Racing returns to Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 19 February 2026, for the 53rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Loyalty Cup, an eight-race programme staged under lights and organised by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). Proceedings get underway at 20:00 and continue through to 00:05, offering a varied card that combines Local Thoroughbred handicaps with Purebred Arabian features. The highlight of the evening is the Loyalty Cup – Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate (4yo Only) over 1600m, carrying a substantial purse of 120,000 QAR and serving as the focal point of the night’s competition.
The evening begins with the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 0–45 (Class 6) over 2000m at 20:00, carrying 45,000 QAR in prize money. Speed comes sharply into focus in Race 2 at 20:35, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 75–95 (Class 3) over 1200m for 70,000 QAR. The competitive flow continues with Race 3 at 21:10, The Late Saeed Bin Ahmed Al-Rabia Al-Kuwari Cup – Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6) over 1400m (50,000 QAR), offering emerging runners a chance to break through. At 21:45, the spotlight shifts to Arabians again in The Late Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Fuhaid Cup – Purebred Arabian Novice Plate (Class 5) over 1400m for 60,000 QAR.
Race 5 and Race 6, staged at 22:20 and 22:55 respectively, feature the The Late Rashid Mubarak Al-Shafi Cup – Thoroughbred Handicap 65–85 (Class 4) and its Division 2, both sharp 1000m contests each worth 60,000 QAR, where early pace and track position will be decisive. At 23:30, the fillies and mares command attention in The Late Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi Cup – Thoroughbred Handicap Fillies and Mares 75–95 (Class 3) over 1400m for 70,000 QAR. The curtain falls at 00:05 with the prestigious Loyalty Cup – Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate (4yo Only) (Class 4) over 1600m, offering 120,000 QAR and likely attracting some of the most progressive four-year-old Arabians in training.
With a total prize fund of 535,000 QAR on offer, the 53rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting stands as one of the more compelling fixtures of the season. The blend of competitive handicaps, emerging maiden talent and a valuable Arabian showpiece ensures depth across the programme. By the time the Loyalty Cup is decided shortly after midnight, connections will have earned every riyal, and racegoers can expect an evening defined by tight finishes, tactical battles and a fitting celebration of Qatar’s local racing strength.