The 2025 Valkenswaard edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) came to a spectacular close on Sunday evening, with Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title. 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 stylish venue full of international guests, breeders, sponsors, influencers, VIPs, and fans.
With a total prize purse of €1.41 million, of which €1.05 million was allocated to championship classes and €360,000 to qualifiers, Valkenswaard once again raised the bar, reinforcing GCAT’s status as the most prestigious and rewarding series in the history of Arabian horse sport.
Guests were treated to equestrian excellence, refined hospitality, and an immersive cultural and lifestyle experience. A vibrant shopping Village displayed local and international brands, offering a range of delicacies, souvenirs, equestrian apparel, equipment, and GCAT merchandise.
GCAT Valkenswaard 2025 delivered a rich blend of sport and celebration. The first two days of qualifying classes led up to an extraordinary Championship day on Sunday evening, followed by a breathtaking closing show inspired by the Nederlands Dans Theater. The show brought together 100 dancers moving across mirrored surfaces in deep blue hues symbolizing maritime history, erupting into vibrant tulip fields, traditional dances, and swirling colorful dust, set against symbolic windmills – a celebration of Dutch traditions.
“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”.
Championship Winners – Valkenswaard 2025
Yearling Fillies
- Gold – VERONICA BV, owned by Al Shaqab and bred by Bautista Vich Stud, Qatar
Yearling Colts
- Gold – SK KAYAN, owned by Aljumail Stud, Qatar, and bred by Abdulazez Mohammd A Almudimigh
Junior Fillies
- Gold – Shahalel Al Shaqab, owned and bred by Al Shaqab, Qatar
Junior Colts
- Gold – D Borkan, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, United Arab Emirates
Senior Mares
- Gold – Al Aryam Banafsaj, owned by Ajman Stud – HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, bred by Al Aryam Arabians, Ajman – United Arab Emirates
Senior Stallions
- Gold – Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, bred by Mindy Peters, Qatar
Championship Standings after Valkenswaard
• Top Female: Shahalel Al Shaqab – 120 points
• Top Male: Berlin MP – 104 points
• Leading Handler: Glenn Schoukens – 307 points
The Senior Mare and Senior Stallion awards for the Valkenswaard stage were adorned with intricate crystal and sequin embroidery of tulips and traditional floral motifs in a palette of orange and blue, celebrating the beauty of the Netherlands and the excellence of the Arabian horse.
The Global Champions Arabians Tour extends its deepest gratitude to all sponsors, participants, and the local community for making the Valkenswaard stage an extraordinary success. This stage was proudly sponsored by Global Partners Qatar Airways, Doha Bank, Richard Mille, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and United Development Company (UDC).
As the show advances, all eyes now turn to London, where the Global Champions Arabians Tour will make its much-anticipated UK debut from 14–17 August 2025. This four-day event will be hosted at the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea, an extraordinary venue that pairs royal heritage with central London prestige. The London stage is set to be a standout event as the Tour continues its journey toward the season’s grand finale in Doha – the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme on the 3-6 December 2025.
