Latest news with #ArabianHorses
Emirates 24/7
04-08-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Afjan claims victory at UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in Netherlands
Afjan, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, delivered a thrilling performance to secure victory at the 8th leg of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, held on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, at the Duindigt Turf Racecourse in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event forms part of the prestigious 32nd edition of the classic series. With its continued expansion across Europe's top racecourses, the UAE President's Cup once again impressed with its high-caliber presence, drawing praise from the Dutch racing community. The Cup has earned the distinction of hosting the richest Arabian horse race in Dutch history, offering a prize purse of US$100,000. The race, contested over 2,150 metres, featured 11 elite entries from leading stables across Europe and was open to horses aged four years and above, under Group 3 classification. Afjan (TM Fred Texas × Muzoon), rated 111, trained by J. de Mieulle Grijs and ridden by Olivier d'Andigné, made a stunning late charge from the back of the field to overtake Al Zeer (Al Mamun Monlau × Assma Al Khalediah) by a neck in a dramatic finish. Al Zeer, owned by M.F.A.H. Al-Attiyah, was trained by F. Rohaut Blauw and ridden by G. Guedj-Gay. Third place went to Ska de L'Aigle (Al Mourtajez × Sia), owned by M. Bousaif, trained by F. Rohaut Tot, and ridden by Jean Bernard Eyquem. Afjan completed the race in a time of 2:21.02 minutes, securing one of the most exciting wins in the event's Dutch history. The event was attended by Ameirah Obaid Mohamed Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary-General of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses, who presented the trophies to the winners. Musallam Al Ameri, Member of the Higher Organising Committee, stated, 'We take pride in the elevated competitive standing of the UAE President's Cup Series, which continues to achieve outstanding success on a global scale. The Netherlands stage saw elite participation from top stables across Europe, which significantly raised the level of competition. The intense speed and strength throughout the race underscore the effort all owners are putting into being part of this prestigious classic series.' He added, 'These achievements are a direct result of the generous support and strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, who has consistently championed the development of Arabian horse racing on the world stage. We are proud of the incredible atmosphere and wide acclaim that accompanied this race and congratulate all the winners and participants.'
Al Etihad
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Eleven horses line up in Netherlands for 8th leg of UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses
2 Aug 2025 15:20 ABU DHABI (WAM)The eighth 8th stop of the 32nd edition of the UAE President's Cup Series for Purebred Arabian Horses will take place Sunday, August 3, at Duindigt Turf Racecourse in The Hague, Kingdom of the UAE President's Cup continues to receive unwavering support from the UAE leadership, reinforcing its global mission to preserve the legacy of Purebred Arabian horses and to advance the sport across the world's most prestigious Dutch stage of the series marks a historic milestone — it is the richest Arabian horse race ever held in the Netherlands, boasting a prize purse of $100, 2,150-metre Group 3 race welcomes 11 elite contenders representing leading stables from across Europe. Open to horses aged four years and above, the race is expected to deliver high-calibre competition. Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the UAE President's Cup Series, commented: 'We are proud to see the UAE President's Cup continue to fulfil its vision of elevating Arabian horse racing to new international heights. The participation of top-tier owners and stables, including from the Netherlands and across Europe, reflects the growing global stature of the series.' He added, 'These accomplishments are a direct result of the generous and visionary support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who remains fully committed to advancing the prominence and excellence of Arabian horse racing worldwide.'As the 32nd edition progresses across international venues, the Netherlands stage once again affirms the Cup's status as one of the world's most prestigious Arabian horse racing series—merging competition, culture, and legacy on a global scale.
Arab News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Berlin MP triumphs as Global Champions Arabians Tour ends
VALKENSWAARD: The 2025 Valkenswaard edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in the Netherlands concluded on Sunday, with Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The 2018-born grey stallion was handled by Glenn Schoukens, delivering a performance that captivated judges and spectators alike. The sixth stage of the Tour in the Europe & the Middle East series unfolded at the renowned Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard. Over three days, more than 100 of the world's finest Arabian horses competed in a venue filled with breeders, sponsors, influencers, VIPs, and fans. With a total prize purse $1.64 million, of which $1.22 million was allocated to championship classes and $419,000 to qualifiers, Valkenswaard reinforced the GCAT's status as the most prestigious and rewarding series in the history of Arabian horse sport. 'Valkenswaard continues to surprise and inspire,' said Bader M. Al-Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour. 'We witnessed world-class competition at the epicenter of equestrian sports in the Netherlands.' The show now moves to London, where the tour will make its much-anticipated UK debut from Aug. 14 to 17 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The season's grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, is from Dec. 3 to 6. Championship Winners – Valkenswaard 2025 Yearling Fillies: Gold for VERONICA BV, owned by Al-Shaqab and bred by Bautista Vich Stud, Qatar. Yearling Colts: Gold for SK KAYAN, owned by Aljumail Stud, Qatar, and bred by Abdulaziz Mohammed A. Almudimigh. Junior Fillies: Gold for Shahalel Al-Shaqab, owned and bred by Al-Shaqab, Qatar. Junior Colts: Gold for D Borkan, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, UAE. Senior Mares: Gold for Al-Aryam Banafsaj, owned by Ajman Stud – Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, bred by Al-Aryam Arabians, Ajman, UAE. Senior Stallions: Gold for Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, bred by Mindy Peters, Qatar. Championship Points Standings after Valkenswaard Top Female: Shahalel Al-Shaqab – 120. Top Male: Berlin MP – 104. Leading Handler: Glenn Schoukens – 307.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Sao Paulo provides spectacular stage for the 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour
SAO PAULO: The 2025 Sao Paulo edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a close on Monday evening, with Lughan, owned by Haras Paiquere, claiming the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Held at the Helvetia Riding Center in Indaiatuba, the Sao Paulo stage was the third stop of the 2025 Americas Series. Over two days, the venue was transformed into an international equestrian extravaganza, welcoming more than 100 purebred Arabian horses and their handlers, as well as an audience of VIPs, horse lovers, and international guests. With a prize purse of $270,000, the Sao Paulo stage was a key qualifier for the GCAT Americas overall ranking. Winners advanced in the race to claim part of the $1.275 million in end-of-season prize purse, allocated to the top 20 male and female horses and handlers, with an additional $50,000 bonus for the highest-scoring horse of the Americas Series. The tour continues to solidify its reputation as the most prestigious and rewarding in Arabian horse sport. 'Sao Paulo has embraced the spirit of the Global Champions Arabians Tour with energy and elegance,' said Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani, deputy CEO, Global Champions Arabians Tour. 'This stage celebrated more than just competition; it was a vibrant expression of culture, excellence, and unity that truly elevated the Americas Series.' The first day of the event concluded with a live performance by Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil, while the second day featured closing entertainment, followed by the official championship awards ceremony and a show by renowned Brazilian duo Fernando & Sorocaba. The winning mare and stallion received a custom Sao Paulo champion blanket, vibrant yellow with tropical birds, flowers, and greenery celebrating Arabian strength and the spirit of Brazil. The Tour's Americas Series now moves to Stage 4 in Denver, Colorado, on August 8-9, as the journey toward the season's grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, continues. Gold champions, Sao Paulo 2025
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Global Champions Arabians Tour returns to the Netherlands
DOHA: The second annual Global Champions Arabians Tour will ride into in the Netherlands on July 18. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The three-day event, at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, is the sixth stage of the 2025 Europe and Middle East Series, and the second European stop on the tour, after Cannes in France last month. The total prize pool for this stage is €1.41 million ($1.65 million): €1.05 million for the championship and €360,000 for the qualifying classes. The results will also contribute to overall rankings ahead of the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha this December. 'Returning to Valkenswaard is a true highlight of the season,' said Faleh Al-Nasr, chairperson of the Global Champions Arabians Tour. 'This stage reflects our commitment to excellence, bringing together top-tier competition, international audiences and the timeless beauty of Arabian horses in one of Europe's premier equestrian destinations.' Outside of the action in the arena, there will be a supporting program featuring cultural performances, special exhibitions celebrating the heritage and art of Arabian horses, and the event will conclude with what organizers say will be a memorable closing ceremony. There will also be an exclusive shopping village showcasing a curated mix of local and international brands, artisan products, event merchandise, and gourmet food and drink. The event begins on Friday, July 18, with an opening ceremony and qualifying classes for yearling fillies and colts, and junior fillies. Junior colts, senior mares and senior stallions will take to the arena on Saturday, July 19, and the action concludes on Sunday, July 20, with the championship competitions across all categories, followed by the closing ceremony. After Valkenswaard, the focus shifts to the UK, where the seventh stage of the Europe and Middle East Series will take place in London from Aug. 14 to 17.
