EquitationSport

Global Champions Arabians Tour 2024 Takes Center Stage at Rome’s Historic Circus Maximus

The Global Champions Arabians Tour 2024 arrives in Italy for its penultimate stage. The GCAT, a prestigious international championship celebrating the unique heritage and beauty of purebred Arabian horses, is set to make its mark in Rome, Italy, on September 6th and 7th. The event, which is the sixth and penultimate stage of the 2024 tour, will be held at the iconic Circus Maximus, a venue that boasts a rich history of grandeur and spectacle. Nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, this event will blend the ancient allure of Rome with the elegance of Arabian horses, offering a unique experience for attendees.

Global Champions Arabians Tour Rome 2024
Photographer: Gianluca Meola

Showcasing Excellence: A Premier Event for Arabian Horses

The GCAT is renowned for its high standards of competition, drawing the finest Arabian horses and top trainers from around the world. At each event, including the upcoming Rome stage, breeders and handlers present their best horses to a distinguished panel of 20 international judges. Competitors vie for points to improve their rankings and aim for a share of the substantial prize money. The Rome stage offers a prize fund of over 1 million euros, along with bonuses for the leading entries in categories such as Top Males, Top Females, Top Handlers, and the Overall Leading Horse. Currently, D Borkan of the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud leads the Top Males category with 88 points, closely followed by D Shakhar and E.S. Harir. In the Top Females category, AJ Kayya, representing Ajman Stud (U.A.E.), remains unbeaten with 100 points, having won all five stages so far. Italian handler Paolo Capecci leads the Top Handlers category with 276 points, showcasing a remarkable track record in both the male and female categories.

Global Champions Arabians Tour Rome 2024
Photographer: Gianluca Meola

Beyond the Competition: An Immersive Cultural Experience

The Global Champions Arabians Tour 2024 in Rome promises more than just a world-class horse competition; it offers a full cultural experience for attendees. The event will feature a luxurious village showcasing a variety of national and international brands. Visitors can explore unique artisanal products and indulge in gourmet food and beverages, capturing a taste of both Italian and global culture. For those looking for an enhanced experience, limited hospitality packages are available, offering exclusive access and amenities. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Thani, Deputy CEO of the GCAT, emphasized the significance of the Rome event:

We are thrilled to bring the Global Champions Arabians Tour to Rome. The city’s rich history and passion for excellence provide the perfect backdrop for our event. We look forward to offering an unforgettable showcase of the beauty and majesty of Arabian horses.

Global Champions Arabians Tour Rome 2024
Photographer: Gianluca Meola

Rome as the Last European Stop on the Tour

Rome represents the final European destination on the GCAT’s 2024 circuit before the tour returns to the Middle East for the grand finale in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November. After thrilling events in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Cannes, and Valkenswaard, the anticipation is high for what Rome will bring. The city’s historic atmosphere and its role as a cultural and artistic hub provide a fitting setting for the penultimate stage of this global equestrian celebration. The event at Circus Maximus will start at 11:30 AM on September 6th, with the main day of competition starting at 1:00 PM on September 7th. The finale will see the crowning of the champions and the announcement of the new leading horses and handlers of the 2024 tour. Admission is free, making this a must-see event for equestrian enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Global Champions Arabians Tour Rome 2024
Photographer: Gianluca Meola

The Future of GCAT: A Legacy of Excellence and Integrity

Inaugurated in 2024, the GCAT has quickly established itself as a premier event in the Arabian horse community. With a mission to promote the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses through a global platform, the tour emphasizes excellence, transparency, fairness, and integrity. The Global Champions Arabians Tour 2024 is not just a competition; it is a celebration of a rich equestrian heritage, bridging cultures from the Middle East to Europe and beyond. With a total prize fund of 17 million euros, the GCAT has set a new standard in the sport, attracting top talent and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition. As the tour prepares for its final stage in Riyadh, the focus remains on delivering an unparalleled experience for both participants and spectators, ensuring that the legacy of the Arabian horse continues to thrive on the global stage.

Denisa Kucik

Global Champions Arabians Tour Rome 2024