Abdulrahman Alrajhi Shines in Historic GCT Debut at Cairo’s Pyramids

On a Thursday evening in Cairo, Saudi rider Abdulrahman Alrajhi sat comfortably as the illuminated Pyramids of Giza stretched behind him, beaming with satisfaction after completing a flawless round on his horse, Lorenzo ES.

The 31-year-old Olympian is among nearly 50 competitors gathered for the Global Champions Tour’s historic debut in Egypt, a three-day showjumping event staged at the base of the ancient monuments—a first of its kind for the sport.

Alrajhi has been active over the past months, competing across Europe, representing Saudi Arabia at the World Equestrian Games in Germany, and securing team gold and individual silver at the Asian Games in Japan.

While the GCT’s €1.75 million prize purse and daily classes demand focus, Alrajhi embraces the cultural significance of the occasion, savoring the chance to compete amid one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

“As children, we learned about Egypt and its wonders in schoolbooks and documentaries, but never imagined we’d ride here,” Alrajhi told Arab News. “The Pyramids are a symbol of Egypt’s heritage, and to compete at such a prestigious event here is surreal.”

He added, “This is a moment of pride for Egyptians and equestrian enthusiasts alike. The crowd’s passion is palpable, and their knowledge of the sport is impressive—they understand the gravity of each jump.”

Alrajhi highlighted the growing presence of Arab riders in global rankings, noting, “Critics once questioned our progress, but we’ve proven our capabilities at Olympic and World Championship levels. Many from our region now rank among the top 100 in the world.”

No stranger to international success, Alrajhi holds a world ranking of 58th and has claimed victories at 5* shows worldwide. His journey began at age six, though his family initially prioritized a business career over equestrian pursuits—a stance they later embraced with pride.

Dedicated to his craft, Alrajhi splits his year between Europe (based in Belgium) and the Gulf, a routine he’s maintained for 13 years. He credits his family’s unwavering support for his success, stating, “Their faith in me made all the difference.”

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he reached the individual final, finishing 13th on Ventago. Now, he aims for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, which Saudi Arabia will seek through Group VII qualification alongside Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE.

“There’s no room for complacency,” Alrajhi said. “The horses and team dynamics play a huge role—skill alone isn’t enough.” He added, “We’re fighters, and this time, everyone’s hungry. There’s pressure, but we’re ready.”

Recovery from months of travel, Alrajhi finds solace in events like this, balancing ambition with appreciation for new experiences. His Olympic dream remains alive, and he remains undeterred: “Experience matters. Riders in their 60s still compete at the highest level. I’m far from my peak, and that’s my advantage.”

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