By CHRISTINE BJERKAN
When the Moroccan Royal Tour reaches its final act in El Jadida, it arrives at both a festival and a proving ground. Set within the Parc d’Exposition Mohammed VI and paired with the Salon du Cheval (the continent’s largest horse fair), El Jadida transforms from a coastal city into a living stage of equestrian ambition and public celebration. Here, tradition flows into competition, and the grandstands fill not just with riders, but with families, tourists, and first-time horse lovers.
The 2025 edition did not disappoint, with every day packed with a mix of CSI1* and CSI4*-W showjumping, alongside breed showcases, Tbourida displays, artisan markets, and pony rides. But to understand the full vitality of El Jadida, one must trace through the rhythm of its opening classes, marquee qualifiers, and the stories behind them.
Building Momentum: From Early Wins to Saudi Strength
The Tour’s final weekend began gently, with early classes designed to ease both riders and horses into the atmosphere of Morocco’s most spirited equestrian stage. Under course designer Louis Konickx, the opening competitions offered a sense of calm before the storm. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, ever the pace-setter, set the tone aboard Chalou in one of the first classes, ahead of Alix Ragot with Gold Sky de Pegase and Leon Thijssen onboard Chio Z.
By Friday, the energy rose sharply, and Gaudiano struck again, claiming the CSI4*-W 1.50 m ANCFCC Prize with Julius.D. This win further extended his remarkable run across the Tour’s three cities, and his efficient ride through Konickx’s technical lines reminded onlookers why he remains a consistent performer.
But it wasn’t only the Europeans that were on form, and Abdullah Al Sharbatly and Alamo added another victory to their season tally, securing the OCP Prize after a head-to-head with teammate Ramzy Al Duhami on H-Secret. Their green jackets have become fixtures on Moroccan podiums, symbols of Saudi Arabia’s sustained excellence across the Tour. Al Sharbatly’s ability to maintain top form in Tétouan, Rabat, and now El Jadida underlines not just personal talent but also the strategic strength of the Saudi team program.
The Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI
By Sunday, anticipation had reached its peak. The CSI4*-W Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI drew forty-one starters into a course of twelve obstacles and fifteen efforts. The course demanded precision, stamina, and courage and the pressure was tangible. Among the riders, one name drew particular curiosity: Timmy Brennan, an emerging Irish talent making his debut at 4* level aboard the mare Diadema Della Caccia. His composure belied his inexperience, and as the competition unfolded, it became clear that the young rider was finding his rhythm among the world’s best.
The first round proved selective, with only five combinations returning clear: Roberto Previtali / Sonni de L’Eau, Molly Hughes Bravo / HHS Tokyo, Mouda Zeyada / If Looks Could Kill O.H., Khaled Almobty / Spacecake, and Brennan himself.
Morocco’s own El Ghali Boukaa, who narrowly missed the cut, delivered one of the day’s standout performances aboard A Kyss, posting a clean 42.79 seconds to secure an eventual second place overall. The home crowd erupted, and the moment encapsulated what the Royal Tour stands for: National pride meeting international competition.
When Brennan entered the ring last, the pressure was immense. Opting for control over risk, he guided Diadema Della Caccia through a calm, fault-free round. With a mere three time penalties separating him from the field, he claimed victory just a week after his brother Eoin won the World Championships for 7-year-olds in Lanaken.
At the press conference, Brennan reflected with humility:
“The Tour was my first show of this calibre and my first 4*. It has been incredibly educational for both me and for my horses.”
Behind him stood Boukaa’s A Kyss in second, Mouda Zeyada third on If Looks Could Kill O.H., followed by Molly Hughes Bravo / HHS Tokyo and Mans Thijssen / Jovialty. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the ceremony, underlining the prestige of a Tour that continues to bridge excellence and inclusivity.
More Than a Competition: The Spirit of El Jadida
The competition is only one dimension of El Jadida’s magnetism, as each October, the Salon du Cheval wraps elite sport in layers of culture and discovery. The indoor arenas are flanked by exhibition halls where breeders display Barb and Arab-Barb horses, craftsmen sell traditional saddlery, and children learn grooming and safety. Outside, spectators can also experience the thunder of the Tbourida, Morocco’s legendary mounted gunfire competition.
The inclusivity that defines the Moroccan Royal Tour reaches its most vibrant form here, with free entry, and families are everywhere. Children crowd around practice arenas, cheering riders they’ve just learned to pronounce, while visitors wander between competitions and cultural displays. For many, El Jadida offers their first real encounter with a horse; for others, it’s an annual pilgrimage, standing as a strong reminder of Morocco’s deep-rooted connection to the animal that shaped its identity.
Tourism and sport blend seamlessly, as visitors might spend the morning exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed Portuguese Cistern or walking the ramparts of Mazagan, then return to the Parc d’Exposition for afternoon competition and evening performances. The mix feels distinctly Moroccan: Historic, warm, and alive. Because the Moroccan Royal Tour has long transcended its role as only a series of competitions, it is increasingly a statement about how equestrian sport can grow through accessibility, education, and connection. Morocco’s model is simple but powerful: Open the gates, celebrate the heritage, and welcome new generations into the fold. To look back on the full journey, read the full Moroccan Royal Tour overview here.
