The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is gearing up for the new racing season, which is expected to start in October after the completion of overseas races sponsored by QREC in Europe. Led by Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, the QREC management is already in discussions to optimize the upcoming season’s program. The Racing Department is collaborating with owners and trainers to consider key proposals that will enhance Qatar’s horse racing industry and global standing.
Abdulla Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, emphasized the importance of feedback from owners and trainers in shaping the racing program for the upcoming season. He highlighted the improvements in race track maintenance at Al Rayyan and Al Uqda, with plans to develop the Al Rayyan sand track based on international standards. Al Kubaisi mentioned the Meydan track in Dubai as a model for implementation, taking into account track size, weather conditions, and horse types in Qatar.
Sami Al Boenain, Advisor to the QREC Chairman, stressed the importance of maintaining the general structure of the racing program while being open to additional proposals from owners and trainers. He acknowledged the request for increasing races for Qatari jockeys but noted that there is a shortage of Qatari jockeys at the moment. However, Al Boenain emphasized the need for Qatari jockeys to compete with more experienced riders to improve their skills, citing jockey Faleh Bughenaim as a successful example of competing against professional jockeys from the start of his career.
QREC is focused on delivering another exemplary season, building on the success of previous seasons. The collaboration between QREC management, owners, and trainers plays a crucial role in shaping the racing program to meet international standards and enhance Qatar’s reputation in the global racing community. By incorporating feedback and considering key proposals, QREC aims to provide a competitive and engaging racing program that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of maintaining the integrity and standards of races at Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses. The QREC management is committed to upholding these standards and ensuring that the racing program meets the expectations of owners, trainers, and spectators. By implementing best practices and learning from experiences at other renowned racetracks, QREC aims to elevate the quality of racing in Qatar and attract more international participation.
As preparations continue for the new racing season, the focus is on continuous improvement and innovation in the racing program. With input from industry professionals and stakeholders, QREC is poised to deliver another successful season that showcases the best of Qatar’s horse racing industry. By maintaining high standards, developing race tracks, and supporting the growth of Qatari jockeys, QREC is taking proactive steps to keep Qatar at the forefront of the global racing scene.
