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The spotlight on the Hong Kong race 22 February grows brighter with each passing day, as David Hayes prepares Ka Ying Rising for a date with destiny in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin. The Australian Racing Hall of Fame trainer has already seen his brilliant sprinter equal the revered mark of 17 straight wins set by Silent Witness — and now stands on the brink of history.

Hayes does not disguise his admiration for the benchmark. He calls Silent Witness “the first great sprinter” and “the best he ever saw.” To match that extraordinary sequence, achieved between December 2002 and April 2005, was special. To surpass it in the Hong Kong race 22 February would, he admits, be something else entirely.

“It’s a real magic number,” Hayes reflected this week. “To equal it was magic. To beat it would be even better — especially at 1400 metres, where he’s stretching out and showing his versatility.”

Silent Witness and the Spirit of Hong Kong

The legend of Silent Witness remains deeply woven into the fabric of the sport. Owned by Archie da Silva and trained by Tony Cruz, the chestnut swept through Hong Kong’s sprint division with an authority rarely seen.

His streak featured two Hong Kong Sprint victories (2003 and 2004), back-to-back Centenary Sprint Cups and Chairman’s Sprint Prizes, and the 2003 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. He signed off in fitting fashion by claiming Japan’s 2005 Group 1 Sprinters Stakes — his 17th and final consecutive triumph.

Those victories carried resonance beyond the track. As Cruz recalls, Hong Kong was grappling with the SARS epidemic and economic hardship. Silent Witness became a beacon of resilience, earning the affectionate title “Spirit of Hong Kong.”

“He showed people that great challenges could be overcome,” Cruz said. “That’s why he meant so much.”

Many have flirted with that once-unthinkable number of 17. None sustained the brilliance long enough — until Ka Ying Rising.

All Eyes on Hong Kong race 22 February

The build-up to the Hong Kong race 22 February has inevitably drawn comparisons between past and present. Hayes’ five-year-old has dismantled fields with a blend of speed and composure that suggests rare quality. Recently crowned the world’s top-rated sprinter, he appears to have the racing world at his feet.

“The expectation is for him to win,” Hayes admitted. “You just want him to — not let everyone down. But he hasn’t so far. The way he trialled recently, I don’t think he’s going to.”

Cruz is generous in his praise of the new star.

“There’s no doubt about Ka Ying Rising’s natural talent. There’s no horse in Hong Kong that can compete with him right now. He’s outstanding,” he said.

Yet for Cruz and former champion jockey Felix Coetzee, the memory of Silent Witness remains singular. Coetzee partnered the great horse in all 29 of his starts and, despite a glittering international career, regards that association as incomparable.

“He was unique. Anyone could have won on him — I was just lucky to be there,” Coetzee said. “He had such presence.”

Now 25 and retired at Living Legends in Victoria, Silent Witness is still widely considered the finest racehorse Hong Kong has produced. Whether that perception shifts after the Hong Kong race 22 February may depend on what unfolds over seven furlongs at Sha Tin.

Hayes, 63, speaks with the perspective of a man who has seen greatness before. Early in his career he trained Better Loosen Up, and across decades he has prepared 107 Group 1 winners. Yet he concedes there is something different about this horse.

“It’s nice to be the trainer of the most consecutive winning horse in Hong Kong,” he said. “I keep pinching myself. At my age, I really appreciate a horse like this.”

An 18th consecutive victory would echo far beyond the Hayes stable. It would redefine a modern benchmark and add a fresh chapter to Hong Kong racing folklore — one that could begin in earnest in the Hong Kong race 22 February.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

Dan Skelton believes the William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial could prove the perfect stage for Deafening Silence to strike, insisting he can see “no negatives” as the lightly raced stayer heads to Haydock Park on Saturday, February 14.

The £100,000 feature has attracted a competitive field, with 12 horses remaining after the confirmation stage, but Skelton’s confidence in his nine-year-old is rooted in solid recent evidence. Deafening Silence has shaped with growing promise in two searching assignments this term and now steps into a race his trainer has long viewed as a natural target.

After finishing second in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on his seasonal return, the gelded son of Alkaadhem backed that up with a commendable third in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27. In both starts, he travelled and stayed with purpose, answering key questions about his stamina for marathon distances.

Skelton feels the extended three-and-a-half-mile test at Haydock should play directly to his strengths.

“I’ve had this race in mind for some time after the Welsh Grand National as he is obviously liking those marathon trips,” Skelton said. “I think he is in really good form and the track will suit him.

“How the race cuts up we don’t quite know, but I’m very happy with our horse going into it. I feel like he has proven that he stays that distance and his training has been good.

“I think he is pretty versatile ground wise now he is that bit older. I don’t think it holds any fears for him. I don’t have no negatives about his chances.”

William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial in Focus

Although still relatively unexposed with just ten starts under Rules, Deafening Silence has already shown the resilience required for major staying chases. Skelton is mindful of preserving him, spacing his races carefully, but believes the current programme suits.

“It was a great run in the Welsh Grand National and I was very proud,” he added. “It would have been nice to have been a couple of places further up, but those marathon distances you have got to be respectful when they are there at the end as it is a big effort for them.

“He is lightly raced for his age, and we can’t race him too much, but the programme for these long distance chases does suit this horse as you can give him a month to six weeks in between them.

“It feels like this is a nice straightforward situation for him. He is definitely still well treated over this trip as not many of them get it.”

Saturday’s contest is also the final leg of the ‘Half A Mill’ initiative, which offers a £500,000 bonus to any horse that can win one of the designated trial races and the Grand National at Aintree in the same season. While entry lists and handicap marks will ultimately determine participation in April’s showpiece, Skelton admits the lure of the great race is impossible to ignore.

“We have entered him in the Grand National because he is a stayer and if he got in it would be an interesting entry,” he said. “He has got a lot of horses to come out to get into the Grand National so I would say at the moment that is looking unlikely because of his handicap mark, but you have got to be in it if you want to run in it.

“I would say if he got into the Grand National, he would run in it and I feel he would take to the fences.

“He probably needs to win this quite handsomely to go up enough to get in the race. I think the Grand National is a massive step away at the moment, but Saturday could bring it closer.”

With proven stamina, careful preparation and a trainer confident in both horse and conditions, the William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial may offer Deafening Silence the opportunity to secure the most significant chase victory of his career to date.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

A crisp February chill lingered over the Hippodrome De Chantilly on Thursday, February 12, as an eight-race programme unfolded between 11:48am and 3:57pm with precision and quiet intensity. With several contests carrying €24,700 in prize money, the afternoon was defined not by a single standout purse but by depth, consistency and polished performances across the card.

Race 1, the Prix Du Rond Du Manege, offered €24,700 and set a professional tone from the outset. Khozan delivered a composed victory under Aurelien Lemaitre, stopping the clock at 1.42.42. Trained by Chr. Head for owners Al Shaqab and G. Augustin-Normand, and bred by Dp. Howden and Mme D. Howden, the winner travelled smoothly before asserting in the straight. Vatican finished second, while Libeccio Wind secured third.

Race 2, the Prix Cricket Ball, also run for €24,700, produced a determined finish. Chaumiere De Pre prevailed in 1.54.80 with Theo Bachelot guiding confidently for trainer G. Bietolini. Owned by Mr Kenneth L. Ramsey and bred by Haras De La Perelle, the winner held off Hypercore, with Rock Blanc taking third after staying on late.

In Race 3, the Prix Maxime Garcia, Ashipcalleddignity claimed victory in 1.57.76. Luca Carboni delivered a measured ride aboard the A. Murphy-trained runner, owned by Mr Stephen Paul McCluskey and bred by Summerstorm Bloodstock Limited. The win came after a steady build-up through the straight, with Bay House second and Sede Vacante third.

Race 4, the Prix Des Gazons De Coye, once again carried €24,700 and saw a fluent display from Edaja. Clement Lecoeuvre partnered the Fh. Graffard-trained filly to success in 1.39.40. Racing in the colours of Aga Khan Studs Sc, who also bred the winner, Edaja finished ahead of Morgana Gold, while Danseuse De Dabi completed the top three.

Race 5, the Prix De La Route Bourbon, featured a smart performance from Alavesa, who stopped the clock at 1.38.35. Alexis Pouchin timed his challenge well for trainer A. Fabre. Owned and bred by Ballylinch Stud, Alavesa edged out Vibrato, with Pontos finishing third in a competitive stretch run.

Speed came to the fore in Race 6, the Prix Du Carrefour Papillon. Chirimiri produced a sharp effort under Anthony Crastus, winning in 1.17.23 for trainer X. Blanchet. Owned by Mr Stephane Gilibert and bred by James Ortega Bloodstock Ltd, the winner finished clear of Match Anthem, while Coolmeen Royal secured third.

Race 7, the Prix De Lassy, carried €24,700 and delivered one of the quicker finishes of the afternoon. Fire Rebel scored in 1.16.49 with Fabien Lefebvre in the saddle. Trained by A. Spanu for owner Mr Patrick Piochaud and bred by F. Picard, the winner held off Talentuoso, with Shiawase taking third.

The meeting concluded with Race 8, the Prix Du Carrefour Laversin. Freja provided Aurelien Lemaitre with a double on the day, winning in 1.31.28 for trainer F. Chappet. Owned by Mr Antoine Gilibert and bred by Haras D’Etreham, Gestut Zur Kuste Ag and Ecurie Skymarc Farm, Freja finished strongly ahead of Eaglehawk, while Vega completed the placings.

From the opening stride to the final furlong, Chantilly Race Results 12 February reflected the steady quality of French racing. Balanced prize money, disciplined rides and well-prepared runners shaped an afternoon that flowed smoothly and left connections satisfied as the winter season continued to build momentum.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.

Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse presents an eight-race evening card on Friday, 13 February, as part of the Dubai Racing Club, with contests for horses aged three and above across ratings bands from 60 to 100. The programme carries total prize money exceeding AED 1.4 million and runs from 17:30 through to 21:35.

The opening race at 17:30 will be the Longines Conquest, run over 1400 metres with prize money of AED 120,000. This Handicap (75–95) is restricted to four-year-olds and upwards, and AH Tahan, Muthabir, Raddad Al Wathba and RB Nash Bash are among those declared for the seven-furlong contest.

At 18:05, the Longines Master Collection Year Of The Horse will take place over 1900 metres for a purse of AED 165,000. The Maiden is open to four-year-olds and older, as well as Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds. Daayyem, Desert Horizon, Fayadh and Fiction Maker are listed among the runners for the mile event.

The 18:40 running of the Longines Primaluna will be staged over 2000 metres with AED 190,000 in prize money. This Handicap (70–90) for three-year-olds and upwards includes Rock Of Cashel, Ruling Dynasty, High Season and Silver Sword in the entries.

Race four at 19:15, the Longines Spirit Pilot, will be contested over 1600 metres and will also carry AED 190,000. The Handicap (75–95) for three-year-olds and above features Mozahim, Roi De France, Army Ethos and Laasudood among the declared names.

The highest-value contest on the card comes at 19:50 with the Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback. Run over 1400 metres, the Handicap (80–100) offers AED 250,000. English Oak, Cavallo Bay, Native Approach and Regheeb are included among the entries.

At 20:25, the Longines Master Collection Moon Phase Chronograph will be run over 2000 metres with prize money of AED 175,000. This Handicap (65–85) for three-year-olds and upwards lists Al Amir, Elusive Trevor, Inspired Idea and Kalidasa among the participants.

The penultimate race at 21:00, the Longines Conquest Chronograph, will cover 1200 metres and carries AED 175,000. The Handicap (60–80) features Secret State, Arigatou Gozaimasu, Deep Hope and Spitzbergen among the declared runners.

The card concludes at 21:35 with the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925, run over 1200 metres for AED 175,000. This Handicap (65–85) includes Mr Kafoo, No Escape, Muzaahim and Dapper Valley as part of the closing line-up at Meydan Racecourse.

The Meydan Race Cards 13 February outline Friday’s full programme at Meydan Racecourse, detailing race times, distances and prize money across eight scheduled contests.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.

Japanese superstar Forever Young (JPN) is poised to make history this Saturday as he chases a second win in the Group 1 USD$20 million Saudi Cup, aiming to become the first horse to claim the world’s richest dirt race twice. Returning to Riyadh after a thrilling victory last year, the 4-year-old faces an elite field, including Bob Baffert’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Nysos (USA) and stablemate Nevada Beach (USA).

The atmosphere at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack is electric, with fans eager to witness a clash of titans. Legendary American trainer Bob Baffert, making his first Saudi Cup appearance since 2020, admits the challenge is immense. “You are just hoping that when they turn for home, they are running, and for me, hopefully, it’s going to be Nysos, and Nevada Beach is right there too, with Forever Young — King Kong versus Godzilla,” Baffert said. Praising the Japanese champion, he added, “Forever Young, he’s a unicorn. What he did as a 3-year-old — winning in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and coming to the Derby — that is just unheard of.”

Forever Young’s trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, is aiming for a third consecutive Saudi Cup victory, having already guided Panthalassa (JPN) to triumph in 2023 and secured the G3 Saudi Derby in 2024. “Maybe this is going to be Forever Young’s last time to compete in The Saudi Cup, so we will do our best to bring his full potential,” Yahagi said.

The Japanese challenge is strengthened by Sunrise Zipangu (JPN), trained by Kyoko Maekawa, and Luxor Cafe (USA) under Noriyuki Hori. Brazilian ace Joao Moreira rides Luxor Cafe, while Oisin Murphy partners Sunrise Zipangu. Maekawa, Japan Racing Association’s first licensed female trainer, is eager to make her mark: “I expect a good result with Sunrise Zipangu. We prepared him well in Japan, and he’s adjusting perfectly here.”

The British and American contingent is equally formidable. Mhally (GB), winner of the G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, carries jockey Ricardo Ferreira; Ameerat Alzamaan (GB), the only filly in the field, will be ridden by Ryan Moore for Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable; while King Saud Cup winner Haqeet (USA) and King Faisal Cup victor Star Of Wonder (USA) represent Saudi contenders under trainers Saad Aljenad and Camilo Ospina, respectively. Other American hopes include Banishing (USA), Rattle N Roll (USA), and Bishops Bay (USA), completing a truly global lineup alongside Thundersquall (GB) and Tumbarumba (USA).

Saturday’s 1800m showdown promises high drama, pitting the world’s best dirt horses against each other in a spectacle of speed, stamina, and international prestige. Will Forever Young cement his legacy, or will new challengers rewrite history? Racing fans are in for a night to remember.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

Fakenham Racecourse will host an exciting seven-race Jump meeting on February 13, 2026, promising a competitive afternoon of National Hunt action under the British Horseracing Authority. The card will feature a balanced mix of hurdle races, steeplechases and a National Hunt Flat contest, with prize money ranging from £5,000 to £10,000. The joint-highest valued contests on the day will be Race 3 and Race 4, both carrying £10,000 in total prize money, highlighting the quality on offer at the Norfolk track.

The meeting will begin at 1:20 pm with Race 1, The £150,000 Prize Money on 4th May Handicap Hurdle Race. Run over 2m 48y, this Class 5 contest will see six runners line up for a share of the £7,000 prize fund. As the opening event, it is likely to set a competitive tone for the afternoon, with middle-distance hurdlers testing their stamina and jumping rhythm around Fakenham’s tight circuit.

Race 2, The Tim Barclay Memorial Handicap Steeple Chase, will go off at 1:50 pm. Covering an extended 3m 5f 110y, this Class 5 staying chase will also offer £7,000 in prize money and feature six runners. With its demanding trip, the race will place a strong emphasis on endurance and accurate jumping, making it one of the sternest stamina tests of the day.

Race 3, The British EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle Race, will stand out as one of the feature contests on the Fakenham card, offering £10,000 in prize money and attracting a competitive field of six runners over 2m 4f 58y. No Cure (IRE), a five-year-old gelding, will be partnered by Kevin Brogan for trainer Toby Lawes, representing Andrew & Sarah Wates, and will look to make his presence felt in what promises to be a steadily run tactical affair around Fakenham’s tight circuit.

Swingin Safari (IRE), trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden, will bring strong credentials into the race, boasting a BHA rating of 122 and carrying 11st 8lbs, making him one of the leading contenders on official figures.

The Boss Bear (IRE) will have Tom Cannon in the saddle for the training duo of Gary & Josh Moore, adding further depth to the field with solid hurdling experience. Nicky Henderson’s Ionian (IRE), partnered by Nico de Boinville and carrying 11st 2lbs, will represent powerful connections and could progress further over this intermediate trip. Jury’s In (IRE), trained by Stuart Edmunds and ridden by Charlie Hammond, holds a BHA rating of 116 and will aim to use that experience to challenge the principals.

Completing the lineup is Porridge (IRE), a mare trained by Tracey Leeson and partnered by Mr Joseph Stevenson, who receives weight allowances and could prove competitive if improving for the step up in distance. With leading trainers, experienced jockeys and progressive novice hurdlers in action, this Class 4 contest is set to play a key role in shaping the afternoon’s highlights at Fakenham.

Race 4, The Terry Moyise Memorial Mares’ Handicap Steeple Chase, is scheduled to take place at 2:50 pm and will be one of the joint-highest prize-money races on the Fakenham card, offering a total purse of £10,000. Run over 2m 5f 106y, this Class 4 contest has attracted a select but competitive field of four mares, ensuring a tactical and closely fought battle around Fakenham’s tight and testing circuit. With stamina and accurate jumping set to play a crucial role, the race is expected to be one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Heading the weights is Kalista Love (FR), a six-year-old trained by Tom Symonds and ridden by Ben Poste, who carries 11st 7lbs and holds the highest BHA rating of 106 in the field. Moviddy (IRE), trained by Noel Williams and partnered by Jack Hogan, is rated 101 and will carry 11st 2lbs, bringing plenty of experience into the contest.

Course-and-distance performer Jacks Touch (IRE), trained by Sarah Humphrey and ridden by Tom Cannon, also carries 11st 2lbs off a rating of 101, while Belle Montrose (IRE), representing Samuel Drinkwater with Kevin Brogan aboard, completes the lineup on the same mark and weight. With three mares closely matched on ratings and a valuable £10,000 prize fund at stake, the 2:50 pm feature promises to deliver an intense and competitive showdown.

The staying division will return to the spotlight in Race 5 at 3:25 pm, The William Bulwer Long Memorial Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase. Run over 3m 112y, this Class 5 event will offer £5,000 in prize money and include five runners. Open Hunters’ chases often produce thrilling finishes, and the extended trip will again demand resilience and precise jumping.

Race 6, The Racing TV Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle Race, will take place at 4:00 pm. This Class 5 contest over 2m 7f 163y will be worth £7,000 and will see five runners compete. With a near three-mile distance, it will test both novice ability and stamina, potentially identifying progressive types suited to longer-distance hurdles in the future.

The card will conclude at 4:35 pm with Race 7, The Racing TV Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race. Run over 2m 48y and offering £6,000 in prize money, this Class 4 event will feature six runners. As a bumper race, it will provide an opportunity for unexposed horses to gain valuable racecourse experience and make their first impressions under rules.

Overall, Fakenham’s February 13 meeting will deliver a varied and competitive programme, highlighted by two £10,000 feature contests and a strong mix of hurdles, chases and a concluding bumper. With compact but competitive fields throughout the afternoon, racegoers can expect tactical battles and stamina-testing performances across the Norfolk circuit.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.

The Asian Racing Conference was told on Thursday that the long-term health of horse racing depends on its ability to connect meaningfully with younger generations, both as fans and as future professionals within the sport.

Addressing delegates at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mr Andrew Harding, Secretary General of the Asian Racing Federation and Executive Director of Racing at The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), delivered a pointed message during a session titled ‘The Future Sustainability of Racing and Breeding’.

“Our sport goes back more than centuries,” Mr Harding said, “but in terms of its future, this will depend on its relevance to youth. Beyond their participation as fans, there is the question of their participation in the workforce.”

Asian Racing Conference spotlights youth engagement

Mr Harding stressed that attracting young people is not simply a matter of expanding the audience base. It is fundamental to maintaining a skilled and passionate workforce capable of safeguarding equine welfare standards. Without committed young professionals entering the industry, he warned, racing’s sustainability could be compromised.

He underlined that welfare is inseparable from workforce development. The care of racehorses, he noted, depends on knowledgeable and dedicated individuals who see the sport as a long-term vocation rather than a passing interest.

His comments set the tone for broader discussions at the Asian Racing Conference, where sustainability emerged as a central theme across multiple panels.

Mr Philip Newton, Chair of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, highlighted the global nature of racing’s challenges. With horses regularly moving between jurisdictions, he said, the industry’s issues require coordinated international solutions.

Newton drew attention to a one-third reduction in worldwide foal crops, describing it as a significant sustainability concern. “Because the foal crop is falling, the size of the herd is falling, and then opportunity is falling,” he explained. “The ability to invest in stallions disappears.”

He cautioned against relying solely on domestic markets. “Any product that is launched today must have global appeal. To rely upon a domestic market is a high-risk strategy and it is bound to fail,” he said, noting that younger generations rank welfare among their principal concerns when evaluating the sport.

Yet Newton also pointed to evidence of strong global interest in elite international racing, suggesting there remains a platform upon which the sport can build — provided it maintains public confidence.

“If breeders are to thrive, we must work collectively across jurisdictions, particularly on issues such as welfare, traceability and sustainability. Public confidence is no longer optional, it is essential,” he added.

The panel featured a cross-section of international voices, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan and the United States, reflecting the collaborative tone of the Asian Racing Conference.

Among them was Japanese bloodstock agent Mr Yukio Shimokobe, who emphasised the value of long-term planning. “Sustainable success does not come from short-term trends, but from consistent policy, education and respect for the horse,” he said, citing Japan’s decades-long investment in broodmare quality and horsemanship.

In a separate session titled ‘Equine Welfare’, experts examined aftercare initiatives and technological advances aimed at enhancing equine safety. Dr Chris Riggs, Director of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation, discussed injury prevention and emerging research into genetic markers associated with fracture risk.

“We now recognise that there are certain genes associated with an increased risk to fractures,” Dr Riggs said, while cautioning that reducing injury rates remains complex.

He also called for stronger industry-wide collaboration, referencing efforts supported by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to unify research and welfare initiatives across borders.

Panellists further highlighted the growing role of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, which over the past decade has helped standardise and professionalise aftercare practices worldwide.

Mr Eliot Forbes, Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Racing Integrity Board, said IFAR had made aftercare more visible and structured. “Most jurisdictions have not only acknowledged the importance of aftercare, but they’ve acted and delivered,” he noted.

Across sessions, the message of the Asian Racing Conference was clear: the sport’s heritage may be centuries old, but its future will be shaped by how effectively it adapts — embracing youth engagement, strengthening welfare standards and committing to global cooperation.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

Al Rayyan will once again become the beating heart of the region’s racing world on Friday, February 13, as the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club stages Day 3 of the 50th H.H. The Amir Sword Festival – Far Bend. There is something special about the third afternoon of a major festival. The opening nerves have settled, the grand finale still waits ahead, and yet the competition sharpens. Between 3:00pm and 7:05pm, eight races will unfold in a program that blends prestige, heritage and serious prize money, led by the evening’s showpiece – the $400,000 AL RAYYAN BREEDERS CUP.

Celebrating its golden jubilee, the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival stands as Qatar’s flagship racing event and one of the most significant fixtures in the international Purebred Arabian calendar. Staged over four days from 11 February to 14 February, the festival reflects the nation’s deep equestrian roots and its growing global influence in the sport. Day 3 will carry that legacy forward with a card that balances local pride with international firepower.

The action will begin sharply at 3:00pm with Race 1 – the THOROUGHBRED SPRINT CUP. This Class 2 contest for horses rated 80–100, open to four-year-olds and above, will see 11 runners charge over 1200m for $100,000. On the Far Bend track, early speed will be decisive, and the opening sprint will immediately set a competitive tone for the afternoon.

At 3:35pm, Race 2 – the PUREBRED ARABIAN 4YO CUP – will bring a shift in rhythm. Six runners will line up over 1750m in this Class 2 event, chasing a purse of $120,000. The focus will move from sheer pace to measured stamina as emerging four-year-old Arabians attempt to stamp their authority on festival day.

The momentum will continue at 4:10pm with Race 3 – the PUREBRED ARABIAN FILLY AND MARE SEADA CUP. Twelve runners will contest this 1750m Class 2 feature worth $110,000. Fillies and mares will command the spotlight, and with a full field assembled, positioning and patience will likely define the outcome.

Race 4 at 4:45pm will mirror that intensity with the THOROUGHBRED FILLY AND MARE ORYX CUP. Fourteen runners, the largest field on the card, will tackle 1750m for another $110,000. With numbers comes complexity, and the Far Bend will demand tactical precision from both jockeys and trainers.

At 5:20pm, the international dimension will rise further with Race 5 – the GULF CUPPUREBRED ARABIAN BRED IN GCC. This Class 1 contest over 1600m carries $120,000 in prize money and features 13 runners. As an international race, it will showcase regional breeding strength and competitive depth from across the Gulf.

The tempo will lift again at 5:55pm for Race 6 – the PUREBRED ARABIAN SPRINT CUP. A Class 1 Listed international contest over 1200m, it offers a substantial $200,000 purse and brings together 13 high-calibre contenders. The line-up reads like a roll call of global talent: Al Khbaib with Faleh Bughenaim for Jean de Mieulle; Al Sij Al Sakab partnered by Soufiane Saadi for Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya; Hamas La Gloire under Tom Marquand for Hamad Al-Jehani; and Posuelo Py ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, also for Al-Jehani.

International stars such as Christophe Soumillon on Rasasi, Maxime Guyon on Shgarde, and Lukas Delozier aboard Nah’ash Al Shahania will add further depth. With trainers representing Qatar and the UAE, this sprint will promise explosive fractions and world-class execution.

Race 7 – the AL ZUBARA CUP – will follow at 6:30pm, a 2000m Class 1 test for local Purebred Arabians, carrying $200,000.
Seven runners will line up, including Al Mutaghatris with Tom Marquand for Julian Colin Smart, Razika under James Doyle for Alban Elie De Mieulle, and Zah’ran Al Shahania partnered by Pierre Charles Boudot for Hamad Al-Jehani. Over the longer trip, stamina and timing will be critical as connections aim to secure one of the afternoon’s richest prizes.

Then, as twilight settles over Al Rayyan, attention will turn to Race 8 – the AL RAYYAN BREEDERS CUP at 7:05pm. This 2000m Local Thoroughbred Class 1 feature, with $400,000 in prize money, will stand as the headline act of Day 3.
Nine runners will contest the crown. Al Faisal with Maxime Guyon for Khalifa Hamed Nasser Al Sawai, Al Jaish under Faleh Bughenaim for Jean de Mieulle, and Equinoxe partnered by James Doyle for Alban Elie De Mieulle will all aim to command the spotlight.

Rayyan Bu Thaila with Tom Marquand, Royalty with Jefferson Smith, and Saida ridden by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi will further strengthen a field where every move will matter. Over 2000m, endurance and composure will decide who claims the richest prize of the day.

As Day 3 unfolds, the 50th H.H. The Amir Sword Festival will continue to demonstrate why it stands at the summit of Qatar’s racing calendar. And with one more day still to come, Qatar Racecards 13 February will serve as both a crescendo and a promise – that the golden jubilee celebration of Qatar’s most prestigious racing festival is far from over.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.

A memorable night of racing took place on Thursday evening at Bahrain Turf Club, where sprint and middle-distance contests were run from 5:30 pm through to 9:00 pm, producing decisive performances across the evening card.

Eight races across varying distances delivered competitive finishes, with several stables registering strong performances through the meeting before the feature Al Sharif Group Cup brought proceedings to a close.

The meeting opened with the Safra Cup over a sprint trip, where KUHEILAN AAFAS secured victory under jockey Ali Isa for trainer Yousif Alboainain, representing owner Al Riffa, recording a winning time of 1:09.924.

Race two, the Crown Industries B.S.C (C) Cup, followed at 6:00 pm and saw MIND YOUR MANNERS deliver a solid performance for jockey Lee Newman and trainer Paul Smith, scoring for M and E Racing in 1:25.291.

The Crown Industries B.S.C (C) Mile Cup at 6:30 pm went to STELLAR ARROW, ridden by Hussain Asghar and prepared by Mohamed Hasan for Al Mohamediya Racing, stopping the clock at 1:37.621.

Sprint honours in the Al Sharif Group Sprint Cup at 7:00 pm were claimed by SHARKII, partnered by Abdulla Faisal and trained by Mahmood Jawad for Al Sharq Racing, finishing in 1:11.527.

Race five, the Al Sharif Group Bahrain Bred Cup at 7:30 pm, saw ZEAL edge clear under Ebrahim Nader for trainer Haider Ebrahim and owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, posting 1:11.546.

The sixth contest at 8:00 pm produced a decisive win for FAHAAL, with Ray Dawson riding for trainer Ali Abdulmajeed and owner Al Mohamediya Racing, the runner completing the distance in 1:52.321.

At 8:30 pm, LAZARUS DREAM delivered another success for the Ali Abdulmajeed for owner Al Mohamediya Racing, with Hasan Al Saffar aboard as the pair recorded a winning time of 2:04.265.

The evening concluded with the feature Al Sharif Group Cup at 9:00 pm, where AZKA secured victory for jockey Stephane Ladjadj, trainer Fawzi Nass, and owner Azka Racing, completing the contest in 2:19.661 to close the meeting.

The Bahrain Race Results 12 February demonstrated competitive depth across sprint and distance events, with multiple trainers and owners registering notable successes while maintaining consistent race times throughout the evening.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.

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