Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Hosts H E Sheikh Joaan Day

The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is set to host a significant race meeting on Saturday, showcasing the H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day. This prestigious event, taking place at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, features a ten-race card that has attracted a strong lineup of owners, trainers, and jockeys eager to compete for top honours in one of the highlights of the domestic racing season.

Scheduled just weeks before the highly anticipated H H The Amir Sword Festival, which will occur from February 11 to 14, 2026, Saturday’s programme promises excitement across various distances and categories. The first race will feature the Na’ama Trophy, a contest for local Purebred Arabian fillies and mares over 1750 meters, with a prize of $100,000 on offer.

Exciting Races and Prize Money

Following the opener, the Desert Rose Cup will see local Thoroughbred fillies and mares compete over the same distance, also offering a purse of $100,000. The H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Sprint Trophy for Thoroughbreds will take place next, featuring a distance of 1200 meters and a prize of $50,000.

Another noteworthy event is the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, which will be contested over 1400 meters with a prize of $50,000. Additionally, the mid-card will include the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for local Thoroughbreds, also over 1750 meters, valued at $55,000.

As the afternoon progresses, participants will compete in multiple H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophies for both Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, with races offering purses ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. The final race of the day will be the prestigious H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle for Thoroughbreds, contested over 2200 meters and carrying a purse of $100,000. This race also serves as a qualifier for the Shalfa race at the upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival.

Last Year’s Highlights and Anticipations

The previous edition of this event was held at Al Uqda Racecourse, marking a departure from the traditional venue at Al Rayyan. Last year’s feature race, the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, was won by Aafoor, a horse owned by Al Jeryan Stud. Trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah and ridden by jockey Szczepan Mazur, Aafoor triumphed in the Class 1 contest for Thoroughbreds aged four years and above over 2200 meters.

Earlier in that programme, another highlight emerged as Abbes, representing Wathnan Racing, claimed the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians. This four-year-old horse achieved a remarkable third consecutive victory in the Group 3 PA race, under the guidance of jockey James Doyle and trainer Alban de Mieulle.

The upcoming race meeting promises to deliver thrilling competition and showcase the talents of both horses and their connections. As excitement builds in anticipation of the event, all eyes will be on the Al Rayyan Racecourse this Saturday.