Alix Ragot headlines the opening day of competition
Rabat, Thursday, October 8, 2026 – The Morocco Royal Tour continues with its second week of competition in Rabat, at the headquarters of the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Federation (FRMSE). France’s Alix Ragot claimed victory aboard Serafina DH Z in the CSIO4*-W Prix Wilaya de la Région Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, a qualifier for tomorrow’s 1.55m Grand Prix.
Alix Ragot and Serafina DH Z shine in Rabat
A total of 57 combinations lined up for the Prix Wilaya de la Région Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, a 1.55m speed class. Over a course designed by Spanish course designer Santiago Varela, France’s Alix Ragot, riding his trusted 9-year-old mare Serafina DH Z, made his mark. Drawn 22nd to go, the French rider crossed the finish line in 67.74 seconds, setting a time that would remain unbeaten for the rest of the competition.
“I was a bit lucky, as two other riders were actually faster, but they both had four faults,” admitted the winner after the prize-giving ceremony. “My mare is naturally very fast, so normally, as long as I don’t make any mistakes, she’s on the podium. In fact, she won her first 1.50m class right here in Rabat last year. I love coming to the MRT. I’ve had it marked on my calendar for several years now. It’s a fantastic tour for developing horses, especially younger ones. Each leg is very different, giving them the opportunity to experience new environments and improve their ability to adapt.”
Spain’s Pello Elorduy Ibarzabal, riding Champenoise de Rampan, finished second in 68.89 seconds, while Germany’s Harm Lahde completed the podium aboard Gsi Sir Dominator in 69.73 seconds.
Santiago Diaz Ortega scores a double in the Prix ONMT
The CSIO4*-W could hardly have got off to a better start for Colombia’s Santiago Diaz Ortega. Competing with two horses in the 1.40m two-phase class, he claimed both first and third place aboard Chasspleen Flamingo Z (28.01 seconds) and Karajan JT Z (28.53 seconds), respectively. Morocco’s Majid Djaidi split the Colombian’s two rides, taking second place with Amidam Tivoli Z (28.52 seconds).
The opening class of the day, the CSI2* Prix ANCFCC, a 1.35m competition, went to Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly aboard Kanturo BH. France’s Arthur Le Vot, riding Soho, finished second, followed by Morocco’s Saad Jabri with Lonoire in third place.
To round off the day, the CSI2* Prix ONSSA, a 1.25m class held under the floodlights, saw Morocco’s Ali Al Ahrach claim victory aboard Teaser. His compatriot Ahmed Chraibi, riding Galoubet L, took second place, while Italy’s Beatrice Palumbo completed the podium with Casarinta Blue PS.
Friday, October 9 programme
8:30am: CSI2* 1.40m – Prix SNRT
12:15pm: CSIO4*-W 1.40m – Prix Administration des Douanes et des Impôts Indirects
3pm: CSIO4*-W 1.55m Grand Prix – Prix de S.A.R. la Princesse Lalla Amina
7pm: CSI2* 1.30m – Prix Avis