GCAT Cannes 2024

As the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) left the Middle East, the beautiful chic city of Cannes was to fittingly premier the tour as it moved into Europe. 

With blue skies overhead at this stunning new venue, Durrat Albidayer (Jyar Meia Lua × A Vision MI) also made her premier as the yearling fillies took to the ring. As she had done back in November 2023 during the open houses after All Nations Cup, Durrat did not fail to enchant both the audience and the judges. Scoring a total of 92.57 Durrat Albidayer took the first win of the weekend and earned herself a place in the championships.

With the first class over there was time to enjoy the spectacle of the event before Basmah Albidayer (Fadi Al Shaqab x Bidayer) competed in the last class of the day, Senior Mares Section B. As the shadows were finally beginning to lengthen, it was Basmah with her grace and beauty who topped the class scoring 93.57, booking herself a place in the championship class the following day. It was a job well done for Albidayer Stud handler Raphael Curti from Privilege.

Beginning with the Yearling Fillies Championship on Day 2, Durrat Albidayer was second into the arena with all the confidence of a seasoned competitor. Up against fillies who had already visited the GCAT championship show ring would she be able to hold her own on her first outing? With her owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi and Albidayer Stud Manager Dawn Martin watching on, Durrat was finally announced Gold Champion Yearling Filly. Everyone was delighted.

The penultimate class of the Cannes event was the Senior Mares Championship. Basmah Albidayer is no stranger to the championship ring and again did not disappoint her connections. With the sun having finally set and the floodlights turned on, Basmah appeared to float as she made her way around the arena. There was strong competition and the stand ups gave the judges a lot to deliberate over before Basmah Albidayer was announced Silver Champion Senior Mare. 

Thank you to everyone involved in making this such a special show.