Paris: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan Al Thani with the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup trophy, in presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Chairman of Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), at the conclusion of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend on Sunday, October 5, at ParisLongchamp.
For the third consecutive year, the legendary Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez), owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by François Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon—who also partnered him in his two previous triumphs—retained the crown in spectacular fashion. The brilliant 6YO reaffirmed his dominance in Purebred Arabian racing, keeping his sights firmly set on capturing the Doha Triple Crown once again for the third consecutive year — an unprecedented feat that may prove difficult to replicate. It seems Al Ghadeer is now competing only against himself, chasing the record he alone set by winning the Triple Crown twice before.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani also crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr1). The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic and Guillaume de Saint Seine, Chairman of France Galop. The iconic race was won by 3YO Daryz (Sea The Stars x Daryakana), representing Aga Khan Studs Sc., who produced a magnificent performance under the direction of trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and a superb ride by Mickael Barzalona. Achieving the greatest victory of his young career, which began only in April, Daryz earned his place among the elite names in the history of the World’s Best Horse Race
The meeting also featured seven additional races, including four more Group 1 contests. Among those presenting the trophies were HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr1); Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC Chairman, who awarded the winners of the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1); Abdulrahman bin Mansour Al-Mansoori, QREC Board Member, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Forêt (Gr1); and Rashid bin Saed Adiba, Head of the QREC Racing Operations Section, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Place de l'Etoile.
Historic hat-trick for Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA)
Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez x Gharraa) once again demonstrated his unrivalled dominance in the Purebred Arabian ranks with a spectacular victory in the Gr1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup over 2000m. The race, featuring a field of 12 of the world’s best Arabians, is the richest and most prestigious contest for the breed, and Al Ghadeer confirmed his status as the undisputed champion.
Trained by François Rohaut, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the now six-year-old superstar secured his 11th career Gr1 (PA) title and added the Qatar Arabian World Cup to an already glittering résumé.This success also marked a third consecutive Gr1 victory on the card for Christophe Soumillon, who earlier guided Diamond Necklace and Puerto Rico to top-level success, completing a remarkable treble on Arc Day.
In a race led by Joe Star (Al Mourtajez), as usual setting the pace, Al Ghadeer was restrained from his wide draw to settle at the rear, positioned just behind his main rival HM Alchahine (Al Mourtajez). The tempo was strong but even, and Al Ghadeer travelled comfortably three wide on the best ground, always within striking distance of the leaders.Third last in the false straight but still travelling powerfully, he continued to track HM Alchahine, who moved wide turning for home. Travelling noticeably best of all, Soumillon bided his time before switching his mount to the outside for a clear run.Inside the final 300m, Al Ghadeer drifted slightly left but responded instantly once Soumillon switched his whip to the left hand, showing an excellent turn of foot to surge past and assert his superiority. He stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length from HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez) finishing a clear third.
Daryz triumphs in the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Daryz (Sea The Stars), a 3-year-old colt, produced a stunning performance to capture the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, stepping up to 2400m for the first time and proving his class in Europe’s most prestigious race in a 17 runners race.Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned & bred by AGA KHAN STUDS SC, Daryz delivered a memorable victory, marking a first Arc success for both trainer and jockey.
A Gr2 winner, Daryz came into this race on the back of an excellent second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the Gr2 Qatar Prix Niel, confirming his credentials at the highest level. His powerful finishing kick and composure in a top-class field showed he is a colt of exceptional quality and stamina. He’s now a Gr1 & Arc winner.
Broke well and soon settled in a good spot behind the favourite Minnie Hauk (Frankel) on the inside rail, Daryz was briefly restrained to midfield but remained in touch as the field found their positions. Entering the home straight, he improved quickly into second, still shadowing Minnie Hauk, who had just taken the lead and drifted slightly wide to start her challenge. Inside the final 200 metres, Daryz was still a good second, but with his rival looking resolute in front. However, inside the last 100 metres, the colt found another gear, quickening impressively to join the favourite, and after a thrilling head-to-head battle, Daryz proved the stronger, winning by a head. Minnie Hauk held on for second, while Sosie (Sea The Stars) stayed on well to take third.
Diamond Necklace shines bright in the Gr1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac
Diamond Necklace (St Mark’s Basilica), a classy 2-year-old filly, produced a dazzling display to capture the Gr1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac over 1600m, a race for 2-year-old fillies only that brought together a field of eight runners. The Coolmore filly confirmed herself as one of the leading juveniles of the season with a brilliant and determined performance.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg colours, Diamond Necklace continues her rapid rise through the ranks and becomes a Gr1 winner on only her third career start. She came into this race following an impressive Listed victory at Leopardstown, and once again showed class, maturity, and determination at the highest level.
From a good start and draw, the filly settled in fourth in a race led by Venosa (Gun Runner), who was just ahead of Green Spirit (Kingman) on her outside. Moving up smoothly into second inside the last 200 metres, Diamond Necklace still had a few lengths to make up as Green Spirit looked to have the race won. However, the filly found more, quickened impressively under a hands-and-heels ride, and surged past to win by one length. Green Spiritfinished second, with Narissa staying on for third.
Puerto Rico takes the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère
Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), a talented 2-year-old colt, continued his rapid progression with a brilliant victory in the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère over 1400m, a race for 2-year-old colts only that brought together a field of nine runners.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith, Puerto Rico produced a good performance to claim his first Gr1 success. He completed a Group 1 double on the card for both trainer and jockey, following their earlier victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac with Diamond Necklace.
Soon in front after 200m, the colt made all, extended his advantage by a few lengthson entering the straight, while Campacite held second, and both Time To Turn (Dark Angel) and Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) began to make ground from behind.Inside the final 200m, Puerto Rico was well clear and never in danger. Despite Nighttime staying on strongly to take second, the winner was not for catching, scoring impressively by two and a half lengths, with Rayif (Sea TheMoon)running on late to take third.
Maranoa Charlie dominates the Prix de la Forêt
Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) confirmed his brilliance with a commanding front-running performance to take the Gr1 Prix de la Forêt over 1400m at ParisLongchamp. The race, open to 3-year-olds and up, featured a field of 16 and produced a decisive victory for the progressive colt.
Trained by Christopher Head, ridden by Aurélien Lemaître, and owned by Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the 3-year-old colt displayed both speed and toughness to secure his first success at the highest level.
Quickly into stride and straight to the front, the colt made all. Setting a strong early pace, he was pressed on his outside by King’s Gamble (Kingman), with Geography (Holy Roman Emperor) in third and Roshvar (Siyouni) travelling wide. Inside the final 400 metres, Maranoa Charlie was well clear, but Zarigana (Siyouni) emerged from the pack travelling strongly to challenge. Despite her late surge, the leader held firm, showing determination to the line. Maranoa Charlie won by one and a quarter lengths, with Zarigana second and Ten Bob Tony (Night Of Thunder)staying on for third.
Asfoora flies to victory in the Gr1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp
Asfoora (Flying Artie), the brilliant 7-year-old mare, showcased her trademark speed and determination with a dazzling win in the Gr1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, run over 1000m. The sprint attracted a field of 19 runners, bringing together some of the fastest horses in Europe.Trained by Henry Dwyer, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd, the Australian sprinter bounced back in style after a below-par performance in a Gr1.
Soon behind Ponntos (Power), sharing third with She’s Quality (Acclamation), in a race run at a fast and furious tempo, Asfoora travelled smoothly throughout. Inside the final 300m, Jawwal (Wooded) took the lead, but Asfoora was switched between She’s Quality and the leader, quickening impressively once in the clear. Ridden strongly by Oisin Murphy, she surged forward inside the final 150m and went away to score decisively by half a length, with Jawwal finishing second and She’s Quality holding on for third.
Barnavara shines bright in the Gr1 Prix de l’Opéra
Barnavara (Calyx), a talented 3-year-old filly, produced a thrilling front-running display to land the Gr1 Prix de l’Opéra over 2000m, a race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares which attracted a field of 12.
Trained by Jessica Harrington, ridden by Shane Foley, and owned by Alpha Racing, the filly continues her remarkable rise through the ranks.
She broke well and soon took the lead. theShe travelled beautifully, with Qilin Queen maintaining second and the late-backed favourite Wemightakedlongway (Australia) tracking in fourth.
Turning for home, the pace increased, but Barnavara was still on the bridle, travelling strongly. Inside the final 400 metres, she continued to lead and when being pressed by her rivals inside the final 50 metres, Barnavarafound more, digging deep to regain command and go on decisively by half a length. Despite drifting slightly right under pressure, she responded well to hold off Sea The Fire, who finished fast in second, while One Look (Gleneagles) stayed on strongly to take third.
Qatar’s enduring partnership: A legacy of vision and excellence
As the curtain falls on the 2025 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris, Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship once again proves to be much more than a support for a sporting event. It stands as a model of strategic partnership and sporting vision.The collaboration between the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and France Galop, which began in 2008, has become one of the cornerstones of this world-renowned meeting.
Over the years, it has delivered far-reaching benefits, particularly in strengthening the presence of Purebred Arabian racing on Europe’s and the world premier stages.This integration has become a defining feature of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, where the Qatar Arabian World Cup continues to capture worldwide attention. Staged immediately before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the race attracts immense interest and has evolved into one of the most anticipated moments of the entire weekend.
The Qatari sponsorship has also given rise to the prestigious Doha Triple Crown, a visionary initiative that encourages international competition among owners and trainers of Purebred Arabians. The series connects three elite races — the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp, and the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan— with special recognition for any horse capable of winning all three.
Winning the Triple Crown is a challenge that only truly exceptional champions can meet — as Ebraz, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, first proved in 2020. Yet Al Ghadeer took this achievement to unprecedented heights, completing the treble for the second consecutive year and looks well prepared and very close to complete the treble – a feat that underscores his extraordinary consistency and class at the very highest level.
