Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) will host a prestigious race meeting this evening at Al Rayyan Racecourse, culminating in the running of the Qatar National Day Trophy and the Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani Trophy. The event, chaired by Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, features nine races with a total prize pool of QR2 million, attracting top owners, trainers, and jockeys from across the region. The two feature races will each award QR500,000 to the winner.
The race meeting is scheduled to begin this evening and is held annually to coincide with Qatar’s national celebrations. It showcases both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred racing, with several supporting cup races adding to the day’s significance. This year’s event promises a high level of competition and a celebration of Qatar’s equestrian heritage.
Focus on the Qatar National Day Trophy
The Gr2 Qatar National Day Trophy, a 2100m race for Purebred Arabians aged four and older, is a highlight of the Arabian racing calendar. It consistently draws a strong field of contenders vying for the coveted title and substantial prize money. According to QREC officials, the trophy represents a commitment to promoting and preserving the Purebred Arabian breed.
Last year’s winner, Jabalah, owned by Wathnan Racing, finally broke through after finishing as the runner-up in 2022 and 2023. The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle, delivered a powerful performance to secure the victory. This year, trainers will be looking to replicate that success with their own promising horses.
Supporting Races and Cup Contests
Beyond the two main trophies, the race card includes several notable cup races. The Al Safliya Cup, a QA Gr3 for Thoroughbreds, is particularly important as it serves as a qualifying race for the prestigious Shalfa Race during the HH The Amir Sword Festival in February.
Additionally, the Halul Island Cup, an open race for Local Thoroughbreds, and the Al Busayyir Cup, a Thoroughbred Conditions race, will provide further opportunities for competition. The Falcon Cup, another open race for Thoroughbreds, rounds out the program of cup races. Winners of these events will be recognized immediately following each contest.
The Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani Trophy, a Class 1 race for Local Purebred Arabians over 1400m, is the other feature event. In 2023, Al Sij Al Sakb, owned by Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya and trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya, claimed the trophy with a strong ride from Alberto Sanna. This race is a showcase for locally bred Arabian talent.
QREC has confirmed that extensive preparations have been made to ensure a smooth and successful event. These preparations include track maintenance, logistical arrangements, and security measures to accommodate the expected large crowds. The club aims to provide a world-class racing experience for participants and spectators alike.
The event is expected to boost the profile of horse racing in Qatar and attract further investment in the sport. The substantial prize money on offer is a key incentive for owners and trainers to participate, contributing to the overall quality of the racing. The focus on Purebred Arabian racing also aligns with Qatar’s cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving the breed.
Looking ahead, the results of tonight’s races will likely influence entries for the upcoming HH The Amir Sword Festival, a major highlight of the Qatari racing season. The performance of horses in the Al Safliya Cup will be particularly closely watched as a predictor of success in the Shalfa Race. Further announcements regarding the festival schedule and participating horses are expected in the coming weeks, and the racing community will be keen to observe any emerging trends in equestrian events.
The QREC continues to play a vital role in developing and promoting thoroughbred breeding and racing within Qatar, and this event is a testament to its ongoing efforts.
