Cannes curtain closes on a dazzling display of Arabian horse heritage tour moves forward as competitors eye the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha
The 2025 Cannes edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) came to a spectacular close on Sunday evening, with Alexxanderr (Excalibur EA x AR Most Irresistible), owned by Al Mirqab Farm, taking home the prestigious Senior Male Championship title. Held at Stade de Hespérides, the fifth stage of the Tour and first European stop offered an unforgettable blend of world-class Arabian horse competition, cultural experiences, and Riviera glamour.
The event welcomed high-profile horse owners, celebrities, influencers, partners, and members of the public, all gathered to celebrate the legacy and beauty of the Arabian horse. Over three vibrant days, guests enjoyed refined hospitality, thrilling competition, live entertainment, and a curated shopping village in a uniquely immersive setting.
“Cannes has once again proven to be a spectacular stage for our tour,” said Mr Bader Al-Darwish, CEO of GCAT. “This event reflects everything we stand for – excellence, integrity, and the celebration of Arabian horse heritage. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their remarkable performances. We are honoured to bring this experience to such a stunning destination and grateful for the support of our partners who made it possible.”
The GCAT Closing Ceremony in Cannes embraced the spirit of a sophisticated French cabaret, brought to life by a cast of 90 performers. Set to iconic songs by celebrated French artists, the production featured elegant choreography that captures the elegance and charm of the Côte d’Azur. A breathtaking aerial act – an acrobat floating beneath helium balloons – added a dreamlike atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable finale.
Championship Winners – Cannes 2025
Yearling Fillies
Gold: D Neran (Exxalt x D Shihanah), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, United Arab Emirates
Silver: Arabella al Shahania (LR Solo Mio x Assilah al Shahania), bred and owned by HE Sheikha Yasmeen M K Al Thani, Al Shahania Stud, Qatar
Bronze: Ikram al Nasser (LR Solo Mio x Tahseen al Zobair), bred and owned by Al Nasser Stud, Qatar
Yearling Colts
Gold: Al Fahad Mas (Alexxanderr x Al Bandary Mas), owned by Aljumail Stud, Qatar, and bred by Fahad Abed N Al Boainain, Saudi Arabia
Silver: Tashaar al Shaqab (Excalibur EA x Mazaya al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab, Qatar
Bronze: BV Chazan (D Mezyan x MS Chantilly), owned by Sheikh Mohammed Suliman, Palestine, and bred by Melanie Malorny, Germany
Junior Female
Gold: Shahalel al Shaqab (Na’mous al Shahania x Siwar al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab, Qatar
Silver: Vivia SB (AJ Radman x Verastrella), owned by Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan S Al Qassimi, United Arab Emirates, and bred by Shellbird, USA
Bronze: AJ Sajeel (Shanghai EA x AJ Sephora), bred and owned by Ajman Stud, HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Junior Male
Gold: D Borkan (FA el Rasheem x D Ajayeb), bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, United Arab Emirates
Silver: MJ Khaled (Farouq al Muawd x Nabilah al Dehamiah), owned by AlSayqal Stud, and bred by Mohammad Alajmi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bronze: Azzaam al Amal (El Galal Baahir x Arabesca Scarlet Moon) owned by Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan S Al Qassimi, United Arab Emirates and bred by Al Amal Arabians, South Africa
Senior Female
Gold: Al Aryam Banafsaj (Dominic M x Al Aryam Basma), owned by Ajman Stud, HH Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, and bred by Al Aryam Arabians, United Arab Emirates
Silver: D Beisan (D Seraj x RAH Rosalia), owned by Al Shaqab, Qatar, and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, United Arab Emirates
Bronze: D Dhayrah (D Seraj x D Dabiah), owned by Turki al Othman, Saudi Arabia, and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, United Arab Emirates
Senior Male
Gold: Alexxanderr (Excalibur EA x AR Most Irresistible), owned by Al Mirqab Farm, and bred by Frances Butler and Brandi Carson, USA
Silver: Berlin MP (SMA Magic One x Baraka MP), owned by Hleetan Stud, Qatar, and bred by Mindy Peters, USA
Bronze: EKS Sirajj (Ibn Farid x EKS Bint Helwa), owned by Nayla Hayek, Hanaya Arabian Horse Stud, Switzerland, and bred by Willie Brown, South Africa
With €1.41 million in prize money awarded across all classes, the Cannes stage once again cemented its position as a highlight of the GCAT calendar. The results contribute to overall Tour rankings, bringing competitors closer to the prestigious Leading Male, Leading Female, and Top Handler titles.
The competitors vied for a chance to qualify for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, set to take place this December in Doha, Qatar.
The Global Champions Arabians Tour extends its deepest gratitude to its Global Partners: Qatar Airways, Richard Mille, Doha Bank, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, and United Development Company (UDC).
Special recognition goes to our Institutional and Local Partners, Ville de Cannes, Katara Hospitality, Carlton Cannes, and our Broadcast Partner, Alkass.
The Tour continues to its sixth destination in the Europe & Middle East Series – Valkenswaard, Netherlands, on 18–20 July.
Follow @arabianstour on Instagram or visit gcarabianstour.com to stay updated with the latest news, or download the GCAT app, available on Apple and Android for real-time results and rankings.
About Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT)
Inaugurated in 2024, the Global Champions Arabians Tour is an exclusive Arabian horse championship series, taking place in state-of-the-art venues in iconic locations worldwide, and offers the highest prize money in the sport’s history. Its mission is to promote the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses through an international platform, fostering a legacy of excellence, transparency, fairness, and integrity.
