Global Champions Arabians Tour: Berlin MP Claims Gold In Valkenswaard

On Sunday evening, the 2025 Valkenswaard edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) concluded with Berlin MP clinching the Senior Stallion Gold Championship title. Owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud and bred by Mindy Peters, the grey stallion from 2018 was expertly presented by Glenn Schoukens.

The event took place at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, marking the sixth stage of the Tour across Europe & the Middle East. Over the span of three days, the competition saw more than 100 of the finest Arabian horses from around the globe, vying for top honours.

A major highlight of the Valkenswaard stage was its lavish prize purse totaling €1.41 million, with €1.05 million dedicated to championship classes and an additional €360,000 for qualifiers. This substantial sum underscored the GCAT's stance as one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding series in the Arabian horse sporting world. The generosity of the prize money further cemented Valkenswaard's reputation for enhancing the competitive spirit of the event.

Inspired by the Nederlands Dans Theater, the performance featured 100 dancers gliding across mirrored surfaces amidst deep blue hues, symbolizing the maritime heritage of the Netherlands. This visual feast transitioned into vibrant displays of tulip fields, traditional dances, and colorful dust swirls against the backdrop of iconic windmills, highlighting Dutch culture in a spectacular fashion.

GCAT Valkenswaard 2025 was not just about horse racing; it offered an unparalleled cultural and lifestyle experience. The venue hosted a bustling shopping village where local and international brands showcased their products. Visitors indulged in a variety of delicacies, picked up souvenirs, and had the chance to purchase equestrian apparel, equipment, and exclusive GCAT merchandise.

Bader M. Al Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, expressed his admiration for the event, stating, "Valkenswaard continues to surprise and inspire." He praised the world-class competition witnessed at the heart of equestrian sports in the Netherlands, highlighting the event's success in bringing together the best of sport and culture.

The championship winners in Valkenswaard included notable entries such as VERONICA BV for Yearling Fillies, SK KAYAN for Yearling Colts, Shahalel Al Shaqab for Junior Fillies, D Borkan for Junior Colts, and Al Aryam Banafsaj for Senior Mares, among others. These champions illustrated the exceptional quality and beauty of Arabian horses, with Shahalel Al Shaqab and Berlin MP leading the championship standings as the top female and male, respectively. Glenn Schoukens stood out as the leading handler, amassing 307 points.

The awards for Senior Mare and Senior Stallion were particularly noteworthy for their exquisite design, featuring crystal and sequin embroidery of tulips and traditional floral motifs. These awards celebrated not only the winners' achievements but also the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands.

Looking ahead, the Global Champions Arabians Tour sets its sights on London for its next stage, marking the Tour's UK debut from 14–17 August 2025. The Royal Hospital Chelsea, known for its royal heritage and central London prestige, will play host to this eagerly anticipated event. As the Tour progresses towards its grand finale in Doha - the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme from 3-6 December 2025 - London promises to be a standout event, continuing the tradition of excellence that GCAT embodies.