The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) will host the 38th Al Rayyan Meeting on Saturday, 17th January 2026, with a competitive ten-race programme scheduled to run from late morning through the afternoon. The card will feature a mix of Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred contests, including high-value local races and an internationally rated Grade 3 event.
The meeting will open at 11:45 with Race 1, the Local Purebred Arabian – Filly and Mare Al Na’ama Cup (Class 2), staged over 1750 metres and offering a rich USD 100,000 in prize money. This opening contest will set an emotional tone, celebrating the elegance and resilience of Arabian fillies and mares as they launch the day’s sporting narrative.
Momentum will build swiftly at 12:20 with Race 2, the Local Thoroughbred – Filly and Mare Desert Rose Cup (Class 2). Also run over 1750 metres for USD 100,000, the race will shine a spotlight on developing female talent within the local Thoroughbred ranks, promising a contest shaped by patience, timing, and tactical awareness.
Speed and intensity will take centre stage at 12:55 in Race 3, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Thoroughbred Open Sprint (Class 2). Over a sharp 1200 metres and worth USD 50,000, this sprint will test raw pace and nerve, where fractions of a second could decide glory or heartbreak.
Youthful promise will follow at 13:30 in Race 4, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – 3YO Thoroughbreds (Class 2). Contested over 1400 metres for USD 50,000, this race will offer a glimpse into the future of Qatar’s Thoroughbred programme, with emerging three-year-olds seeking to announce themselves on a competitive stage.
At 14:05, the afternoon will deepen in quality with Race 5, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Local Thoroughbreds (Class 1). Run across 1750 metres and carrying USD 55,000 in prize money, this Class 1 event will demand maturity and consistency, rewarding horses that have already proven their class at the highest local level.
Versatility and balance will be tested at 14:35 in Race 6, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2). Over 1400 metres for USD 50,000, this open contest will bring together contrasting running styles, ensuring a tactical and emotionally charged battle to the line.
Purebred Arabian excellence will return at 15:10 with Race 7, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Purebred Arabians Open Race (Class 2). Spanning 1750 metres and offering USD 50,000, the race will highlight the enduring stamina and spirit that define the Arabian breed.
The stakes will rise sharply at 15:45 in Race 8, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – 4YO Purebred Arabians (Class 2). With USD 100,000 on offer over 1750 metres, this race will be a pivotal moment for four-year-olds standing at the crossroads between promise and prestige.
International attention will focus firmly on Race 9 at 16:20, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Purebred Arabians (Class 1 Gr 3) International Race. Run over a demanding 2200 metres and carrying USD 100,000 in prize money, this Grade 3 contest will represent the global heartbeat of the meeting, where class, stamina, and international reputation will be fiercely tested.
The curtain will fall at 16:55 with Race 10, the Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle – Thoroughbreds (Class 1) “Win and In” Shalfa Qualifier. Over 2200 metres and worth USD 100,000, this finale will carry an added layer of drama, as victory will not only secure prize money but also open the door to greater ambitions beyond Al Rayyan.
As the sun begins to dip over the QREC track, the 38th Al Rayyan Meeting will stand poised to deliver a full spectrum of racing emotion — from elegance and speed to endurance and international aspiration. It will be a day where every race tells its own story, and where the heartbeat of Qatari racing will resonate far beyond the finish line.
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