Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Omani coastline and the Hajar mountains, the third stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Muscat delivered an extraordinary showcase of Arabian horse breeding. With Tour regulars such as D Borkan and Shahbrys HVP returning to the ring alongside some exceptional horses from Omani breeders, the event welcomed esteemed guests and passionate fans from around the world for three days of thrilling competition and cultural celebration.
With an impressive roster of world-class contenders, the Muscat stage concluded with an unforgettable closing ceremony. The evening’s festivities celebrated Omani heritage with an enchanting display of traditional music and dance, immersing spectators in the rich culture of the region. The excitement continued with the entrance of Gold Senior Stallion Champion Berlin MP, who was honoured in a grand procession beneath a canopy of golden lights. As the final moments unfolded, the night sky was set ablaze with a breathtaking drone display over the Arabian Gulf, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in the Global Champions Arabians Tour.
AJ Sindala secured the first gold of Muscat for Ajman Stud, United Arab Emirates, with eight votes for gold. The refined grey filly, expertly handled by Glenn Schoukens, won her qualifying class with a score of 92 points. Dubai Arabian Horse Stud clinched the silver title with D Neeran, who placed third in her qualifying class with a score of 91.93 points, whilst the winner of Section A, Athbah, secured bronze for Qatar’s Al Thamer Stud.
Yearling colt Tashaar Al Shaqab took gold for Al Shaqab Stud of Qatar, following a class win in the qualifier with 91.79 points. Sharar Almanhal took silver for Qatar’s SK Arabians following a gold title at GCAT Ajman in January and a silver in Muscat. AJ Nayd followed in the bronze position for Ajman Stud, UAE.
Shahalel Al Shaqab continued her unbeatable winning streak, taking another gold for Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar, and handler Arnauld Mertens. Shahbrys HVP followed in silver for Ajmal Stud of Saudi Arabia, whilst AJ Sajeel took bronze for the UAE’s Ajman Stud.
Last year’s leading male, D Borkan, returns to winning form, taking gold for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud following a class win on 92.57 points, with unanimous 20s across the board for type and head & neck. Albidayer Stud, also from the UAE, took silver with Azaam Al Amal, while D Hayel took bronze for Qatar’s Al Thamer Stud.
Former World Champion D Shihana delivered a breathtaking performance to take gold in the Senior Mare Championships for owners Dubai Arabian Horse Stud of the UAE. Ajman Stud took the silver and bronze with Al Aryam Banafsaj and RK Sadeem respectively.
The grand finale of the event saw Berlin MP crowned the Gold Senior Stallion Champion for Hleetan Stud, Qatar, after an electrifying performance. Almirqab Stud of Qatar’s Ammar stood silver, while Oman’s Royal Cavalry took bronze with Shareem RC.
As the Tour moves forward to its next destination, Shahalel Al Shaqab retains her position at the top of the female rankings with 60 points, while Sharar Almanhal takes the lead in the male standings with 54 points. Last year’s Best Handler Paolo Capecci now leads the overall handler rankings with 153 points, following a dominant performance in Muscat.
Next month sees the Global Champions Arabians Tour return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the Europe and Middle East series from the 9th to the 12th of April at Jump Saudi, and makes its debut in Miami Beach, USA from the 17th to 19th of April at 36th Street Park, for the second stage of the Americas series.
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