Al Gharaiyah Cup Marks Exciting Start to Qatar’s Racing Season

The new horse racing season in Qatar officially commenced with the Al Gharaiyah Cup Day at Al Rayyan sand track. This eagerly awaited event marks the beginning of a vibrant racing calendar organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC).

Under the leadership of Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC has finalized all necessary arrangements for the season. The full racing schedule was unveiled well in advance, ensuring that both the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda tracks are fully prepared for the upcoming competitions.

QREC has developed the season’s programme to meet its high standards, showcasing Qatar’s strong reputation in the equine world. Following the recent success of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the organization is focused on delivering both a premier international event and a thrilling domestic racing season.

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

In the lead-up to the season’s opening, QREC hosted two significant events. The annual awards ceremony recognized last season’s top owners, trainers, and jockeys, while a meeting with owners and trainers addressed expectations and requirements for the new season.

The 2025-26 season features an impressive total of 70 races across both tracks. The opening card today includes eight races, starting at 16:30, with the highlight being the Al Gharaiyah Cup race, scheduled for 20:30.

Hours before the season opener, QREC Acting CEO Bader Mohammed Al Darwish expressed optimism for the upcoming season. “We wish all owners, trainers, and jockeys every success,” he stated. “We look forward to exciting and competitive racing that reflects the high standards Qatari horse racing has achieved, both in organization and competition.”

This season is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. To commemorate this milestone, QREC launched an official Golden Jubilee logo, symbolizing its heritage, achievements, and vision over the past five decades. Al Darwish expressed gratitude to the leadership, state officials, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth for their continued support, as well as to partners and sponsors for their essential contributions.

Upcoming Highlights and New Initiatives

Looking forward, Al Darwish highlighted the significance of the HH The Amir Sword Festival, which will take place from February 11 to 14, 2026, at Al Rayyan. This year, there will be a total of 32 races held over four days—an unprecedented feature for the festival—with the initial two days focused on sand track races and the latter two on turf.

In a first for Qatari racing, the season will also include races for Purebred Arabian show horses, demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to maintaining its rich Arabian horse heritage.

As the season unfolds, excitement and anticipation are palpable among racing enthusiasts and participants, setting the stage for a thrilling year ahead in Qatar’s equestrian sports scene.