Qatar’s Al Gharaiyah Cup Launches Thrilling Racing Season

The new horse racing season in Qatar officially commenced on the evening of October 15, 2025, with the opening event, the Al Gharaiyah Cup Day, held at the Al Rayyan sand track. This marks the beginning of a season filled with competitive excitement and showcases the nation’s commitment to maintaining high standards in equestrian sports.

Preparations and Events Leading Up to the Season

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), under the leadership of Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, has completed extensive preparations for the upcoming season. The racing calendar was announced well in advance, ensuring that both the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda tracks are fully equipped for the anticipated races.

In line with QREC’s high standards, the racing programme has been meticulously developed. Following the successful Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe held in Paris, QREC has focused on two primary goals: executing that prestigious event and launching the domestic season in a manner that reflects the esteemed reputation of Qatari horse racing.

In the days leading up to the season, QREC hosted significant events, including the annual awards ceremony on October 13, recognising last season’s top owners, trainers, and jockeys. This was followed by a meeting on October 14 involving owners and trainers to discuss the key requirements for the new season.

Season Highlights and Key Dates

The 2025-26 season features a total of 70 races across the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda tracks. The opening card on October 15 includes eight races, beginning at 16:30 local time, with the highlight being the Al Gharaiyah Cup, scheduled to take place as the eighth race at 20:30.

Hours prior to the season opener, Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, Acting CEO of QREC, expressed hopes for a successful season, stating, “We wish all owners, trainers, and jockeys every success this season. We look forward to exciting and competitive racing that reflects the high standards Qatari horse racing has achieved, both in organisation and competition.”

This season holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of QREC. The club unveiled an official Golden Jubilee logo, symbolising its heritage, accomplishments, and aspirations over the past five decades. Al Darwish extended his gratitude to the leadership of Qatar, state officials, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as partners and sponsors for their continued support.

One of the season’s highlights will be the HH The Amir Sword Festival, set to take place over four days from February 11 to 14, 2026, at Al Rayyan. This year’s festival will feature sand track races for the first two days and turf races for the final two days, totalling 32 races, marking a first for the event.

Additionally, the season will introduce races specifically for Purebred Arabian show horses, a significant development that underscores Qatar’s commitment to promoting the Arabian horse breed within its racing framework.

As the season unfolds, anticipation builds among racing enthusiasts for a showcase of skill, speed, and the enduring spirit of competition in Qatari horse racing.