Global Champions Arabians Tour Comes to a Close with Premium Competition and Dazzling Entertainment
Credit: Written by GCAT
-
Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, takes the coveted Senior Stallion Gold Championship Title.
Photo Caption: Berlin MP claimed Senior Stallion Gold in Valkenswaard for Hleetan Qatar Stud, with leading handler Glenn Schoukens. — © Global Champions Arabians Tour
VALKENSWAARD, NETHERLANDS – 20 July 2025
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.
[ DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE ]
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 AlShaqab and bred by 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 HleetanQatar 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 this season’s grand finale in Doha - the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme on the 3-6 December 2025.
For more information about the Global Champions Arabians Tour, follow us on social media at @arabianstour or visit www.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.
