Al Ghadeer Achieves Historic Third Qatar Arabian World Cup Victory

In a remarkable display of equine prowess, Al Ghadeer secured his third consecutive victory at the Qatar Arabian World Cup, held on October 5, 2025, at ParisLongchamp. The event concluded amidst the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, where Daryz also emerged victorious in Europe’s most esteemed race. The trophy presentation featured prominent figures such as HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan Al Thani, alongside other dignitaries.

A Stellar Performance by Al Ghadeer

Trained by François Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Al Ghadeer demonstrated his dominance in the Purebred Arabian category, winning with exceptional skill over a distance of 2000 meters. This victory marked his eleventh career Group 1 title and solidified his place as a leading figure in Arabian racing.

The six-year-old horse’s journey to victory began with a strategic placement at the rear of the pack, allowing him to conserve energy while tracking his competitors. As the race neared its conclusion, Soumillon expertly maneuvered Al Ghadeer to make a decisive move, culminating in a victory by three-quarters of a length over HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah finishing third. With this win, Al Ghadeer has set his sights on the Doha Triple Crown, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive triumph.

Daryz Triumphs in the Arc

In a stunning display of speed and stamina, Daryz, a three-year-old colt, clinched victory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Under the guidance of trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and jockey Mickael Barzalona, Daryz showcased his talent by overcoming a strong field of 17 runners, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Daryz, who stepped up to the 2400-meter distance for the first time, executed a powerful final sprint to secure a narrow victory over favorite Minnie Hauk. His impressive performance, coming off a strong second-place finish in the Qatar Prix Niel, has elevated him to elite status in the racing world.

Additional Highlights from the Weekend

The event featured several notable races, including the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, where Diamond Necklace, a two-year-old filly trained by Aidan O’Brien, secured her own Group 1 victory. Similarly, Puerto Rico captured the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, adding to the successful day for trainer O’Brien and jockey Soumillon, who had already achieved a win with Diamond Necklace.

In the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, Maranoa Charlie delivered an impressive front-running performance, while Asfoora showcased speed in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp. The weekend concluded with Barnavara winning the Prix de l’Opéra, proving the depth of talent present.

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of Arabian racing on the global stage, particularly through its partnership with France Galop. Since its inception in 2008, this collaboration has significantly enhanced the visibility and prestige of Arabian races, culminating in the esteemed Doha Triple Crown. This initiative encourages competition among the best horses worldwide, with only exceptional champions achieving victory in all three races.

As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend comes to a close, the legacy of Qatar’s involvement in international horse racing continues to thrive, showcasing the nation’s commitment to excellence in the equestrian world.