Doha, Qatar – A significant race meeting, headlined by the H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day, is set to unfold at Al Rayyan Racecourse this Saturday. The event will feature ten races with substantial prize money, attracting top owners, trainers, and jockeys as they prepare for the upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival. This Qatar horse racing event is a key fixture in the domestic calendar, offering valuable opportunities and a glimpse of potential contenders for next month’s prestigious festival.
The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is hosting the day of races, which will be run on the turf track. Competition will be fierce across various distances and categories, with a total purse exceeding $755,000. The meeting serves as an important stepping stone for horses aiming to qualify for the more prominent races at the Amir Sword Festival.
Focus on the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day
The race card includes a diverse range of contests, beginning with the Na’ama Trophy for local Purebred Arabian fillies and mares over 1750m, offering a $100,000 prize. This will be followed by the Desert Rose Cup for local Thoroughbred fillies and mares, also with a $100,000 purse, over the same distance.
Several races carry the name of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, highlighting his support for horse racing in Qatar. These include sprint and handicap events for both Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, with prize money ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Key Races and Prize Money
Among the notable races are the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Sprint Trophy for Thoroughbreds (1200m, $50,000) and the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for three-year-old Thoroughbreds (1400m, $50,000). An international Purebred Arabian contest over 2200m, with a $100,000 purse, will also draw attention.
However, the centerpiece of the day is the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, a Class 1 Thoroughbred race over 2200m, also worth $100,000. Winning this race is particularly significant, as it guarantees qualification for the Shalfa race at the H H The Amir Sword Festival.
Last year’s renewal of the meeting took place at Al Uqda Racecourse, a departure from the usual Al Rayyan venue. Aafoor, owned by Al Jeryan Stud and trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah, emerged victorious in the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle. Szczepan Mazur was the jockey who guided Aafoor to victory.
Additionally, Abbes, a Wathnan Racing runner, secured a win in the H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians, continuing a winning streak under James Doyle and trainer Alban de Mieulle. This victory underscored the growing strength of Wathnan Racing in the Arabian horse racing scene.
The upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival, scheduled for February 11-14, 2026, is expected to be a major event for Thoroughbred racing and Purebred Arabian racing in the region. The festival consistently attracts international participants and showcases the best equine talent.
Looking ahead, the results of Saturday’s races will provide valuable insights into the form of horses and jockeys as they prepare for the Amir Sword Festival. The focus will be on identifying potential contenders and observing any emerging talent. The specific impact of the racing surface at Al Rayyan, compared to last year’s Al Uqda venue, will also be a key factor to watch.
The QREC will likely release further details regarding entries and potential international participation in the coming days. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the weather conditions and track state to assess their influence on race outcomes.
