Doha, Qatar - There are champions and then there is Marwan Al Shaqab. His performance in winning the World Arabian Championships in Paris on Sunday will surely elevate the pride of Qatar to legendary status.

The eight-year-old, Marwan Al Shaqab accomplished feats unequalled in the history of the World Championships and the Arabian horse breed. His record night began in the show ring as he earned his third championship by taking the title of Senior Stallion. Even more impressive was Marwan's dominance as a sire of champions. The son of Gazal Al Shaqab produced a World Championship sweep that may never be equaled as his offspring took (first and second place, Champion and Reserve) honors in both the filly and colt classes.   

Owned by Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation, it was a bold move when it was announced in September that Marwan Al Shaqab would return to the show ring. After a five year absence from competition, he began his quest with successful return at the All Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany. He was awarded the prestigious event's Senior Stallion title as his only test before the highly anticipated World Championships.  

Although this is Marwan's second consecutive year to earn the honor as leading sire of World Champions, few Arabian experts could imagine his sweeping dominance.  

Marwan Al Shaqab's offspring were phenomenal as they earned the titles:  Champion Colt, Baanderos; Reserve Champion Colt, QR Marc; Champion Filly, Abha Palma; and Reserve Champion Filly, Princess of Marwan.

The organization was also honored as Venetzia was awarded Reserve Champion Mare. It was her second World Champion Reserve title as she was awarded the honors last year in the filly class.

As a sire, Gazal Al Shaqab swept both the World Championship titles for older horses with Marwan Al Shaqab and Pianissima, who was named champion mare.

 Marwan Al Shaqab is scheduled to return to Qatar in February. It will be his first appearance in Doha since 2001 when he was named the Qatar International Champion Colt. His show schedule will include, Qatar International Arabian Championship and the Dubai International Championship. He will then returns to the United States and resume his breeding career.

The listing of Al Shaqab championship connections include:

Marwan Al Shaqab - World Champion Stallion

Venetzia - Reserve World Champion Mare

Pianissima - World Champion Mare - Sired by Gazal Al Shaqab - Owned by Janow Podlaski, Poland

Baanderos - World Champion Colt - Sired by Marwan Al Shaqab - Owned by Al Khalediah Stables, KSA

QR Marc - Reserve World Champion Colt - Sired by Marwan Al Shaqab - Owned by Mr. Paul Gheysens, Belgium

Abha Palma - World Champion Filly - Sired by Marwan Al Shaqab - Owned by Al Mohamadia Stud, KSA

Princess of Marwan - Reserve World Champion Filly - Sired by Marwan Al Shaqab - Owned by Mystica Arabians, Australia

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