Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Unveils Arabian Show Horse Races

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) has announced a significant addition to its racing calendar: it will introduce races exclusively for Purebred Arabian show horses starting from the upcoming season. This initiative, spearheaded by QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah, aims to enhance Qatar’s reputation within the global community of equestrian sports.

This decision underscores Qatar’s commitment to promoting Purebred Arabian show horses, a category for which the nation has already gained recognition through various international championships hosted on its soil. QREC’s new races will feature a total of nine events throughout the racing season, which begins in November 2023.

Details of the Racing Schedule

Of the nine planned races, eight will take place at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, while one will be held at Al Uqda. The races will be integrated into the existing race meetings rather than being organized as standalone events. This approach allows for a diverse racing program while focusing on the unique attributes of the Purebred Arabian show horses.

Entries will be limited to locally bred horses from the Arabian show horse strain, as confirmed by QREC’s Horse Show Section. Notably, allowances for apprentice and Qatari riders will not apply in these races. The opening race is scheduled for November 12, 2023, during the ninth meeting of the season, known as the Al Thakira Cup Day. This initial race will feature maiden Purebred Arabian show mares aged four years and older, competing over a distance of 1,000 meters.

Following the Al Thakira Cup, the second race will occur on the Ras Laffan Cup Day, which is the 15th meeting of the season, also at Al Rayyan. This race will similarly be for maiden Purebred Arabian show horses aged four years and older, covering the same distance.

Upcoming Races and Conditions

As the season progresses, several other races will provide opportunities for Purebred Arabian show horses to showcase their talents. Notable dates include the Bu Samrah Cup Day, scheduled as the 18th meeting, and the Zekreet Cup Day during the 24th meeting, both featuring races for maiden Purebred Arabian show horses over 1,000 meters.

The Umm Al Zubar Cup Day, the 31st meeting, will host a race for four years and older maiden Purebred Arabian show mares that have not won more than one race. Additionally, the Baidda Algaa Cup Day at the 33rd meeting will include a race for horses that also meet the same criteria, extending the competitive landscape for this breed.

In a noteworthy highlight, the final race of the season for Purebred Arabian show horses will take place during the 66th meeting, known as the Qatar Gold Sword & Trophy Day. This race will be unique as it is the only one on the dirt track, taking place over a distance of 1,200 meters. Horses and mares that have won a qualifying race will receive priority entry, followed by novice competitors based on their previous performance.

This new initiative by QREC not only reflects Qatar’s dedication to Arabian horse racing but also aims to foster a vibrant equestrian community that can attract international attention and participation. With the first race just weeks away, excitement is building within the local and international equestrian circles.