Al Othmane Triumphs at Morocco’s Grand Prix
Casablanca, November 16, 2024 – In a spectacular display of equine excellence, the horse Al Othmane, owned by the illustrious Mohammed Aziz Bennani, trotted away with the coveted Grand Prix of HM King Mohammed VI during the outset of the Moroccan International Horse Racing Meeting!
Ridden by the equally impressive Aziz Jabafi, Al Othmane showcased not just speed but also the kind of grace that makes the Royal Family proud. And let’s be real, when a horse named after a legendary figure wins a race, it’s like having your cake and eating it too – especially if the cake is covered in gold leaf! This year marks the 10th edition of the Moroccan meetings, and if the first day’s performance is anything to go by, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
But Wait, There’s More!
In addition to the flamboyant horse names and top-notch riders, the day was drenched in drama and excitement! The Breeders’ Grand Prix saw Lady Aida strutting her stuff for owner Nicola Pucci Bloodstock, while Black Gangster – and no, this is not just the name of a new rap album – snagged the Owners’ GP for Tobias Jones. Honestly, folks, it’s like a soap opera mixed with a stud farm.
And speaking of excitement, the SOREC GP, part of the glamourous “Défi du Galop” series, was clinched by Shining Dawn. You can bet your bottom dirham that everyone was around the water cooler going, “Guess who’s shining this week?” Quite the title for an equine superstar, if I do say so myself!
Another Day, Another Race!
The second day is already set to dazzle as purebred Arabians take center stage. The general director of SOREC, Omar Skalli, called it a “remarkable participation.” It seems he didn’t just stop at horses; he also managed to bring together the crème de la crème of Moroccan and foreign stables. Watching this unfold is akin to witnessing a grand family reunion, except instead of gossip, we’re discussing the stallions’ latest Tinder profiles.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
Oh, and if you thought you’d be missing out, think again! This event, watched in over 20 regions including the good ole USA, South Africa, and even Australia, is practically a global phenomenon. If horses could tweet, you’d see hashtags trending like #AlOthmaneWins and #EquineExcellence.
Gearing Up for Day Two
The second day promises an array of prestigious events, framed by the GP of HM King Mohammed VI, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan’s GP, and even a Prix from The President of The UAE Cup. Yes, that’s right, folks – folks will need a scorecard just to keep track of all these royal connections!
So, buckle up, and grab your binoculars and vegan popcorn because as the day unfolds, it’s sure to be a rollercoaster of hoof-tapping, heart-racing fun. And if you find yourself captivated by the majesty of the steeds, remember: that thrill is proof your heart is still in the race!
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:13 p.m.
Casablanca – In a thrilling display of equestrian excellence, the horse “Al Othmane”, owned by prominent local figure Mohammed Aziz Bennani, triumphed in the prestigious Grand Prix of HM King Mohammed VI, showcasing its speed and skill as part of the esteemed 10th edition of the Moroccan International Horse Racing Meeting, held on a vibrant Saturday at the renowned Casablanca-Anfa racecourse.
The remarkable horse “Al Othmane”, expertly ridden by the talented jockey Aziz Jabafi, achieved a stunning victory in the major event of the first day of this illustrious competition, organized by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horses (SOREC), which exclusively features English thoroughbreds. The subsequent day of the meet will prominently focus on the purebred Arabian category, promising another exciting array of races.
Other events held this Saturday included the highly contested Breeders’ Grand Prix, where the horse “Lady Aida” claimed victory under the skilled guidance of jockey Janacek Vaclav, representing owner Nicola Pucci Bloodstock. In a parallel feat, the Owners’ GP celebrated the success of “Black Gangster”, under the deft handling of rider Guillaume Guedj-Gay, and owned by Tobias Jones, adding to the competitive thrill of the day.
As for the SOREC GP, part of the international “Défi du Galop” series, it was clinched by the impressive horse “Shining Dawn”, owned by Samir Fannane and ridden with finesse by Zouhair Madihi. Moreover, the GP “Jean Pierre Laforest,” designated for the younger lot aged two years, saw “Dijoy Fal” gallop to victory, expertly piloted by Rachid Amenai on behalf of Fal Stud.
“The first day of the 10th edition of the International Meeting of Morocco, placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, was rich and saw a remarkable participation of Moroccan and foreign horses,” assured the general director of SOREC, Omar Skalli. “This first day is very important in the annual horse racing agenda in Morocco because it made it possible to take stock of the level reached by Moroccan horses, riders, and all professionals, but also it was an opportunity to promote the equine industry in general and racing in particular,” he told MAP.
According to him, the first day of this competition was marked by the presence of participants in the meeting held on Friday by the Union Hippique de la Méditerranée. Furthermore, Sunday promises to welcome representatives of the Union of Race Organizers of purebred Arabians, emphasizing the significance of these gatherings in fortifying ties and sharing expertise among specialists from various nations.
For this milestone edition, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Meeting international du Maroc, a thrilling lineup of 14 races, including eight international competitions, is slated to take place across two exhilarating days. The races are broadcast in approximately twenty countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Turkey, Sweden, Ivory Coast, Italy, and France, allowing passionate racing fans from around the globe to witness this exceptional meeting live.
The day dedicated to thoroughbred Arabians on Sunday will include four prestigious prizes, namely the GP of HM King Mohammed VI, the GP of HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the GP of HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, and the Prix The President of The UAE Cup, promising yet another extraordinary showcasing of equine talent.
What unique qualities does Aziz Jabafi believe make Al Othmane a standout horse in competitive racing?
### Interview with Aziz Jabafi, Jockey of Al Othmane
**Interviewer:** Congratulations, Aziz! What a thrilling victory for Al Othmane at the Grand Prix of HM King Mohammed VI! How does it feel to win such a prestigious event?
**Aziz Jabafi:** Thank you! It’s an incredible honor to win this race, especially given its significance in Moroccan horse racing. Al Othmane really showed his class today—every stride was powerful, and he responded beautifully to my guidance.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in previous interviews that Al Othmane has a unique personality. Can you share a bit about that and how it influences your riding?
**Aziz Jabafi:** Absolutely! Al Othmane is not just a talented horse but also has a character full of spirit. He’s very spirited but also knows when to focus. That connection between a jockey and horse is everything, and I think that’s what made our performance shine today.
**Interviewer:** This event is the 10th edition of the Moroccan International Horse Racing Meeting. What does this milestone mean to you and the team?
**Aziz Jabafi:** It’s a fantastic celebration of our dedication to horse racing in Morocco. Every year, it grows in prestige, and being a part of this milestone is a remarkable feeling. It’s not just about competition; it’s about community and passion for these magnificent animals.
**Interviewer:** Beyond the victory with Al Othmane, which other event stood out to you during the competition?
**Aziz Jabafi:** Oh, definitely the Breeders’ Grand Prix! Watching Lady Aida perform was mesmerizing. The competition is always fierce here, and each horse has a story to tell—just like ours. It’s that rivalry and respect that elevate the event.
**Interviewer:** With Day Two focusing on purebred Arabians, what can attendees look forward to?
**Aziz Jabafi:** They can expect high-octane racing—purebred Arabians have an elegance and agility that can be stunning to witness. The excitement in the air is palpable, and I encourage everyone to come out and experience it live!
**Interviewer:** any special routines or secrets you and Al Othmane follow leading up to big races?
**Aziz Jabafi:** Well, apart from the rigorous training, I always spend some time just bonding with him before the race. A bit of brushing, talking to him—building that trust is crucial. It’s all about the mental connection just as much as the physical preparation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Aziz, for sharing your insights and experiences. Best of luck for the upcoming competitions!
**Aziz Jabafi:** Thank you! It was a pleasure, and I appreciate the support from everyone watching. Let’s make this event unforgettable!
