Al Gharaiyah Cup Launches Qatar’s Exciting Horse Racing Season

The new horse racing season in Qatar officially commenced on the evening of October 15, 2025, with the opening event, the Al Gharaiyah Cup Day, taking place at the Al Rayyan sand track. This event marks the beginning of a competitive season organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC).

Under the leadership of Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC has finalized preparations for the season ahead. The racing calendar was released well in advance, ensuring that both the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda tracks are fully ready to host the anticipated events.

Significant Preparations for a New Season

The 2025–26 season is set to feature an impressive total of 70 races across the two tracks. The opening card includes eight races, with the main event, the Al Gharaiyah Cup, scheduled for 8:30 PM. The racing is expected to draw significant attention from both local and international audiences.

In the lead-up to the season, QREC hosted two major events. On October 13, the club held its annual awards ceremony to honor last season’s leading owners, trainers, and jockeys. This was followed by a meeting on October 14 with owners and trainers to discuss the key requirements for the new season.

Following the recent success of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, QREC has focused on ensuring both the success of this prestigious international event and the launch of their domestic season, further enhancing the strong reputation of Qatari horse racing.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating 50 Years of QREC

During a press briefing before the season opener, Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, Acting CEO of QREC, expressed optimism for the upcoming season, stating, “We wish all owners, trainers, and jockeys every success this season. We look forward to exciting and competitive racing that reflects the high standards Qatari horse racing has achieved, both in organization and competition.”

This season holds particular significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of QREC. To commemorate this milestone, the club launched an official Golden Jubilee logo, symbolizing its heritage, achievements, and vision over the past five decades. Al Darwish acknowledged the crucial support from the country’s leadership and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as contributions from partners and sponsors.

The highlight of the season is set to be the HH The Amir Sword Festival, which will take place from February 11 to 14, 2026, at Al Rayyan. This four-day event will feature a unique combination of 32 races on both sand and turf tracks—an unprecedented first for the festival.

Additionally, this season will introduce races for Purebred Arabian show horses, marking a significant development in Qatari racing and demonstrating the nation’s commitment to its rich equestrian heritage.

As the season unfolds, the Qatari racing community anticipates a series of thrilling competitions that promise to showcase the best of horse racing talent, both locally and internationally.