Tétouan, Morocco – September 24, 2025 – The Morocco Royal Tour changes coastlines: after the Mediterranean, it is time for the Atlantic. Following four intense days in Tetouan, crowned by the superb victory of Morocco’s Abdeslam Bennani Smires in the Grand Prix CSI 4*, the prestigious circuit now moves to the nation’s capital. The second leg will be staged at the federal facilities of Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

This morning, riders and horses had their first chance to discover the brand-new footing, recently rebuilt, which will host the international classes starting tomorrow. It was the perfect opportunity for horses and riders to familiarize themselves with the new environment of the competition.

A Major Stop on the Circuit

The CSIO 4*-W of Rabat is one of the highlights of the Morocco Royal Tour. On Sunday, September 28, the Nations Cup will bring together ten teams, including Morocco, from three continents, with one question on everyone’s mind: who will succeed Saudi Arabia, last year’s winners? Like Tetouan and El Jadida, Rabat will also host a World Cup qualifying Grand Prix, a crucial stage on the road to the FEI Longines World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas (April 8–12, 2026).It is in Morocco, across the three legs of the MRT, that most of the Arab League North African Sub-League is contested, before concluding next month in Cairo. Only one rider from the region will secure a ticket to Texas, and after his brilliant victory in Tetouan, Abdeslam Bennani Smires has clearly strengthened his position in this thrilling race.

Last Year’s Hero Returns

In 2024, Rabat’s hero was Ramzy Al Duhami. Riding his Olympic partner Untouchable 3, he achieved a rare double: victory in Friday’s Grand Prix, followed by two decisive clear rounds to carry Saudi Arabia to the top of the Nations Cup podium. This was a memorable highlight in the career of a rider who would not miss this Moroccan rendezvous for anything.

We caught up with Ramzy today as he stepped off his horse after trying out the new footing in Rabat. A loyal supporter of the Morocco Royal Tour, he did not hide his enthusiasm: “The MRT is always an important show for us. Of course, it counts for the Arab League, but beyond that, it’s a beautiful competition that we are always happy to return to. We really feel at home here.”

On the new surface, he added, “I had a very good feeling on this footing. The horses are comfortable on it, and everyone is excited for the competition to begin.” Asked about his ambitions for this edition, Ramzy remained realistic yet determined: “Repeating last year’s double is almost impossible… but who knows? We are always here to try. The most important thing is that the horses jump well; if they do, the results will follow.”

Tomorrow morning at Dar Es Salam, the first horses will canter onto this completely redesigned arena, built for their comfort and well-being. It promises top-level sport and a vibrant show for both the Moroccan public and the many Europeans who have made the trip.

Sports program – Rabat 2025
Thursday, September 25
CSI1* – 1.20 m – ONSSA Prize
CSI1* – 1.30 m – ANCFCC Prize
CSI4*-W – 1.40 m – ONMT Prize
CSI4*-W – 1.45 m – Grand Prix Qualification – Wilaya Région Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Prize
Friday, September 26
CSI1* – 1.25 m – SNRT Prize
CSI4*-W – 1.40 m – Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration Prize
CSI4*-W – 1.50 m – Grand Prix SAR la Princesse Lalla Amina
CSI1* – 1.35 m – Prix AVIS
Saturday, September 27
CSI1* – 1.25 m – Prix CDG
CSI1* – 1.35 m – Grand Prix Rabat – Prix Ministère de l’Intérieur
CSI4*-W – 1.40 m – Prix CNOM
CSI4*-W – 1.45 m – Prix Maroc Telecom
Sunday, September 28
CSI4*-W – 1.45 m – Prix SOREC
CSIO4*-W – 1.50 m – Coupe des Nations – Prix Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale, Préscolaire et des Sports

Source: Press Release by Pascal Renauldon / Agence R&B Presse for the Morocco Royal Tour

Photos: © MRT / Morgan Froment

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