Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at Al Rayyan will stage a richly layered race meeting on Thursday, 15 January 2026, with a nine-race programme designed to test speed, resilience and rising talent. Headlining the card will be Race 9, the Khor Al Adaid Cup, a Class 1 QA-Gr3 Thoroughbred contest over 2800 metres worth Qr 350,000, set to provide a demanding and prestigious climax to the evening.
The afternoon will begin promptly at 15:00 with Race 1, a Thoroughbred Handicap 65–85 (Class 4) over 1600 metres, carrying a total prize money of Qr 60,000. As the opening act, it is expected to set the tone for the day, offering competitive racing among seasoned handicappers eager to make an early impression. Momentum will continue at 15:35 with Race 2, another Thoroughbred Handicap 65–85 (Class 4) over the same 1600-metre trip and also worth Qr 60,000, likely to mirror the intensity of the opener while presenting fresh tactical puzzles.
At 16:10, attention will turn to the younger generation in Race 3, the Thoroughbred Handicap 0–85 (3yo Only) (Class 4) over 1600 metres, again for Qr 60,000. This race is set to showcase emerging talent, where ambition often outweighs experience and future stars can begin to announce themselves on the QREC stage.
The programme will then switch breeds at 16:45 with Race 4, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 70–90 (Class 3), run over 1600 metres for Qr 70,000. Rich in tradition and local pride, this contest is expected to bring a different rhythm to the card, highlighting the elegance and competitiveness of Purebred Arabians at this level.
Speed will take centre stage at 17:20 in Race 5, the Thoroughbred Fillies and Mares Handicap 70–90 (Class 3) over a sharp 1200 metres, also worth Qr 70,000. With limited margins for error, this sprint is likely to reward tactical precision and raw pace, making it one of the most visually thrilling races of the afternoon.
Stamina and class will come back into focus at 17:55 with Race 6, the Thoroughbred (Fillies & Mares) Shalfa Qualifier (Class 2) over 2000 metres, carrying a purse of Qr 120,000. As a Shalfa qualifier, this race will hold added significance, with connections eyeing not just the immediate prize but future opportunities on the calendar.
As dusk deepens, Race 7 at 18:30 will feature the Local Purebred Arabian Conditions (Class 2) over 2000 metres, with Qr 90,000 on offer. This contest is set to celebrate local breeding and racing strength, often producing tactically intriguing battles shaped by familiarity and regional pride.
The build-up to the feature will intensify at 19:05 with Race 8, the Silver Sword Trial – 4YO Purebred Arabian (Class 2) Restricted Race) over 2000 metres, worth Qr 120,000. As a trial, it is expected to attract serious attention, serving as a key indicator of quality among the four-year-old Purebred Arabians and adding a layer of anticipation ahead of the finale.
All roads will then lead to 19:40, when the gates open for Race 9, the prestigious Khor Al Adaid Cup – Thoroughbred (Class 1 QA-Gr3). Run over a demanding 2800 metres and carrying Qr 350,000 in prize money, it will stand as the ultimate test of endurance and class on the night. This highlight race is poised to deliver a stirring conclusion, where patience, power and pedigree converge, and where victory carries not just financial reward but lasting prestige.
With a carefully balanced card that spans handicaps, qualifiers, trials and a high-class feature, QREC’s Thursday meeting is set to blend sporting excellence with atmosphere and expectation. From the opening stride at 15:00 to the final furlong of the Khor Al Adaid Cup, the day is poised to unfold as a memorable chapter in Qatar’s vibrant racing season.
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