Latest news with #Valkenswaard
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
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.
