Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) has announced the horse racing programme for the upcoming season 2024-2025, which will feature a total of 69 races, including 47 races on Al Rayyan track and the rest on Al Uqda racecourse. This marks an increase from the previous season’s 67 races, reflecting the club’s vision to make use of all available facilities and provide more opportunities for owners, trainers, and jockeys to participate. The larger number of races also means larger financial prizes for the participants.
The new season is set to kick off on October 16 with the Al Ghariya Cup race at Al Rayyan sand track, followed by the Al Hamla Cup race on October 17 at Al Rayyan racecourse’s grass track. One of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar, the HH The Amir’s Sword Festival, is scheduled to take place in February 2025. This three-day festival at the Al Rayyan track will culminate in the HH The Amir’s Sword race for purebred Arabian horses and the HH The Amir’s Trophy race, both offering substantial financial prizes.
Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of QREC, emphasized the importance of working closely with owners and trainers to develop a successful race programme for the new season. He highlighted the club’s commitment to organizing high-quality races that reflect the status of horseracing in Qatar and the support it receives from the country’s officials. The races have been carefully scheduled based on the classification and quality of the participating horses, with some events attracting international participation.
Badr bin Mohamed Al Darwish, acting CEO of QREC, expressed the club’s commitment to continuously improving and elevating the standards of Qatari horse racing. He noted that while the focus is currently on overseas races sponsored by the club, efforts are also being made to ensure a successful local racing season. The management is working diligently to ensure that the upcoming season meets the expectations of stakeholders and upholds the high standards that have established Qatar as a prominent destination for horseracing.
With the announcement of the official calendar, preparations for the new season are in full swing, with a particular emphasis on organizing the major races that attract international participation. The club’s management is dedicated to ensuring that the level of racing in the upcoming season matches the interest and standards that have elevated Qatar’s horseracing scene to international acclaim. The annual HH The Amir’s Sword Festival remains a focal point in the racing calendar, showcasing the best of Qatari and international horseracing talent.
In conclusion, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is gearing up for an exciting and eventful racing season for 2024-2025, with an increased number of races and significant financial prizes on offer. The collaboration between club management, owners, trainers, and jockeys underscores a shared commitment to the success and growth of horseracing in Qatar. With prestigious events such as the HH The Amir’s Sword Festival on the horizon, the upcoming season promises thrilling races and fierce competition that will captivate racing enthusiasts both locally and internationally.
