SOREC signs framework agreement with Beninese Equestrian Federation
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horse Breeding signed a framework agreement with the Beninese Equestrian Federation to structure national equestrian sports, while elite prize purses expanded significantly following international labellisation.
Framework Agreement Signed Between SOREC and the Beninese Federation
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Horse Breeding, known as SOREC, formalized a cooperative framework agreement with the Beninese Federation, as reported by L’Opinion.
Group 1 Status Awarded to the King Mohammed VI Grand Prix
International authorities elevated premier Moroccan racing to elite global standing. The International Federation of Arabian Horse Authorities granted Group 1 PA status to the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Purebred Arabians, according to Le360 Sport. Hicham Debbagh, deputy general director of SOREC in charge of the Breeding and Industry pole and vice-president of the international federation, announced the designation during a press conference at the 17th El Jadida Horse Show.
L’accession du Grand Prix de Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI au Groupe 1 PA constitue une étape historique dans le parcours des courses de pur-sang arabes au Maroc. Cette reconnaissance de l’IFAHR témoigne du niveau atteint par notre filière et de la qualité des standards que nous avons progressivement mis en place.
Only 29 races worldwide hold this elite labellisation across seven countries, including France, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The event previously held Group 3 PA status before advancing to Group 2 PA in 2024. Performance metrics from the 2025 edition satisfied the rigorous criteria required for the top tier.
SOREC Increases Prize Money for 2026 Grand Prix
Financial commitments accompany the sporting upgrade. SOREC increased the global allocation for the marquee Grand Prix to 350,000 euros, representing 3.8 million dirhams for the 2026 edition. The race is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, 2026, over a distance of 2,100 meters at the Casablanca-Anfa racecourse during the 12th Morocco International Meeting.
The companion Grand Prix of HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan advanced to Group 2 PA status with a purse of 200,000 euros, equivalent to 2.18 million dirhams, following its previous classification as a Group 3 race.
Omar Skalli, director general of SOREC, noted in an interview with Le Matin that these upgrades validate the ongoing modernization of national infrastructure and breeding standards.
Traditional Arts Honored at the El Jadida Horse Show
Traditional equestrian heritage received recognition alongside modern racing updates. The 17th edition of the El Jadida Horse Show hosted the third edition of the Tbourida Artisan Products Award on October 15, 2026, as reported by Yabiladi.com. Organized by the House of Artisan in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Handicrafts, SOREC, and the National Association of Traditional Equestrian Arts, the competition rewarded craftspeople specializing in traditional saddles, Mokahla firearms, and ceremonial garments.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the opening of the exhibition at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park under the overarching theme “Le cheval au service de l’humain.” The prince reviewed a Royal Guard formation and observed 18 groups performing at the grounds before the exhibition’s scheduled conclusion on October 18, 2026.