SAUDI TEAM SNAPS THE NATIONS CUP IN RABAT FOR THE SECOND YEAR - MOROCCO ROYAL TOUR 2025
The conditions were perfect—especially for the horses—setting the stage to crown the best team at CSIO4* of Rabat. And once again, that team was Saudi Arabia. As the week began Ramzy Al Duhami commented that he felt "at home" at the Morocco Royal Tour. While a glance at the final results might suggest an easy victory, in reality, they secured the Nations Cup, presented by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, only in the very last moment of the competition.
Round One Drama
The first round was packed with tension at both ends of the scoreboard. Saudi Arabia took an early lead and proved virtually "untouchable," with only Great Britain suffering two-time penalties, managing to stay within striking distance. Meanwhile, the fight for the ninth and final spot in the second round was fierce, passing between Spain, France, Morocco, and Poland. Morocco ultimately missed the cut by a single point despite a fantastic, near-clear round by Abdelkebir Ouaddar.
Saudi Arabia Seals the Deal
In the second round, the top three nations pulled further ahead. Despite a late rally by other teams, Saudi Arabia secured their victory in the decider. With a two-fence lead over Italy, anchor rider Abdullah Alsharbatly produced an impeccable clear round with Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, clinching the win.
Team Reaction
Chef de Equipe David Will emphasised the win's importance as the launch of their World Cup and Nations Cup campaign, calling it a serious measure of their level ahead of a competitive Middle East season. He noted the team approached the competition with confidence, though the pressure remained "until the very last moment."
Al Sharbatly Hails Course Designer
Abdullah Al Sharbatly praised course designer Uliano Vezzani, calling him the "best in the world" for creating technical and challenging courses that are selective without putting horses at risk.
A Warm Welcome in Morocco
The Saudi team expressed their deep attachment to the Morocco Royal Tour, with Khaled Almobty saying they "feel at home here" due to the perfect atmosphere, welcome, and technical environment, promising to return with the same ambitions next year.
French Victory in the SOREC Prize
Before the Nations Cup, the SOREC Prize (1.45m) saw a thrilling jump-off. France’s Cyril Bouvard secured the final win of the day with Gangster d’Eifel, besting two Dutch riders to claim the victory.
The Tour now heads south to El Jadida for its third and final stage.
SOREC Prize – CSIO4*-W – Jump Off – Table A, 1.45m
- Cyril Bouvard (FRA) – Gangster d’Eifel, 0-0/36.67
- Finn Boerekamp (NED) – Danny Boy 111 Z, 0-0/37.90
- Mans Thijssen (NED) – Looking For You, 0-0/38.24
- Nicolas Deseuzes (FRA) – Garou des Forêts, 0-0/43.57
- Thibaut Keller (SUI) – Jason R, 0-4/38.05
- Adam Grzegorzewski (POL) – Caramoon Red Z, 0-4/39.70
Nations Cup results here
--ENDS--
Edited by HT
Photo by MRT/Morgan Froment