Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh

Alexxanderr claimed Gold in Riyadh for Al Mirqab Farm, Qatar. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 14 April 2025
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Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh

  • One of the most renowned stallions in the world was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion at Jump Saudi arena

RIYADH: The fourth stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh saw Alexxanderr, one of the world’s most celebrated stallions, emerge triumphant at the purpose-built Jump Saudi arena.

With Tour legends such as Shahalel Al-Shaqab, D Borkan and Berlin MP returning to the arena alongside an impressive array of Saudi and international contenders, the event drew a strong crowd of breeders, dignitaries and fans for four days of competition.

Alexxanderr was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion while Arabella Al-Shahania took home the first gold for Al-Shahania Stud, Qatar, winning the Yearling Fillies Championship with a polished and elegant performance. Behind her Areej Akmal, representing Saudi Arabia’s AKMAL Stud, took silver, while AJ Sindala, gold medal winner in Muscat, completed the podium with a bronze for Ajman Stud.

In the Yearling Colts Championship, Mistiq Al-Shahania dazzled for Al-Shahania Stud with fluid, refined movement to claim gold. Nebras NA secured silver for Al-Naif Stud, Saudi Arabia, while Sharar Al-Manhal, a consistent presence on the Tour, earned bronze for SK Arabians, Qatar.

Shahalel Al-Shaqab extended her undefeated run with another gold for Al-Shaqab Stud, Qatar, in the Junior Fillies Championship, with Shahbrys HVP again following closely with silver for Ajmal Stud, Saudi Arabia, and Expectations Al-Wajba taking bronze for Al-Wajba Stud, Qatar.

D Borkan returned with force in the Junior Colts Championship, seizing his second consecutive gold for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud with yet another high-scoring performance. Chalino CJ earned silver for Al-Shahania Stud, and Naif Al-Areeb took bronze for Al-Nouf Stud, Saudi Arabia.

The Senior Mare Championship saw a commanding win for D Beisan of Al-Shaqab, delivering a flawless presentation of type and femininity. RK Sadeem earned silver for Ajman Stud, while Najla Umm Al-Udham earned a proud bronze for Umm Al-Udham Stud, Saudi Arabia.

In the final championship of the event, Alexxanderr claimed the Gold Senior Stallion Championship for AL Mirqab Farm, Qatar. Berlin MP, the Muscat champion, followed with silver for Hleetan Stud, Qatar, while ES Harir took bronze for SK Arabians, UAE.

As the Tour progresses to its next destinations, Shahalel Al-Shaqab continues to lead the female rankings with an unbeaten record, while Sharar Al-Manhal climbs in the male standings. The handler leaderboard remains topped by Paolo Capecci, who continues to impress with consistent performances across categories.

Next week, the Global Champions Arabians Tour makes its American debut in Miami Beach, USA, from April 17-19 at 36th Street Park, marking the second stage of the GCAT Americas Series. The Tour then returns to Europe in June for the Cannes stage.


Rhodes leads after second round of PIF Saudi Ladies International

Updated 13 February 2026
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Rhodes leads after second round of PIF Saudi Ladies International

  • 2025 LET Rookie of the Year leads in PIF Global Series 2026 opener
  • WiMENA panels gather trailblazing women to spark dialogue

RIYADH: England’s Mimi Rhodes backed up a stellar opening in round two of the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club, moving into an outright lead and fending off advances from South Africa’s Casandra Alexander and Chizzy Iwai of Japan. 

The 24-year-old, who was the Ladies European Tour’s 2025 Rookie of the Year, posted a score of 69 to move to an overall total of 11-under-par to lead by one.

Another former LET Rookie of the Year, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who now has 12 professional wins, sits one shot further back in tied fourth alongside Japan’s Rio Takeda. Eight players are tied for sixth and England’s Charley Hull lies four back from her compatriot alongside past champion Patty Tavatanakit.

Reflecting on her mindset, and how she has approached the week so far, Rhodes said: “Honestly, I was so excited. Having two months off competitive golf, it’s so long, but I just got back into the swing of things.

“Holing putts is my main goal out there and having the greens rolling really nicely is definitely an advantage for that. I’m just taking it chilled out there and being patient.

“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself, but obviously it’s a big event, one of the PIF Global Series, so I wanted to do well, and start with a cut made. I’ve done more than that. I think I can be proud of myself and now (I will) just see what happens. I’m happy.”

The second day of the event highlighted Golf Saudi’s investment in the future of women’s sport with the WiMENA (Women in Middle East and North Africa) panels, which included pioneering Saudi athletes such as Kariman Abuljadayel, the trailblazing sprinter who set a Guinness World Record for the 10 km open water row. Joining her were Razan Al-Ajmi, Saudi Arabia's first female skydiver, members of the Saudi national rugby team and other prominent Olympians and sports figures.

Ameera Marghalani, a pioneering female Saudi rugby national team member, said: “I want to see the support for sports grow exponentially across the country.

“My vision is to see more young girls and women joining the sporting community, not just in major cities but across every corner of Saudi Arabia.”