Cheima Moufdil
In an unforgettable finale to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend, Al Shaqab Racing’s legendary champion, Al Ghadeer, captured the Qatar Arabian World Cup for the second year running. Held at the prestigious ParisLongchamp racecourse, the thrilling race closed a weekend of exhilarating competition, reinforcing Al Ghadeer's standing as one of the finest Arabian racehorses of his generation.
Trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by the esteemed jockey Christophe Soumillon, Al Ghadeer dominated the 2,000-meter contest with poise and precision. The victory also marked a significant step toward securing the coveted Triple Crown, with the final leg of the series taking place in Doha. Rohaut expressed his admiration for the five-year-old, hailing him as a “once-in-a-lifetime horse.”
The triumphant scene concluded with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani presenting the coveted trophy of the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, as Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi looked on.
The day was also marked by Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Abdullah receiving the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trophy from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah. The historic race was won by Bluestocking, a Juddmonte Farms-bred champion trained by Ralph Beckett. Under a masterful ride by Rossa Ryan, the talented filly powered her way to a second consecutive Group 1 win, further elevating her stature in the racing world.
An Iconic Weekend in Paris
The closing day of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend was nothing short of spectacular, with seven Group 1 races headlining the card. While the Qatar Arabian World Cup offered a prize purse of $1 million, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe boasted an impressive $5 million, the highest prize in French racing.
In addition to the intense action on the track, the weekend featured a rich display of Qatari heritage, thanks to the Ministry of Culture's collaboration with QREC. Thousands of European spectators at ParisLongchamp were treated to cultural exhibitions showcasing Qatari customs, crafts, and handicrafts, adding a unique cultural dimension to the racing festivities.
Al Ghadeer’s Commanding Victory
Entering the race on the back of nine consecutive victories, Al Ghadeer came into the Qatar Arabian World Cup as the clear favorite. The five-year-old, who had recently secured a hands-and-heels win at Goodwood’s Group 1 (PA) Qatar International Stakes, lived up to expectations once again. Soumillon, showing great patience, held the colt back until the final stretch before launching his attack.
Al Ghadeer surged past his competitors, Al Doha and Nour Al Maury, and ultimately crossed the finish line two and a half lengths ahead of RB Kingmaker, who finished second, and Ch’Ezza, who took third. Rohaut, full of praise for his champion, said, “He had a good race today. It’s the horse of a lifetime. I’ve been waiting 40 years to have a horse like that, and I may never see one like him again.”
Bluestocking’s Spectacular Arc Triumph
Bluestocking delivered an electrifying performance in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, providing Ralph Beckett and young jockey Rossa Ryan with their first-ever Arc victories. The four-year-old filly, who had already won the “Arc trial” at the Qatar Prix Vermeille, stormed past her rivals to claim the prestigious title. Running behind Los Angeles and Haya Zark early on, Bluestocking found her stride in the final stages, winning by one and a quarter lengths ahead of Aventure.
Beckett attributed the success to teamwork, stating, “You can’t do this alone; it’s all about the team. But the real credit goes to Bluestocking—she’s extraordinary.”
Other Notable Wins
The day saw several other thrilling victories, including Vertical Blue’s first Group 1 win in the Prix Marcel Boussac. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the two-year-old filly defied the odds, narrowly beating her favored stablemate Zarigana in a nail-biting finish.
Camille Pissarro, trained by Aidan O’Brien, also stole the spotlight in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, racing from last to first under the expert guidance of Christophe Soumillon.
Meanwhile, Makarova dazzled in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, securing her first Group 1 title after a brilliant run. Ridden by Tom Marquand and trained by Ed Walker, Makarova outpaced the favorite Bradsell, winning by over a length.
Friendly Soul, owned by George Strawbridge, clinched the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera Longines, while Ramatuelle stormed to victory in the Prix de la Foret, capping off a sensational day at ParisLongchamp.
With such incredible performances across the board, the curtain fell on the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend, cementing the event’s reputation as a pinnacle of the global horse racing calendar.