MUSCAT: The Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry continued its impressive show on the European racing circuit after ‘Al Ghanim’ won first place in the seventh race at Montauban Racecourse in southern France. The race, held on Sunday, was for purebred Arabian horses over a distance of 2250 metres.
‘Al Ghanim’ , ridden by French jockey Sami LeQollieux and trained by seasoned trainer Élisabeth Bernard, delivered a commanding performance, showcasing stamina and precision. As the race unfolded, ‘Al Ghanim’ maintained a strong pace before launching a decisive surge in the final stages to clinch the first place, reinforcing the growing status of Omani horses in European events.
The Montauban event is part of a prominent series of international Arabian horse races hosted by France each year. This edition attracted horses and stables from several top racing nations including Oman, France, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Italy. These races are recognised for their highly competitive standards, and serve as crucial platforms for evaluating horses ahead of Grade 1 international contests.
The inclusion of elite Arabian thoroughbreds, trained under various international systems, offers a dynamic competitive atmosphere, further adding to the value of victories such as ‘Al Ghanim’.
Recent Success of ‘Al Rasha’ Adds to Royal Cavalry Momentum, when ‘Al Rasha’ secured victory in the eighth race at Bordeaux Racecourse, a 1600-metre contest also reserved for purebred Arabian horses. Under the guidance of jockey Michael Forest and trainer Élisabeth Bernard, ‘Al Rasha’ delivered a similarly strong performance, highlighting the consistent preparation and quality within the Omani team.
With back-to-back victories at two major French racecourses, Oman’s Royal Cavalry continues to strengthen its footprint in international equestrian sport. These wins reflect not only athletic excellence but also strategic planning and investment in breeding, training, and global engagement. As the European racing season progresses, Oman remains a name to watch among the elite of Arabian horse racing.
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