Dubai Studs’ D Seraj stars as Gergawi crown winners of 23rd edition of DIAHC

DUBAI: Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs on Sunday crowned D Seraj, owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, with the stallion title at the 23rd Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.

The three-day event concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring 155 elite horses competing for $4 million in prize money.

Organisers highlighted the championship's status as a premier global event for Arabian horse beauty, noting the high technical standards and increased international participation this season.

Owners and officials credited the success to years of dedicated local breeding and high-level organisational expertise.

The outcomes of the championship reflect a range of achievements, including strengthening the UAE’s status as a global center for Arabian horse beauty, enhancing international confidence in its organizational capabilities, and supporting the development of local breeding, thus raising the level of competition in line with ambitions to maintain global leadership.

It is noteworthy that the championship titles were distributed among several studs and owners, highlighting the increasing level of competition in various categories.

On the final day, 42 horses participated in six events including Yearling Fillies Championship (Class YFC), Fillies Championship (Class JFC), Senior Mares Championship (Class SMC), Yearling Colts Championship (Class YCC), Junior Colts Championship (Class JCC), and Senior Stallions Championship (Class SSC).

The Dubai Arabian Horse Stud grabbed the limelight by winning three medals, including the gold cup for the stallion D Seraj, who claimed the top prize in the Senior Stallions Championship.

Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s D Borkan won the Junior Colts Championship.

Ahmed Saeed Mohamed Sayah Al Hameli’s Ghisham A.H dominated the Yearling Colts Championship (Class YCC).

Ajman Stud’s Aj Asai won gold in the Senior Mares Championship (Class SMC) and Sheikh Mohammed Saoud Sultan Al Qassimi’s Ajeebah Al Bidayer claimed Junior Fillies Championship (Class JFC) while Sweden Arabian Stud’s Palmah O took top spot in the Yearling Fillies Championship (Class YFC).

Adel Al Falasi, Executive Manager of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, stated that this year’s edition marked a new milestone in the event's journey, having achieved organizational, technical, and public success.

He pointed out that the international participation from 12 countries and the involvement of top horses demonstrate the immense trust the championship enjoys and its global prestige.

Sultan Khalifa Al Yahyaee, member of the organizing committee and Director General of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, confirmed that the championship has continued to evolve since its inception, supported by the collaborative efforts of government entities, the organizing committee, and participants. This has contributed to solidifying its position among the most significant global events.

He emphasized that its 23-year history reflects its success in attracting top horses annually, noting that the advanced organization, including the readiness of the facilities, the recruitment of elite judges, and the assurance of fair judging, has reinforced international confidence in the championship.

Mohammed Al Tawheedi, Director General of the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, confirmed that the championship serves as a global platform for qualifying and elevating horses to advanced levels, thanks to its high technical standards and the participation of world champions.

He noted that the presence of horses such as D Seraj, D Borkan, and D Shihanah from the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud reflects the strength of local breeding and its ability to compete internationally.

He added that horses from the UAE and the GCC have now become among the best in the world, owing to the continuous development in breeding and training programs, a fact demonstrated by the results of the championship and the participation of leading owners and breeders.

Ahmed Saeed Mohamed Al Hameli’s emphasized that winning the title of the Yearling Colts Championship represents the fruit of confidence in local breeding.

He pointed to the advancement of care and preparation levels, supported by the wise leadership, which has contributed to raising the level of competition.