Above: GCAT show facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
By Ally Nelson
As featured in the Winter 2025 issue of Arabian Horse World
In 2024, the Global Champions Arabian Tour (GCAT) comity launched a groundbreaking concept that showcased the Arabian horse through iconic locations in Europe and the Middle East. Each stage of the tour offered the guests a unique flare from that part of the world. Pulling in the different cultures and immersing the spectators in world-class performances and ceremonies. Starting in February 2024, the tour began in Doha, Qatar, and was quickly followed by an impeccable show in Abu Dhabi. Before heading to Europe, GCAT had a stunning event in Muscat, Oman, in April. At this point, the tour was well on its way, and the top horses were starting to emerge. Judging with a point system, each horse earned points based on their placement in each class. Along with the horses, handlers were also given points based on their success.
D Nafayes (D Seraj x D Danat) earning Gold Champion Yearling Filly in Abu Dhabi.
Next, the horses, exhibitors, owners, and enthusiasts hopped on a plane and headed to the beautiful beach city of Cannes, France, in June. The following month, they headed to the Netherlands to compete in Valkenswaard. There was one last stop to wrap up the European part of the tour – Rome, Italy. After six luxurious events, the tour, the horses, and everyone who followed along were ready for the finale. The last stage took place in the historical town of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Arabian horse runs deep in the culture of Saudi Arabia, so this felt like a perfect fit to end the first tour.
The GCAT tour offers the highest prize money ever in the sport of showing Arabian horses. There were multiple streams of opportunity to receive a piece of the large prize money purse. At the end of each tour stage, owners could receive prize money depending upon the final placement of their horse. Handlers also had the opportunity to win prize money directly related to the points they earned with the horses they presented. Each horse was required to compete at least eighty percent of the seven-stage tour. Once all points were tallied amongst the seven shows, the top twenty males and the top twenty females were awarded a piece of a very large jackpot – one never before seen.
Beachside GCAT facility in Cannes, France.
Another view of Cannes, France.
The 2024 season-winning female was the ethereal AJ Kayya (AJ Faku x AJA Caprice), competing at all seven events and earning 140 points throughout the tour. The next closest female was D Najlah (D Searj x Elle Flamenca), who scored 128 points. For the males, D Borkan (FA El Rasheem x D Ajayeb) took the top spot with 122 points, closely followed by Afreen Al Shaqab (D Mezyan x Siwar Al Shaqab) with 120 points. For the handlers, Paolo Capecci of Italy took the top slot with 387 points, followed by Belgian native Glenn Schoukens at 346 points.
As a fast-moving and forward-thinking organization, it is no surprise the GCAT has doubled its events for 2025 across the Middle East, Europe, and now the Americas. With 14 scheduled events, 2025 will surely be a high-action-packed season. Bringing the tour to the Americas has created excitement among the United States, Brazil, and Canada. The kick-off to this tour will take place at “The Greatest Show on Earth,” the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Following sunny Scottsdale, those on the tour of the Americas will head cross country and compete on the internationally known beaches of Miami, Florida. Following Florida, the tour heads South to the home of the Brazilian Nationals, São Paulo, and then directly North to Brandon, Canada. Coming to a close, the 2025 Americas tour will commence in none other than Las Vegas, Nevada. Who will be crowned the highest-scoring female and highest-scoring male in the Americas? Be sure to join us along this extravagant journey to find out!
Spectators enjoying the horses in Rome, Italy.
Closing ceremony in Valkenswaard, Netherlands.
Muscat location.
