The Qatar Arc Trials is a prestigious horse racing event sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) as the final stepping stone to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend. The event, taking place at ParisLongchamp, features world-class entries and aims to promote and progress Arabian racing worldwide. The highlights of the event include the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille for fillies and mares and the Group 1 PA Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon for Purebred Arabians. These races serve as preparatory races for the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, showcasing the best talents in the racing world.
The Qatar Cup and the Qatar Arabian World Cup are part of Qatar’s commitment to elevate Arabian racing globally, with only two horses having won the coveted Doha Triple Crown title so far. Qatar’s sponsorship of the Qatar Arc Trials has contributed to enhancing the standard of racing and increasing media coverage of the event, attracting thousands of spectators and racing enthusiasts. The QREC management, under Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, has been closely working with France Gallop to ensure the success of the event and prepare for the main event in early October.
The Qatar Arc Trials feature a total of nine races, including the Group 1 PA Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon and the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille. Notable runners in the Qatar Cup include Al Tammtam and Al Wakrah from Al Shaqab Racing, Ch’Ezza trained by François Rohaut, and Nabucco Al Maury. The Qatar Prix Vermeille boasts a strong line-up of 12 fillies and mares, including Group 1 winners like Sparkling Plenty, Opera Singer, and Emily Upjohn, among others. The event promises intense competition and high-class racing action.
In addition to the Qatar Cup and the Qatar Prix Vermeille, the Qatar Arc Trials also feature other Group races with top-class contenders. The Group 3 Qatar Prix du Pin has 10 runners, including Shartash and Dark Trooper. The Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy and Group 2 Qatar Prix Niel showcase five and six runners respectively, with notable contenders like Iresine and Look De Vega. The Group 3 Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert includes 15 runners, such as Rogue Lightning and Aesop’s Fables, providing a diverse and competitive field in these races.
Overall, the Qatar Arc Trials is a premier racing event that highlights the best talents in the sport and serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend. With world-class entries, competitive races, and the support of Qatar’s sponsorship, the event continues to elevate Arabian racing standards globally and attract a large audience of racing fans and enthusiasts. The event’s success is a testament to the commitment of Qatar to promote and progress the sport of horse racing on an international scale.
