Al Ghadeer Secures Third Straight Qatar Arabian World Cup for Al Shaqab Racing at ParisLongchamp
PARIS, 6th October 2025 – Al Ghadeer, the phenomenal six-year-old Purebred Arabian, delivered another scintillating performance at ParisLongchamp, claiming his third consecutive victory in the prestigious Gr1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup and securing further glory for Al Shaqab Racing.
The historic win came during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, reaffirming Al Ghadeer’s legendary status as the most dominant force in Arabian racing.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan Al Thani with the coveted trophy, in the esteemed presence of H.E. 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). Their attendance underscored Qatar’s continuing investment and growing influence in global equestrian sport.
Dominance Defined: Al Ghadeer’s Racing Legacy
Trained by François Rohaut and partnered once again by Christophe Soumillon, Al Ghadeer (by Al Mourtajez) showcased his class and composure over the demanding 2000m distance. Holding a patient position early in the race, he produced a breathtaking turn of foot in the final stretch to secure victory against an elite field in one of the festival’s most anticipated contests.
This landmark triumph marked Al Ghadeer’s 11th Gr1 (PA) title, cementing his pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Doha Triple Crown—a feat unmatched in the modern era of Arabian racing. As his trainer noted, the six-year-old is now “competing only against himself.”
Jockey Soumillon, who has guided Al Ghadeer to all three of his Qatar Arabian World Cup titles, completed a memorable Group 1 treble on the day, having also won aboard Diamond Necklace and Puerto Rico in the Prix Marcel Boussac and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère respectively.
Race Report: A Masterclass at ParisLongchamp
The race began at a strong tempo, with Joe Star setting the early pace. Al Ghadeer, drawn wide, was strategically positioned at the rear, tracking principal rival HM Alchahine. With three furlongs remaining, Soumillon eased his mount forward three-wide for a clear run. In the final 300 meters, Al Ghadeer unleashed his trademark acceleration — briefly drifting left before straightening and storming home with commanding authority.
He crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead of HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah taking third after a valiant effort.
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: A New Star Rises
In the day’s headline thoroughbred feature, Daryz (by Sea The Stars out of Daryakana), representing Aga Khan Studs, captured the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in dazzling fashion. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, the three-year-old colt delivered a performance of exceptional maturity in his debut season, signaling his rise among the sport’s elite.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani also presented the trophy for this landmark race, joined by H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to France, and Guillaume de Saint Seine, Chairman of France Galop.
Day of Champions at ParisLongchamp
The Arc weekend treated racing fans to eight world-class contests, including five Group 1 events. Notable victories included:
-
Diamond Necklace – Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1)
-
Puerto Rico – Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr1)
-
Maranoa Charlie – Prix de la Forêt (1400m)
-
Asfoora – Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (Gr1)
-
Barnavara – Prix de l’Opéra (Gr1)
Qatar’s presence was equally visible at the trophy ceremonies, with distinguished representatives including:
H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère),
Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah (Prix Marcel Boussac),
Abdulrahman bin Mansour Al-Mansoori (Prix de la Forêt), and
Rashid bin Saed Adiba (Prix de la Place de l’Etoile).
The Legend of Al Ghadeer Grows
As the sun set over ParisLongchamp, one narrative shone brightest — Al Ghadeer’s reign continues, untouched and unchallenged.
With three Qatar Arabian World Cups and two Doha Triple Crowns already secured, the question is no longer who can beat Al Ghadeer, but rather whether the sport will ever see another of his kind.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
