Rome, Italy – 07 September 2024 – The prestigious Rome stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a triumphant close this weekend, showcasing the world’s finest Arabian horses alongside an unforgettable atmosphere of glamour, competition, and celebration. Held at the historic Circus Maximus, the event drew an elite crowd of visiting royals, ministers, celebrities, and Arabian horse fans from across the globe.
The event’s highlight was the spectacular closing show, which mesmerised the audience with a magical performance featuring over 100 dancers, horses, and fireworks in a breathtaking symphony of emotions. In a crescendo of wonder, the history of the Eternal City came to life before the spectators’ eyes, recreating the epic atmosphere of 2,000 years ago, where fireworks and choreography paid tribute to the grandeur of Rome, taking the audience on an emotional journey through history.
Among the notable figures in attendance were Italy’s most well-known Italo-Arab TV presenter, Rajae Bezzaz from the popular show “Striscia la Notizia,” international Arab-Italian top model Ahlam El Brinis, Italy’s own “Oprah,” Francesca Manzini, the world-renowned Italian étoile Eleonora Abbagnato, singer Giulia Luzi, beloved as Juliet in the hit musical “Romeo & Juliet,” and film stars Violante Placido, Alessandra Mastronardi, Elisabetta Pellini, Francesca Inaudi, and Barbara De Nuntis. Italian football legend Federico Balzaretti, model Luciano Punzo, equestrian influencer Gaia Vincenzi, and famous Italian influencers Martina Corradetti, Flavia Restivo, Julia Charlotte De Rossi, Sabrina Nasti, and Eleonora Filippi were among other high-profile guests enjoying the exquisite hospitality offered in Rome’s iconic venue.
“The Rome stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour has once again surpassed all expectations,” said Faleh Al-Nasr, Chairman of Global Champions Arabians Tour. “We are proud to bring together not only the best in Arabian horse talent but also a community of passionate fans and distinguished guests who make this event truly special. The level of competition and camaraderie displayed here has been remarkable.”
The atmosphere throughout the event was electric, with crowds eagerly watching each round of the competition unfold. Spectators enjoyed an array of exclusive experiences, including luxury dining, VIP lounges, and curated exhibitions showcasing the rich heritage of Arabian horses and Italian culture.
D Rowa, an exquisite chestnut yearling filly sired by FA El Rasheem, took her first gold for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, bettering her Bronze in Muscat. Handled by Paolo Capecci, she won her class with 92.43 points and received seven votes for gold, leading her to glory.
Afreen Al Shaqab continued his unbeatable record on the Tour, taking gold in the Yearling Colt Championship for Al Shaqab Stud with nine votes for gold.
In the Junior Fillies Championship, Dubai Stud’s D Najla took her third gold title of the 2024 tour, having previously taken top honours in Valkenswaard and Abu Dhabi. This win moves her up to second place in the overall rankings, overtaking stablemate D Nafayes.
As for the Junior Males, D Shakhar made it a hat trick of gold titles for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, taking pole position in Rome. This is the 2-year-old colt’s first gold title of the Tour, following a series of Silver and Bronze titles throughout the previous stages.
The unstoppable AJ Kayya takes a sixth consecutive gold title in the Senior Female Championship for Ajman Stud, maintaining an unbroken record and a perfect score of 120 points, the maximum possible at this stage of the Tour.
During the show-stopping finale, the Senior Champion Stallion E.S. Harir was crowded, marking his fifth gold title of the 2024 tour for owners Al Saqran Stud of Kuwait. This win puts the 13-year-old E.S. Harir on 100 points, only 5 points behind the current leading male D Borkan, as the Tour heads towards the final stage.
After the sixth stage of this seven-part tour, the top three leading females, males and handlers are as follows:
Top Females
1st AJ Kayya, owned and bred by Ajman Stud – H.H. Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (U.A.E.) on 120 points
2nd D Najlah, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.) on 111 points
3rd D Nafayes, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.) on 107 points
Top Males
1st D Borkan, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.) on 105 points
2nd D Shakhar, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud (U.A.E.) on 101 points
3rd E.S. Harir, owned by Al Saqran Stud (Kuwait) and bred by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Majid Alqassemi on 100 points
Top Handlers
1st Paolo Capecci on 336 points
2nd Glenn Schoukens on 294 points
3rd Raphael Curti on 280 points
The Rome stage marks a significant milestone in the Global Champions Arabians Tour, which continues to raise the standard for Arabian horse competitions worldwide. With its blend of tradition, elegance, and cutting-edge sport, the Tour has firmly established itself as a highlight of the international equestrian calendar.
The final stop on the 2024 Global Champions Arabians Tour will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 13-16 November, where the winners of this inaugural year will be crowned.
