The 27th Al Rayyan Race Meeting will be staged on Wednesday, 24 December, with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) assembling an eight-race programme from 4:00 pm to 8:05 pm that places emphasis on competitive depth and progression. The structure of the evening will revolve around Race 6, the Muaither Cup, a 1700-metre Class 2 Purebred Arabian Handicap carrying a purse of QAR 120,000 and expected to provide the clearest measure of quality within the card.
The supporting programme is structured around depth rather than spectacle, combining large-field handicaps, maiden opportunities, and progressive Arabian contests that place emphasis on discipline, positioning, and sustained effort.
The programme will open at 4:00 pm with Race 1, a Thoroughbred Handicap 45–65 (Class 6) featuring a full field of 20 runners over a demanding 2500 metres, racing for QAR 50,000 and immediately testing stamina and patience.
At 4:35 pm, Race 2, the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6) over 1200 metres, will present 14 contenders their first opportunity to break through for QAR 50,000.
Arabian competition will take centre stage in Race 3 at 5:10 pm, the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6), where 18 runners will contest 1900 metres for an enhanced purse of QAR 85,000.
Race 4, scheduled for 5:45 pm, will bring together 20 runners in the Thoroughbred Handicap 0–75 (Class 5), a Qatari Riders Race over 1900 metres for QAR 55,000, placing emphasis on positioning and control.
The same distance and prize level will apply in Race 5 at 6:20 pm, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 55–75 (Class 5), again attracting a maximum field of 20 runners.
The evening’s centrepiece arrives at 6:55 pm with Race 6 – the Muaither Cup, a Purebred Arabian Handicap 80–100 (Class 2) over 1700 metres. With 17 runners engaged and QAR 120,000 on offer, this contest is expected to define the night in both quality and consequence. As the meeting’s most valuable contest, it is expected to separate established performers from the advancing ranks.
Contenders: Al Khbaib, Mared Al Jasra, Al Nati Up, Nasser Al Shahania, Sun Amer, Ghanem, Al Mustafiz, Al Kazim, Alhafar, Lwich De Bozouls along with a few more.
The closing phase will begin at 7:30 pm with Race 7, the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 0–65 (Class 4) over 1700 metres, featuring 20 runners competing for QAR 60,000.
The meeting will conclude at 8:05 pm with Race 8, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 75–95 (Class 3) over 1900 metres, where 12 runners will vie for QAR 70,000, bringing the programme to a controlled and competitive close.
While depth and volume will define much of the evening, the Muaither Cup is set to stand apart, offering a clear reference point for class within the Purebred Arabian ranks and ensuring the 27th Al Rayyan Race Meeting concludes with purpose rather than spectacle.
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