Royal Cavalry secures top two spots in French race

MUSCAT: The Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry, continues to demonstrate its international calibre in the world of equestrian sports. The most recent accomplishment came at the prestigious Royan Racecourse in France on Sunday, where the Royal Cavalry clinched both the first and second places in the third race dedicated to purebred Arabian horses over a distance of 1,600 metres.

The mare ‘Al Muhasin’ crossed the finish line first, brilliantly ridden by jockey Michael Forest and trained by Waterjan, exhibiting speed, tactical prowess and composure. Close behind was ‘Akif’, also representing the Royal Cavalry, who secured second place under jockey Martin Brouty and the expert guidance of trainer Elisabeth Bernard.

The Royan event, which brought together elite stables from Europe and the Gulf, reaffirmed the Omani team’s rising presence on the international racing stage. The success highlights the quality of the Royal Cavalry’s breeding, training and international preparation programmes.

Royal Cavalry's ‘Al Muhasin’ and ‘Akif’ claimed the first and second spots in the 1,600-metre race.

This double victory is the latest in a string of remarkable performances by the Royal Cavalry of Oman in France. Earlier this season, the mare ‘Al Marjanah’ finished second in the sixth race at Toulouse Racecourse over 2,100 metres, competing against some of the region’s top stables. The race featured entries from Oman, Qatar, France and Spain, reflecting the growing global prestige of Arabian horse racing.

In Bordeaux, the mare ‘Al Rasha’ brought home a first-place win in the eighth race over 1,600 metres, again under jockey Michael Forest and trainer Elisabeth Bernard. Similarly, at Montauban Racecourse, the Royal Cavalry’s ‘Al Ghanim’ claimed victory in the seventh race over 2,250 metres, ridden by jockey Sami Lecoleus and trained by Bernard.

These successive achievements underscore the Royal Cavalry’s strategy of combining disciplined training with world-class equine management. By participating in high-calibre European events, Oman not only celebrates its rich equestrian heritage, but also enhances its presence in international sport through performance and professionalism.