Prestige and performance will converge at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, as nine races unfold in a programme that blends patience, speed, stamina and prestige. From developing maidens to seasoned handicappers, the card will build steadily toward a compelling finale, with the Ras Rokn Island Cup standing proudly as the feature contest of the day.
The narrative of the day will lead inexorably to Race 9, the Ras Rokn Island Cup – Local Thoroughbred Handicap 45-70, a Class 3 contest over 2000 metres carrying the day’s highest purse of Qr 100,000. Scheduled for 19:10, the race is set to bring together progressive local thoroughbreds testing both balance and resolve over middle distance, and it is expected to provide a fitting climax under the evening lights.
The programme will commence at 14:30 with Race 1, the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6) over 2000 metres, worth Qr 85,000. As ever with maiden events, quiet anticipation will surround unexposed runners stepping into competition, where raw potential and patience will be the defining currencies.
Momentum will continue at 15:05 with Race 2, the Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6), also run over 2000 metres for Qr 85,000. This contest is expected to mirror the opener in intrigue, as connections look for early signs that their horses are ready to move through the ranks.
Speed will take centre stage in Race 3 at 15:40, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 45-65 (Class 6) over a sharp 1200 metres, with Qr 45,000 on offer. The shorter trip is likely to reward tactical sharpness and fast-breaking ability, making positioning from the gate crucial.
At 16:15, Race 4 will raise the bar with the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 55-75 (Class 5), again over 1200 metres, and carrying a purse of Qr 50,000. With a higher rating band, this race should showcase more seasoned performers capable of sustaining speed under pressure.
Stamina will return to focus in Race 5 at 16:50, the Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75 (Class 5) over a testing 2200 metres. Valued at Qr 50,000, this race is expected to favour runners with proven endurance, as the longer distance often exposes any weakness late on.
The quality will deepen further at 17:25 with Race 6, the Thoroughbred Handicap 65-85 (Class 4) over 2000 metres, worth Qr 55,000. This contest should feature well-established campaigners, where racecraft and timing may prove as decisive as raw ability.
Arabian talent will then return to the fore in Race 7 at 18:00, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4) over 1200 metres, also offering Qr 55,000. With higher-rated runners engaged, the pace and competitiveness are expected to lift noticeably.
A distinctive chapter of the evening will arrive at 18:35 with Race 8, the Purebred Arabian Show Mares event over 1100 metres, carrying Qr 50,000 in prize money. This race will add elegance and character to the card, celebrating both athleticism and presentation.
All eyes will ultimately turn to Race 9, the Ras Rokn Island Cup – Local Thoroughbred Handicap 45–70 (Class 3), scheduled for 19:10 over 2000 metres. With Qr 100,000 on offer, the feature contest is expected to draw a well-matched and competitive field, bringing together progressive and proven performers for a searching test at the close of the meeting.
Among those set to shape the narrative of the Ras Rokn Island Cup is Mutamarrid, prepared by Jihad El Ahmad and partnered by Pierre-Charles Boudot, alongside Sky Blue, who will represent Maayouf Bin Hashim Al-Shamari under Fayos Martin Borja. The locally trained Suheal Qatar, guided by Abdulaziz Hamad Al Marri with Saleh Salem Al-Marri in the saddle, adds further substance to a race where margins are expected to be fine.
Depth and intrigue are reinforced by several contrasting profiles. Lemon Ginger, trained by Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, will be ridden by Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, while Al Gamamah is set to carry the colours of Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki with Tomas Lukasek aboard. Moharb, representing Gassim AlGhazali under Marco Casamento, is joined by Royalty, ridden by Damien Morin for Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, and Mushaakis, with Jefferson Smith booked for Zuhair Mohsen, ensuring the finale promises a balanced and absorbing contest.
Altogether, the Al Uqda racecards 4 February is set to deliver a balanced and engaging narrative—from hopeful beginnings to a high-value finale—reflecting the depth and rhythm of Qatar’s winter racing season.
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