The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is all set to start off the year 2025 with an exciting lineup of events, including the Umm Al Zabar Cup on New Year’s opening evening at the Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha. This prestigious event promises a spectacular start to the year with a star-studded lineup of competitors vying for the coveted trophy. Among the top contenders are Eifrit and Mared Al Jasra, trained by Jassim Ghazali, and Fayq Al Shahania, saddled by trainer Rudy Andre Nerbonne. These top-class competitors are expected to deliver an exciting contest, setting the stage for a thrilling evening of racing.
The Umm Al Zabar Cup Day will feature eight thrilling titles, culminating in the marquee Purebred Arabian Open Allowance Race (Class 2). The event is expected to draw a large audience of racing enthusiasts eager to witness some high-level competition. The Al Rayyan event will also pave the way for the highly anticipated H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Day, which is set to take center stage the following day at the Al Uqda Racecourse. This major meeting will feature nine exciting races, including the QR500,000 H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy – Local Purebred Arabian (Class 1) race over a 1400m distance.
The Al Uqda event will showcase a strong lineup of contenders, including Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed-trained Suka’ar, Hamad Al Jehani-trained Roma and Bakir, trained by Alban Elie de Mieulle. Among the highlights of the day will be the QR500,000 H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup – Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr2) International Race, featuring top competitors like Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Wakrah, Al Khbaib, Ghadah, and Wathnan Racing’s Jabalah. The event promises to deliver some thrilling races and exciting finishes, providing an action-packed day of racing for spectators.
The opening week of the New Year will conclude with the Al Rakayat Cup Day, featuring seven exciting races at the Al Uqda Racecourse. The day’s main attraction will be the 2200m Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90 (Class 3) race, offering the coveted Al Rakayat Cup. The race will see a competitive lineup of challengers, including Sussex, Wafei, Enforced, and Elliptical, promising an action-packed finale to the week. The ongoing QREC 2024-25 horse racing season includes a total of 69 race meetings, ensuring a vibrant and competitive calendar ahead for racing enthusiasts.
In summary, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is gearing up for an exciting start to the year 2025 with a lineup of thrilling races, including the Umm Al Zabar Cup, the H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Day, and the Al Rakayat Cup Day. These events promise to showcase top-class competitors and deliver exciting races for spectators to enjoy. With a strong lineup of contenders and valuable prizes up for grabs, the upcoming race meetings at the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda Racecourses are set to provide a thrilling start to the racing season in Doha, Qatar. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to an action-packed week of competition and entertainment as the QREC kicks off the new year with a bang.
