVER: GRAN TICIANO (HCE Terjoi x HK Sweet Musique), criador: Humberto Florezi Filho / Haras De Al Hoscan; expositor: Antonio Afonso Archilla Filho / Haras Esperança. BRONZE: DOMENICO FWM (*Dominic M x Nahla EL Madan), criador e expositor: Casa Branca Agro-Pastoril Ltda. / Haras: Lone Star.
RFI Arabians Wins Brazilian Breeders’ Cup Best Breeder Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
Led by Rodrigo Foz Forte, RFI Arabians now has six titles in the event that is considered the most coveted in Brazilian Arabian horse breeding. For the fourth consecutive year, he was crowned Best Breeder of the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup.
In its 27th edition, the exhibition is promoted by the Brazilian Association of Arabian Horse Breeders (ABCCA) and was held on November 15 at the Tatuí Equestrian Center (SP).
With this achievement, RFI Arabians now reaches the milestone of six titles in the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup (2011, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), consolidating itself as the most awarded breeding farm in the history of the event. Rodrigo Foz Forte, owner of RFI Arabians, expressed his joy with the achievement.
“It’s a great feeling not only because we have won six titles in this championship over our 34-year history, but also because we celebrate this victory alongside my family, who are my greatest treasure. It’s a great joy to see our hard work and everything we do with so much love and dedication over the years recognized. I’m very happy with this result,” celebrated Forte.
By winning for the third consecutive time in 2023, RFI Arabians definitively secured the permanent trophy for the award, which, although
itinerant, becomes definitive for the breeder who achieves three consecutive victories or five in total. Over the 28-year history of the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup, in addition to the RFI Arabians, the extinct Haras Vanguarda had also won the trophy.
In the overall classification of the event, second place went to breeder Fábio Alberto Amorosino, from Haras Serondella, closely followed by Luciano Cury, from HBV, who secured third place.
To participate in the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup, each participant must present up to four animals, all of their own breeding and ownership. The competition classifies the main breeders in Brazil, highlighting the excellence of the Arabian horse breeding program.
The 2024 edition of the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup was also marked by a tribute to Maria Helena Vidal, a collaborator of ABCCA for over 40 years, with the cup bearing her name in recognition of her years of dedication and contribution to the breed in Brazil.
In addition to awarding the Best Arabian Breeder of 2024, the Brazilian Breeders’ Cup 2024 also highlighted the best animals in the competition, with important titles for the specimens that stood out in their categories.
The Stallion Cup, which chooses the best
stallion of the event, was won by EKS Farouk (IBN Farid X SR Aphrodite). The animal, bred by Mr. W. Brown and owned by Leandro de Aguiar, from Haras Cruzeiro, won the award due to the performance of his daughters in the event: Sweet Donabella, Sweet Farah Diba, Justhine Farouk JM and Lucille Johnny.
The Premium Cup, designed to highlight the best specimens of the Arabian breed in competition, was awarded to RFI Ballerina (El Tino X RFI Bettina Almaktub). The female, bred and owned by RFI Arabians, stood out for her beauty, conformation and Arabian ‘type’.
Source: ABCCA. Photos Rogério Santos Tupa.
Premium Cup: RFI Ballerina (El Tino X RFI Bettina Almaktub)
Haras Serondella
Rodrigo Foz Forte, RFI Arabians, and his champion animals. From L-R: RFI Intense, RFI Ballerina and RFI Bint Sophie
27th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show and Inaugural Edition of Al Rayyan National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show
The 27th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show was held from 27 to 30 November 2024 and was organised by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) as part of the 2024-2025 horse show season at the outdoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation. It is one of the oldest shows in the region, reflecting Qatar’s prominent leadership in hosting such shows, as well as Qatar’s excellence in achieving remarkable results in global horse shows over the years.
The show featured approximately 300 horses representing various Qatari studs and farms, including Al Shaqab (a member of the Qatar Foundation), Al Nasser, Umm Aludham, Al Sraiya, Al Jood, Al Thamer and Al Jumail, as well as entries from individual owners.
The competitions were overseen by nine certified judges from the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO). Significant prize money has been allocated for the winners, particularly the champion colts, fillies, mares and stallions.
Sheikha Reem M K Al Thani’s Tulan Al Shahania (EKS Mansour x Marwan Cristalrca) was the Gold Champion of the Yearling Fillies Championships. Al Shaqab’s Mishred Al Shaqab (EKS Farajj x Bashirah Al Shaqab) was the Gold Champion of the Yearling Colts Championships.
Mesfer Mohammed M A Al-Hajri’s Mzoon Al Diriyah (Kanz Al Badayer x Kadi Alenaya) was the Gold Champions of the Junior Fillies Championships and the Gold Champion of the Junior Colts Championships went to Mr Nasser Mohammed M Al Hajri1s AJ Tayam (Antaris OS x AJ Tarim).
Al Salem Stud’s D Fala (Emerald J x FER Fiera Blanca) was the Gold Champion of the Senior Mares Championships. Al Nasser Stud’s Razeen Al Nasser (QR Marc x Remal Al Nasser) was the Gold Champion of the Senior Stallions Championships.
Just 48 hours after the conclusion of the 27th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show, a new show, the 1st Al Rayyan National Peninsula Arabian Horse Show, organised by QREC, took place from 2 to 4 December at the outdoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation. The event was attended by 200 Straight Egyptian horses registered in Qatar’s recognised Studbook. These horses represent some of the largest and most renowned Qatari studs and farms as well as individual owners. The competitions were managed by eight certified judges.
It is worth noting that the current season includes 12 national and international shows. QREC aims to achieve the objectives of staging
D Fala (Emerald J x FER Fiera Blanca) Gold Mare Championship
Razeen Al Nasser (QR Marc x Remal Al Nasser) Gold Stallion Championship
these shows, maximise opportunities for participation by Qatari horse owners, whether individuals or studs and farms, deliver diversified shows and ensure the participation of various categories.
Yearling Fillies Championship – Gold: Ameera Al Hamama (Basheer Al Waab x Omaimah Al Waab), bred and owned by Al Hamama Stud. Silver: Hind Alsharaan (Ezz Aldanat x Hoboub Al Waab), owned by Abdulla Saed M A Al Hajri and bred by Al Sharaan Farm. Bronze: Farida Al Jaham (Naseem Al Rashediah x Bidayat Ibn Salamah), bred and owned by Al Jaham Stud.
Yearling Colts Championship - Nawwaf Al Jassasiya (Barraq El Aliya x Hoda Al Rayyan), bred and owned by Mr Jabor Nasser S T Al Kuwari. Silver: Ezz Al Jaham (Shagran Al Nasser x Sakb Al Waab) bred and owned by Al Jaham Stud. Bronze: Wajeed Al Shaqab (Farhoud Al Shaqab x Hanin Al Shaqab), owned by Al Salimya Stud and bred by Ah Shaqab.
Junior Fillies Championship – Shgairah Al Doha (Naseem Al Rashediah x Safiya Al Rayyan), owned by QN Stud and bred by Doha Stud. Silver: Almiya Al Shaqab (Farhoud Al Shaqab x Bint Maggie Mae), owned by Al Jood Stud and bred by Al Shaqab. Bronze: Al Jazi Abher (Jassas Elalya x Hala Alfurat), bred and owned by Abher Stud.
Junior Colts Championship – Shehab Al Farres (Naseem Al Rashediah x Dana Al Farres), bred and owned by Mr Mansoor Masoud Mohammed Al Marri. Silver: Talal Al Waab (Barraq El Aliya x Tofra Al Rayyan), owned by Mr ABdulla Mohammed J A Al Kawari and bred by Sheikh Abdulla Khalid H A Al Thani. Bronze: Haitham Al Shaheen (Fares Al Rayyasn x Ghamer Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaheen Stud.
Senior Mares Championship – Ehsan Al Shahania (Barraq El Aliya x Salomeh), owned by Mr Saef Mohammed Salem Mohd Al Hajri and bred by Al Shahania Stud. Silver: Tibrah Al Shaqab (Farhoud Al Shaqab x Twom Hiddiyya), owned by Al Sraiya Stud and bred by Al Shaqab. Bronze: Farha Ainain (Shagran Al Nasser x Grea Bint Bint Khatt), bred and owned by Abdulla Jassim Mohammed A Al Buainain.
Senior Stallions Championship – Afas Al Rayyan (Ezz Aldanat x Sulima Al Rayyan), owned by Al Sraiya Stud and bred by Al Rayyan Farm. Silver: Nabeel Al Rayyan (Ansata Nile Echo x Ansata Nefer Isis), owned by Al Marroona Stud and bred by Sh Abdulaziz Bin Khaled Bin Hamad Al Thani. Bronze: RB Suhail (Nassem Al Rashediah x RB Ghaliah), owned by Al Jaham Stud and bred by Mr Mohammed Ali M R Al Kawari.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club and Cidinha Franzão. Photos by Juhaim QREC
Mishred Al Shaqab (EKS Farajj x Bashirah Al Shaqab) Gold Yearling Colts Championship
Nawwaf Al Jassasiya (Barraq El Aliya x Hoda Al Rayyan) Gold Yearling Colts Championship
Ameera Al Hamama (Basheer Al Waab x Omaimah Al Waab) Gold Yearling Fillies Championship
Shgairah Al Doha (Naseem Al Rashediah x Safiya Al Rayyan) Gold Junior Fillies Championship
4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup and 4th Qatar Arabian Local Bred Show
The curtain fell on the first two horse shows organised by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at the indoor arena of Al Shaqab (Member of Qatar Foundation) under the umbrella of the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO). The two events marked the opening of the horse show season and saw significant participation from Qatari farms, studs and individual owners, reflecting Qatar’s leadership in this field. Participants were keen to benefit from the regular organisation of such shows, indicating that we are set for a season filled with strong competition and a desire to win titles and prize money on offer for the winners.
The beginning was with the 4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup, which took place from 24 to 26 October. Reserved to Qatari breeders only, it showcased many stunning displays of horses in front of an audience of owners and enthusiasts of this discipline. Over the three days, nine judges, four Disciplinary Committee members
and two Ringmasters from around the globe officiated in the Show.
During the first two days, the contests qualifying for the finals were held for all participating categories and the finals took place on the third and final day. In the Yearling Fillies Championship, DURRA AL KHOR (Excalibur EA x Dana Al Khor), owned and bred by Al Khor Stud, won the gold medal while the silver went to MAHAWI KL (LR Solo Mio x Dalma KL), owned and bred by Kaheel Stud. The bronze medal was awarded to the filly ARGENTINA ALJASSIMYA (RDS Armani x Balada Al Alfabia), owned and bred by Aljassimya Stud. The winners were crowned by Nasser Mohammed Al-Hajri, owner of Umm Aludham Stud.
In the Yearling Colts Championship, the gold medal was awarded to AZZAM UMM ALUDHAM (Badiea Al Nasser x Ahood Umm ALudham), owned and bred by Nasser Mohammed Al-Hajri, who excelled over all the other colts in the final. The silver medal went to H TIKRIT (FA Star-
light FR x Mystica Soraya), owned and bred by Al Henzab Stud while the bronze was awarded to GHAITH AL WATAN (SA Faez Simbad x Reem Khozan), owned and bred by Al Watan Stud. The winners were crowned by Salem Khejaim Al-Adbi, QREC Director of Public Relations and Marketing.
In the Junior Fillies Championship, the gold went to HAFFANA AL JASSIM (Amir Al Reeh x Weaam Al Jassim), owned and bred by Al Jassim Stud, for winning first place. The silver medal was awarded to AISHA AL SALE Shatha), owned and bred by Saad Salem Al-Hajri while the bronze medal went to QAMRA AL JAMAL (Wadee Al Shaqab x Tamure MS), owned and bred by Al Jamal Stud. The winners were crowned by HE Ambassador José Agüero Avila, Ambassador of Paraguay to Qatar.
In the Junior Colts Championship, the first place and gold medal went to OMEIR AL SRAIYA (AmirAl Reeh x Shalfa Al Sraiya), owned and bred by Al Sraiya Stud. The silver medal was awarded to RANNAN THO AL JANAH (Badiea Al Nasser x Balqees Tho Al Janah), owned and bred by Jaffar Khalil Radwani while the bronze medal went to GHAITH AL YACOUB (Amir Al Reeh x Wa’ad Al Yacoub), owned and bred by Al Yacoub Stud.
The winners were crowned by Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Ramzani, owner of Al Ebb Stud.
In the Senior Mares Championship, after impressive and outstanding performances, the gold medal was awarded to AL KAYDAH AL SRAIYA (Naseem Al Rashediah x Makhida), owned and bred by Al Sraiya Stud. The silver medal went to E’BEEDA AL ZOBARA (Sultan Al Zobara x Debsaa Al Zobara), owned and bred by Al Zobara Stud while the bronze medal was awarded to TARA KL (WH Justice x Mounira), owned and bred by Kaheel Stud. The winners of the medals were crowned by Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Sada, owner of Al Ruwais Stud.
The final contest of the 4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup, was the Finals of the Senior Stallions Championship. The stallion ARKAN AL SRAIYA (Kahil Al Shaqab x Benedetta INZ), bred and owned by Al Sraiya Stud, claimed the gold medal after securing first place. The silver medal went to AMIR AL REEH (Fadi Al Shaqab x Zahira Al Zobair), bred and owned by Al Reeh Stud while the bronze medal was awarded to MASHHOOR M (Fadi Al Shawab x Nawahil x Al Shaqab), bred and owned by Mana Abdulhadi A A Al Shahwani. The winners were crowned by HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Thani.
ROSE AL SHAHANIA (Rhan Al Shahania x Saherha Al Shahania)
On 27 and 28 October, the 4th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred, exclusively for local production, was held. The final results for champions concluded with ROSE AL SHAHANIA (Rhan Al Shahania x Saherha Al Shahania), owned by Al Jaham Stud and bred by Sheikha Reem Mohamed K H Al-Thani, winning the gold medal in the Yearling Fillies Championship. The silver medal was awarded to LILAC AL SHAHANIA (Rhan Al Shahania x Felix Ajmal Mora), owned by Alajlan Stud and bred by Al Shahania Stud while the bronze medal went to DANA ALHERE (Shaman Al Zobara x Aysha Al Zobara), owned by MH Stud and bred by Alhere Stud. The winners were crowned by Saad Ali Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the Show.
In the Yearling Colts Championship, the gold medal was awarded to ARAAB AL SHAQAB (Wahaj Albidayer x Qutoof Al Shaqab), owned by Nayif Aldossari and bred by Al Shaqab (Member of Qatar Foundation). The silver medal went to BILAL ALJASSIMYA (Sahm El Arab x Burza),
owned by Mohammed Ali Al Dosari and bred by Al Jassimya Farm while the bronze medal was claimed by SHUAA AL SHAHASolo Mio x Badiaa Al Shahania), owned by Al Ghashamiya Stud and bred by Sheikha Yasmeen Mohamed K A Al Thani. The winners were crowned by Sheikh Saud bin Faleh Al-Thani, President of the Arabian Horse Association.
In the Junior Fillies Championship, the gold medal was awarded to SABHA AL KHOR (Halul Al Khor x Rayyana Al Khor), owned by Al Dawasir Stud and bred by Al Khor Stud, after securing first place. The silver medal went to HANEEN AL NASSER Excalibur EA x Tahseen Al Zobair), owned by Al Buthamer Stud and bred by AL Nasser Stud while the bronze medal was claimed by JANA AL GHANIYYAH (Fadi Al Shaqab x Rabeaa KH), owned and bred by Khalifa Ali KH KH Al-Suwaidi. The winners were crowned by Saeed Hamad Al-Rashdi, Deputy Head of the QREC Stables Section.
MISK UMM ALUDHAM (Fadi Al Shaqab x Euskoma)
In the Junior Colts Championship, the gold medal went to GAZAL AL RIFAA (Marwan Al Shaqab x Mabelle Rose Chandra), owned by Al Sraiya Stud and bred by Al Rifaa Stud. The silver medal was awarded to GAZWAN AL ATHBA (Luigi x Ghizwa Al Shaqab), owned by Al Asalah Stud and bred by Al Athba Stud while the bronze medal was won by SULTAN AL KHEESA (Badi Athbah x Shania NWA), owned by Ibrahim Issa Alfadala and bred by Ghanim Mubark NA Al Kuwari. The winners were crowned by Nasser Mohammed Al-Hajri, owner of Umm Aludham Stud.
In the Senior Mares Championship, the mare MISK UMM ALUDHAM (Fadi Al Shaqab x Euskoma), owned by Al-Hazm Stud and bred by Nasser Mohammed Mesfer Al Hajri, won the gold medal. The silver medal went to AL GHARIYA AL SHAQAB (Gazal Al Shaqab x AP Maraya), owned by Nasser Mohammed Al-Hajri and bred by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.), while the bronze medal was awarded to AREEBA AL SHAQAB (WH Justice x HS Pearl Star), owned by Al-Hajaj Stud and bred by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.). The
winners were crowned by Saeed Hamad Al-Rashdi, Deputy Head of the QREC Stables Section.
The final contest of the show saw the selection of the champions in the Senior Stallions Championship. The gold medal was awarded to AFAS AL RAYYAN (Ezz Aldanat x Sulima Al Rayyan), owned by Al Sraiya Stud and bred by Al Rayyan Farm. The silver medal went to HAGRAS AL SHAQAB (Fadi Al Shaqab x Wind Kamelia), owned by Thani Khalifa Al-Sowaidi and bred by Al Shaqab (Member of Q.F.);while the bronze was claimed by RB SUHAIL (Naseem Al Rashediah x RB Ghaliah), owned by Al Jaham Stud and bred by Mohammed Ali M R Al-Kawari The winners were crowned by Saad Ali Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the Show
At the conclusion of the Show, the judges were honoured by HE Tomasz Sadziński, Ambassador of Poland to Qatar.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club. Photos: Juhaim/QREC
AFAS AL RAYYAN (Ezz Aldanat x Sulima Al Rayyan)
Invincible Al Ghadeer wins again Qatar Arabian World Cup
Huge favourite in the Qatar Arabian World Cup – the equivalent of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for pure bred Arabs – Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez) triumphed for the second consecutive year as curtain fell on the thrilling Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend with exciting races at ParisLongchamp racecourse. I
In the Qatari colours of Al Shaqab Racing (the racing stables of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani), the 5 year old male wins one race after another in this tenth consecutive victory, the sixth at Group 1 level (the highest level in horse racing). It comes as the third win in this race for his trainer, François Rohaut, installed in Pau (the Atlantic Pyrenees), who won first time in 2008, with Lahib.
With this victory, Rohaut-trained Al Ghadeer confirmed his bid to keep the Triple Crown in its final leg in Doha.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa alThani presented the trophy of the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup to HE Sheikh Joaan bin
Hamad al-Thani. QREC Chairman Issa bin Mohammed al-Mohannadi was present during the trophy presentation ceremony.
Al Ghadeer was ridden patiently by Soumillon and travelled with ease of the 2000m contest. Entering the final straight, the five-yearold waited the open stretch to challenge Al Doha (Al Mourtajez) and Nour Al Maury (Azadi). Soon in front, the high class colt went further clear to win under hands & heels by two and half lengths. RB Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah) ran on in second while Ch’Ezza (AF Albahar) took third.
Winning trainer Rohaut said after the race: “He had a good race and he didn’t pull today, It’s the horse of a lifetime and I will never see one like that again. Maybe there will be some more after, who knows. I’ve been waiting 40 years to have a horse like that and I’ve seen some really good ones”.
Since winning the Qatar Arabian World Cup last year, Al Ghadeer became only the second
horse to win the Doha Triple Crown, when securing the final stage, the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan in Doha in February.
Making his seasonal return at Goodwood in July for the first stage, the Qatar International Stakes, he won by an easy length, setting him up for a second tilt at the Triple Crown, as the series moves on to ParisLongchamp today. His Group success’s currently run to nine, with seven of them at the highest level. To date, he has beaten the majority of the horses in today’s field, though is yet to encounter Edalbar, Nabucco Al Maury and the fillies Nour Al Maury and Farida P.
Of those four, last year’s Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments winner Nour Al Maury (fourth place) looks the biggest danger, though she won the Juments in 2.15.96, as opposed to Al Ghadeer’s 2.12.17 winning time the following day. Nabucco Al Maury (seventh place) was a length and a quarter behind Ch’ezza in the Prix Dragon, the Group 1PA trial over course and distance last month, he gets an allowance as a four-year-old, but it’s only 0.5kg.
Al Doha (fifth place), who was two lengths runner up last year, must go close again. She was third to Al Ghadeer in the Sword in Doha, but since then has been unbeaten in two Group 1PA starts in France over this trip, here in May beating Moshrif and RB Kingmaker, and against fillies in August at La Teste. She shares her sire, Al Mourtajez with Al Ghadeer and will have strengthened up this season, however even with the 4kg fillies’ allowance to help; she will need to have improved again to win.
Ch’Ezza is a Group 1PA course and distance winner too, having won the trial this year and the UAE President Cup – Coupe des Europe last year, however he was six lengths off Al Ghadeer last time and is still 5.5kg behind him on French ratings. RB Kingmaker was third here in May, but his only Group 1PA victory to date came in Abu Dhabi last winter over 2200m.
Source: France Gallop, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club. Photos: Juhaim QREC
Are’ej scores second win for Yas Horse Racing
The preserve of Purebred Arabians, the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (for 4-year-old PA fillies) went to Are’ej, filly trained at Mont-deMarsan (Landes) by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, on October 5.
It was the trainer’s third victory in two days in a Group 1 PA race (the pinnacle of excellence in horse racing). The win follows those of the yard in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains and the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches at Saint-Cloud 24 hours earlier.
Are’ej (Dariya x Nouf by Munjiz) showed her mettle to score her first Group 1 PA win. Ridden by Alexis Pouchin, she beat Mantahare (AF Albahar x Mantalo by Al Sakbe), ridden by Maxime Guyon and trained at Pau by François Rohaut,
by a length, and Norma Al Maury (Azadi x Nemosie Al Maury by Kesberoy), ridden by James Vincent Crowley, who was three-quarters of a length further adrift in third. The latter is also trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte.
Are’ej was coming off a win in the Group 3 PA Prix Nevadour - Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nujaifi at La Teste-de-Buch.
Are’ej is bred and owned Yas Horse Racing Management, the stable of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Yas Horse Racing Management had previously won the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (for 4-year-old PA fillies) in 2021 with Teema.
Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, the trainer of Are’ej (1st), Norma Al Maury (3rd), Asslan Al Shahania (8th) and Al Rasha (9th), said: “It’s fantastic! The whole team strives hard for weekends like this. It a case of well-done [to the team], as the collective effort involved has clearly paid off. It’s also the fruit of decades of a work undertaken by a great breeder relative to the ‘selection’ process.
“This victory is the reward of the work of a lot of people. Are’ej made her debut this year, as 4-y-old. She was close to seeing the racecourse last year, but her owner was patient and she has improved with her racing. She has a
good pedigree page and her quality has shone through. At the moment, we’re surfing the wave of success with Purebred Arabians. It’s a feeling to have.”
Gérard Larrieu, Director General of Yas Horse Racing Management, said: “France is the country where the quality performers rise to the fore during the course of the season. The best performers go head to head here. After this, some horses go on to pursue their careers in the Gulf States, where the racing programme open to them is sublime. In this sport, you need luck. We have had the wind in our sails this weekend. However, sometimes, you have to move forward despite facing a headwind... and that’s never easy!”
Source: France Galop. Photo by Juhaim/QREC
Mutaz Follows In The Hoofprints Of Mushrae
The Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains is traditionally the best race in the world for 3-yearold male Purebred Arabians (PA). This Group 1 PA race, the pinnacle of excellence in horseracing, attracted a field of eight at Saint-Cloud on Friday October 4.
The victory, on this occasion, went to Mutaz (Munjiz x Rakha by Mahabb). The latter is trained at Mont-de-Marsan by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte.
Ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, Mutaz prevailed narrowly at the main expense of his stablemate Maqbool (AF Albahar x Ghaleba by Munjiz), ridden by Alexis Pouchin, who is also trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, and he shares the same ownership as the winner, Yas Horse Racing Management.
Mutaz was coming off a win in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge - Poulains (Gr 2 PA), having also accounted for Maqbool on that occasion.
HM Majdallah (Izz Al Khail x Ankaa Karim
by Nizam), ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Thomas Fourcy at Royan-La Palmyre (Charente Maritime), was two lengths further away in third.
Mutaz is owned and bred by Yas Horse Racing Management, the stable of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice-President and Deputy Prime-Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan had not won this race since 2012 following the triumph of Mushrae, with the latter tasting victory in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr 1 PA) the next season.
Mutaz’s win enabled jockey, Guillaume Guedj-Gay, to savour his first Group 1 win.
Trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte said: “To saddle the first two home in a Gr1 PA race is simply fantastic. Mutaz and Maqbool both showed a good level of ability from the moment that they first set foot on a racecourse, and they’ve been on an upward curve ever since. The plan was always to head to Saint-Cloud with them,
and they’ve both showed again what they’re made of this Group 1 PA is invariably something of a test, but since we know that they both act well at this track here, it bodes well for future.
“They are comparatively lightly raced and don’t have much mileage on the clock. Mutaz stands out from the crowd in a number of ways, and not least physically. He’s the archetypal quality chestnut which hails from this parti-
cular stud, and scopey too. I think that he’s finished for the season. As when you go on your travels with this particular age group you tend to pay for it further down the line.
“Maqbool pulled a bit and his jockey told me he should have gone forward earlier. It’s the first time that he’s worn cheekpieces. Mouzaffar de Monlau pulled again and he needs a lot of fine tuning.”
Allure BV wins third race in a row and trainer Haidar takes 1-2
Allure BV, from Haras Bom Viver, proved to be unstoppable by winning the Arabian Ladies Grand Prix 2024 – Wathba Stallions Cup, on Saturday 14 December.
Trained by Thiago Haidar and masterfully ridden by apprentice jockey Danilo Novais, Allure BV (*D’Jok Py x *Arzade Cabirat by Rhalan Cabirat) once again won from start to finish her third race in a row, solidifying her status as one of the best Arabian mares of the season.
In the race held over 1,600 meters on turf, at the Cidade Jardim Racecourse, Jockey Club of São Paulo, and organized by the Brazilian Association of Arabian Horse Breeders (ABCCA), the 7-year-old gray mare dominated the race with ease and won with a 7 ¾ length advantage.
In a fitting end to a thrilling race, Stud Brasil Itacaré (Stud Brasil Mondesir x *Manari by Dormane), ridden by Jeane Alves and trained by Thiago Haidar took second place and Passamarie Rach (Mared Al Sahra x Passion Rach by Vaillant Rach), ridden by Ruberlei Viana and
trained by Lucas Quintana completed the top three positions.
Apprentice jockey Danilo Novais, who rode Allure BV in all three races this year, said: “This victory, especially from the point of view of it being a Grand Prix, will be remembered as the highlight of my career so far. And even more significant was the opportunity to share this success with Allurae BV, a mare with whom I have won two previous races. I would like to thank trainer Haidar and Haras Bom Viver for their confidence in me and I hope to win more races.”
“Allure BV is an exceptional mare, as she has won all four races in which she has participated. She showed this in her debut and after being out of action for a while, she returned with more desire to race and demonstrated more quality and courage. As the distances increase, she runs with more determination; as she has an excellent heart and runs faster than normal. She was born to race, as she was not
adapted to endurance and proves this in every race. My thanks to the owners Pedro, Zezo and Susana Marino, and to our staff led by Dr. Henrique Garcia, from Haras Bom Viver”, declared trainer Haidar.
Owner Pedro Marino, from Haras Bom Viver, commented: “We imagined that Allure BV would win, as she was the favorite in the race, as in previous races she competed with males and with extra pounds. It was another fantastic victory and our intention now is to take her to the green fields of the stud farm to breed offspring that can be champions.”
Almir José Ribeiro, ABCCA racing director, said:
“First of all, our sincere and deepest thanks to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, and Lara Sawaya for this 10-year partnership and for believing in Arabian horse
racing in Brazil. Regarding Allure BV’s victory, it was undisputed as she was the big favorite in the race.”
“I couldn’t fail to mention the excellent performance of Stud Brasil Itacaré, which fought bravely with Passamarie Rach to take second place. And, once again, I would like to thank the Saliba Family for their fight and support in holding Arabian races in Brazil; and the new traditional breeders of Halter and Endurance horses for believing in Arabian races and with winning animals. We ended this season with exciting races and with animals with pedigrees that can compete in any other country.”
The Grande Prêmio Arabian Ladies 2024 – Wathba Stallions Cup was organised by the Brazilian Association of Arabian Horse Breeders with the support of Jockey Club de São Paulo.
Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos Porfírio Menezes
(*Uzbek Du Lion x Orchestra Rach
Cromo D’Jok Trio Conquers Second Victory
Under the excellent management of jockey Gabriel Santana, Cromo D’Jok Trio dominates from start to finish the 2024 Arabian Horse National Grand Prix - Wathba Stallions Cup, held on Saturday, December 14 at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome, organised by Brazilian Arabian Horse Breeders Association (ABCCA). The 5-year-old gray’s first victory was the UAE President Cup Series For Colts & Fillies II, held on September 21.
In the second race of the program, trainer Thiago Haidar takes his second victory of the day and second with Cromo D’Jok Trio (*D´Jok Py x RT Crysti by Nawwak NA); after his half-sister Allure BV won the first race also from start to finish.
From the start of the race held over 1,600 meters on turf, Cromo D’Jok Trio was followed by Ômega Rach (*Uzbek Du Lion x Orchestra Rach by Vaillant Rach), ridden by Ruberlei Viana, until the final 150 meters when in an excellent sprint Monsenhor Rach, ridden by Jeane Alves, attacked from the outside and overtook his stablemate.
Favorite horse of the Arabian Horse National GP 2024-Wathba Stallions Cup, Cromo D’Jok Trio won with a difference of 1 ¼ lengths of advantage over Monsenhor Rach, in second, and Ômega Rach in third, both trained by Lucas Quintana and bred and owned by Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda.
Renato Salvador, breeder and owner of Cro-
mo D’Jok Trio, said: “It is very rewarding to follow the evolution of the animals we breed. We have a lot of faith in D’Jok PY as a stallion and seeing his sons standing out so much in Endurance with victories in 100, 120 and 160 km races and now in racing, makes me very happy; which shows us that we are on the right path.”
“It was an excellent second victory for Cromo D’Jok Trio; who finished the previous race in second place behind his half-sister Allure BV. And now in a race for males only, which was more favorable and in which he was able to gallop without struggling and maintained his pace under Santana’s excellent driving. It is an immense joy to achieve two victories in two races. What we have noticed is the superiority of French blood in the pedigrees of the current animals that race and win at the Jockey Club of São Paulo”, declared trainer Thiago Haidar.
Jockey Gabriel Santana said: “It was the third race in a row with Cromo D’Jok Trio and our second victory. He responded to my command and showed a great desire to race from the start and I just managed.”
Almir José Ribeiro, racing director of the Brazilian Association of Arabian Horse Breeders, said: “Firstly, our most sincere and deepest thanks to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lara Sawaya for this 10-year partnership and for believing in our potential. Cromo D’Jok Trio was the big favorite in the race and with this victory he demonstrated the importance of French blood in our current generation of racehorses in Brazil.”
“I could not fail to mention the excellent performance of Monsignor Rach, son of Seraphin Du Paon, and Omega Rach, son of *Uzbek Du Lion who ran a brilliant race and congratulate the Saliba Family for their constant evolution in breeding Arabian racing horses in the Brazil. We ended this season with exciting races and with animals with pedigrees that can compete in any other country.”
The Grande Prêmio Nacional do Cavalo Árabe 2024-Wathba Stallions Cup was organised by Brazilian Arabian Horse Breeders Association in partnership with Jockey Club de São Paulo.
Text Cidinha Franzão. Photos Porfírio Menezes
Allure BV achieves third victory in the IFAHR Cup Race and second victory in a row
The 7-year-old gray mare Allure BV won the IFAHR Cup Race Award, the inaugural race of the IFAHR TROPHY in South America, held at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome, Jockey Club of São Paulo, and organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association, on Saturday November 23rd.
The handicap race played over 1,600 meters on turf for 3-years-old and older; was contested by 10 of the best Arabian horses in South America to win this important trophy.
The 5-year-old gray Cromo D´Jok Trio (*D’Jok Py x RT Crysti by Nawwak NA), ridden by apprentice jockey Gabriel Santana, dominated the race until 700 meters, always accompanied by Passionaddo Rach (Atentaddo VE x Passion Rach), when his half-sister Allure BV (*D’Jok Py x *Arzade Cabirat by Rhalan Cabirat), ridden by apprentice jockey Danilo Novais, started an attack on the outside and took second place.
From the final 400 meters onwards, the two greys remain almost together in the dispute for first place, while Passamarie Rach (Mared Al Sahra x Passion Rach), ridden by João Moreira and with two victories this year, improves on the outside and is attacked by the debutant mare Stud Brasil Itacaré (Stud Brasil Mondesir x *Manari by Dormane) under the guidance of Jeane Alves.
Allure BV fights for her third victory and second in a row after winning the UAE President Cup for Colts & Fillies VII Award two weeks ago and setting a record in the 1,400 meters for females; and her half-brother Cromo D’Jok Trio seek second victory after winning the UAE President Cup Series Award For Colts & Fillies II on September 21.
Cromo D’Jok Trio and Allure BV cross together with an almost imperceptible difference that was only defined in the photochart. And the
7-year-old gray mare is crowned champion of the IFAHR Cup Race Award.
One of the stars of the race, the debutant Stud Brasil Itacaré intensely attacked Passamarie Rach and crossed in third, a length behind the first two placed.
Allure BV, bred and owned by Haras Bom Viver, Cromo D’Jok Trio from Haras Trio and Stud Brasil Itacaré, owned by Bolívar Figueiredo and bred by Fazenda and Haras Stud Brasil Agrop. Ltda. are trained by Thiago Haidar.
The IFAHR Cup Race was undoubtedly the most exciting race of the year, providing a spectacle for the public, trainers, breeders and everyone at the Jockey Club in São Paulo on Saturday afternoon, as well as being a significant milestone in the Arabian horse racing calendar and highlighting the growing importance of the sport in Brazil.
Owner Pedro Stefani Marino highlighted: “It was another brilliant race for Allure BV, which at the beginning was in the top positions and in the straight line she managed to catch up to her half-brother and they both crossed together, with a small advantage for her. It was a truly impressive race in which my father, Zezo Marino, was present and we are immensely happy with this second consecutive victory for Allure BV and third in three races.”
Trainer Thiago Haidar stated: “Our animals had an excellent race and we believed that Allure BV would win, but this time it wasn’t
like the previous ones. Cromo D’Jok Trio, her half-brother, took advantage of the eight-kilogram weight difference, which made all the difference at the finish line.
“The two half-brothers met our expectations and Stud Brasil Itacaré surprised us, because despite having her own racing pedigree, she has only been with us for a short time, with little training time, and yet she exceeded our expectations, ran impeccably and almost finished in second place. It was a difficult race for her, as it was a handicap race and she competed against experienced animals with victories. I want to thank the whole team for believing in our work and we are looking for more victories.”
Jockey Danilo Novais said: “This was Allure BV’s first race over a mile and she was overweight; and since her debut she has shown that she likes to run. Since she is a mare that likes to run at the front, today I preferred to keep her further back, well positioned. I was in third position and at the start of the straight the other opponents approached and I felt that she was in great shape, eager to run and very easy to handle. Cromo, being lighter, was very willing and performed an easy race, galloping easily at the front. Despite the extra weight that Allure BV was carrying and the distance, she showed that she really likes to run and won another victory on the final disc.”
Almir José Ribeiro, Racing Director at ABC-
CA, said: “The holding of the first IFAHR Cup Race in Latin America is extremely important, as it places Brazil and Latin American countries in the World of Arabian Horse Racing in an indisputable way.
“Today we witnessed one of the most exciting races in 10 years. We predicted that half-brothers Allure BV and Cromo D’Jok Trio would provide an excellent show, and they did. I want to highlight the importance of Stud Brasil Itacaré’s achievement of third place, as she is owned by a traditional breeder of Arabian
show horses who was enchanted by the races and believed in them; and this achievement will attract other owners.
“Once again, our thanks to IFAHR and its president, Faisal Al Rahmani, for their trust in this important mission of promoting and fostering Arabian horse racing in the world.”
Prêmio IFAHR Cup Race was organised by Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association in partnership with Jockey Club de São Paulo.
Text: Cidinha Franzão. Photos: Porfírio Menezes
Allure BV wins end-to-end in an exceptional race
Allure BV, a six-year-old grey mare, won her second race in Cidade Jardim by 13 ¼ lengths and achieved the record time among females by completing the 1,400 meters in 1:37:145 at the UAE President Cup for Colts & Fillies VII.
After a year of winning the UAE President Cup Series For Colts & Fillies III Award on September 23, 2023 with a 16 ¾ lengths advantage contested over 1,000 meters on turf, her first and only track record race, Allure BV spent a period in recovery and training at Haras Bom Viver, owned by her breeder Susana de Locio e Silva S. Marino, before returning to the tracks at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome in great style and establishing another record.
Just like in her first race; she repeated the performance and won end-to-end. The previous record, 1:37:240, was held by Zells Zenyatta who won the Arab Chamber Classic on March 25, 2018.
Daughter of *D’Jok Py and *Arzade Cabitat by Rhalan Cabitat, before arriving at the Jockey Club of São Paulo (JCSP), Allure BV began her sporting career in endurance races; which
proves, once again, the combination of these two sports: Endurance and Racing.
Her half-brother, the gray five-year-old colt Cromo D’Jok Trio (*D’Jok Py x RT Crysti by Nawwak NA) ridden by Jeane Alves, maintained second position until the last meter when he was attacked from the outside by RG Kometa (Cáceres CSM x Campanha CSM by *Eksport), in an excellent race driven by Jeffecleone Bispo who, after starting in last place, took second place by a neck of a difference.
Pedro Stefani Mariano, also the owner and breeder of Allure BV at Haras Bom Viver, attributes the mare’s excellent performance to her high-quality genetics. Allure BV is the daughter of the stallion *D’Jok PY, imported by Haras Trio, a partner of Haras Bom Viver, out of *Arzade Cabirat, who has a renowned lineage, with several outstanding sons and grandsons at Haras Bom Viver itself and who is now part of Rach Stud..
“All imported animals were chosen with the aim of improving the genetics of horses that already existed in Brazil, coming from Pol-
ish, Russian and Egyptian bloodlines, which, although initially focused on Halter, showed great potential for Racing. By studying these bloodlines and combining them with French blood, we were able to find the ideal cross, which has made all the difference in performance on the tracks”, explains Marino.
In addition to genetics, the breeder highlights the differentiated management at Haras Bom Viver. “Allure BV, for example, spent almost a year in Endurance training, which contributed to her physical and mental preparation, helping to make her even more ready for the challenges of the tracks at the Jockey Club of São Paulo”, concludes Marino.
Trainer Thiago Haidar stated: “Allure BV returned better than she had shown in her first race. Due to a physical problem, she stayed at Haras Bom Viver for treatment and training and when she was fully recovered we brought her to JCSP to restart her campaign and she gave us a wonderful race. She is our star for the next challenges in Cidade Jardim.”
Almir José Ribeiro, Racing Director of the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA) stated: “In this race we had the triumphant return of Allure BV who simply showed off her class and showed our audience a performance worthy of a new record holder who arrives to establish a new level in Arabian horse racing in Brazil.”
“She broke the distance record for females set in 2018 by another great runner, *Zells Zenyatta. In addition to the brilliant performance by Allure BV, we also had a surprising performance in the final meters by RG Kometa who simply imposed herself in the final sprint with a differentiated performance and surpassed both Cromo D’Jok Trio and Stud Brasil Gávea who came in third and fourth places respectively.”
“We would like to thank HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, for his confidence in us, which has honored and encouraged the consolidation of Arabian horse racing in Brazil; and especially H.E. Faisal Al Hamani, Secretary General of the UAE President Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses for his confidence in our Arabian horse racing program, which continues into our fifth year of activities, as well as the ABCCA and our breeders and enthusiasts of the Arabian Sport Horse.”
Prêmio UAE President Cup for Colts & Fillies VII was organised by Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA) in partnership with Jockey Club de São Paulo.
HM Al Zalmaa & Xavier Thomas Round Off A Great Day
The Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches was awarded to HM Al Zalmaa in the stewards’ room. She is trained at Mont-de-Marsan (LandeS) by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte. The handler had already annexed the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA). earlier in the afternoon
HM Al Zalmaa (Al Mourtajez x Chyhanah by Munjiz), ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, was coming off a winning debut in the Prix Bengali d’Albret at La Teste. She is owned by Qatari national Abdulghani Al-Abdulghani. HM Al Zalmaa was bred in South-west France by the Haras du Saubouas and Nada Mousalli.
The promoted HM Al Zalmaa was followed home by Lady de Faust (AF Al Buraq x Bonne Foulee by Tidjani) ridden by Mickael Barzalona, who was also moved up a place to second in the modified finishing order. The latter is trained at Royan-La Palmyre (Charente Maritime) by Thomas Fourcy.
Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte also achieved a podium finish via Lacaro du Croate (No Risk Al Maury x Beanie Du Croate by Dahess), ridden by Cristian Demuro, with the latter having been promoted from fourth to third.
The first past the post Geneva was disqualified and placed last after the filly’s rider was punished for excessive use of the whip.
Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, the trainer of HM Al Zalmaa (1st), Lacaro du Croate (3rd), Ghara (4th), Wala’a (6th) said: “HM Al Zalmaa ran a very good race. Although a filly with a small physique, she gives very generously of herself. After her victory at La Teste, we wanted to keep her under wraps for this Group 1 PA race. She gave her all in terms of effort. She was stepping up in trip from 1,400 metres to 2,000 metres, but I wasn’t worried on that score.
“Her jockey, Guillaume Guedj-Gay, knows her inside out as he rides her every morning. Of our four runners, three of them were in the money. Lacaro du Croate finished with real gusto as did Ghara. I’m delighted with their progress, and they’ve established themselves among the best PA fillies of their generation. It’s a good place to be in for next season, as the racing calendar for 4-year-olds is a good one. So roll on next year!”
Source: France Galop. Photos: Juhaim QREC
Nour Al Maury triumphs in Gr1 PA French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic
Following a good effort in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup earlier this month, the fiveyear-old Nour Al Maury (Azadi x Nectarina Al Maury) secured victory in the Gr.1 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic - HH. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan at Toulouse, France, on Thursday, October 31st.
Trained by Thomas Fourcy and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, the Purebred Arabian, expertly ridden by Mickael Barzalona, has now secured her seventh Gr.1 (PA) title.
Nour Al Maury settled in second last as the race was led by Soko (Nieshan x Saka). As the race intensified, the remarkable mare surged ahead inside the final 400m and won by a length and a quarter. Bad Guy Pompadour (No Risk Al Maury x Berenice Royale), who was supplemented,
finished in second place, while Molfit (Al Mourtajez x Djezabel Des Forges) took third.
“She was at the top of her game this season, despite that she’s a very light filly”, said the winning trainer after the race, “She recovered well from Longchamp which was my only worry beforehand. But she did a canter, she’s done it easily.”
Bred by Mlle Renee-Laure Koch, Nour Al Maury is a daughter of Nectarina Al Maury (Jalnar Al Khalidiah) and a full sister to Gr.2 (PA) winner No Reply Al Maury (Azadi).
Source: QREC/JDG. Photo: Robert Polin
Hajmah scores First Group PA victory in Prix Nevada II
The Gr.3 (PA) Prix Nevada II saw the Thomas Fourcy-trained, Hajmah (Al Mourtajez) bounce back to claim a first Group (PA) success at Toulouse, France, on Thursday, October 31st.
The three-year-old ran carrying the silk of her breeder and owner Al Shaqab Racing, who made it a double on the card and was ridden by Mickael Barzalona.
Hajmah travelled well in the rear of the midfield. Gradually closing on the inside, the Purebred Arabian filly quickly took the lead and proved too tough to beat. The homebred won by a length and a quarter. The favourite Lambada Du Croate (Af Albahar x F Sia de Montrozier), ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal, ran on for second while Alreem (Djet Taouy x Maxensse), ridden by Mickael Forest, took third.
Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Hajmah is out of a Gr.1 (PA) winner Easter De Faust (Mahabb)
Source: QREC/JDG. Photo: Robert Polin
Hibikinada Du Mazet Impresses in the Wathba Stallions Cup
New syndicate owners Okewood Bloodstock ended their first season of Arabian racing with another winner as Hibikinada Du Mazet dug deep for three quarters of a length success at Bath on testing ground. She was the youngest runner in the Wathba Stallions Cup (0-75) Handicap, but still had plenty of weight to carry having finished second on her debut in July on the Polytrack at Lingfield. She faced a strong challenge from long-time leader Delyth Thomas’s Paramer Angel who had won over the same mile trip on heavy in May, who was sent off as favourite. Steve Blackwell’s Sassy, whom he bred as well as trains, filled the third position. The three-year-old is one of two homebred fillies purchased by the syndicate from Mathieux Talleux’s Haras du Mazet in France that are now in the care of with leading ARO trainer James Owen. The other, Zizania Du Mazet won a similar handicap at Doncaster last month, also beating Paramer Angel in a close finish. Both fillies will be put away for the winter with a view to a possible Arabian Derby campaign next season.
Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented: “We are delighted to see
new owners coming into Arabian racing so successfully and thrilled that the support of HH Sheikh Mansoor can make a difference to the grass roots of the sport.”
Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer, said, “We’re so pleased for new syndicate owners, Okewood Blooodstock to have had such success in their first season Arabian racing, having previously owned thoroughbreds. We congratulate them, Jack Mitchell and all the Owen team for their win today and Lissie Reeves who also won The Arabian Racehorse Best Turned Out Award with the filly.
“Our thanks also go to ARO associate sponsor’s Equine MediRecord whose Chief Operations Officer Finlay Dargan who joined us today and received the trophy on behalf of Okewood Bloodstock.
“We return to Bath on Thursday 31 October for another Wathba Stallions Cup handicap, run as the concluding race of our 2024 season.
