The HH The Amir Sword Festival will break new ground this week as it returns to the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) under the banner “Our Legacy in the Lead,” marking both a milestone edition and the 50th anniversary of the host venue. For the first time, the HH The Amir Sword Festival will unfold across four days, from Wednesday 11 February to Saturday 14 February 2026, promising a spectacle worthy of its golden jubilee setting.
A total of 32 races will be staged during the expanded programme, bringing together elite Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds from Qatar and abroad. The traditional “Al Sabiq” Championship, showcasing emerging Qatari riders, adds a distinctive domestic touch to a festival that continues to grow in stature and international reach.
The opening two days will focus on the sand track, where proven performers in both Arabian and Thoroughbred divisions will set the tone. Attention then shifts to turf for the final two days, culminating in a closing afternoon headlined by two of the most prestigious contests in the region: the HH The Amir Sword and the HH The Amir Trophy, each carrying prize money of USD 2.5 million.
Al Ghadeer Eyes Historic Treble in HH The Amir Sword Festival
At the heart of the HH The Amir Sword Festival lies its centrepiece: the Group 1 HH The Amir Sword over 2400 metres for Purebred Arabians. All eyes will be on Al Ghadeer, who bids to secure a remarkable third consecutive triumph in the race.
A victory would not only see him defend his crown but also complete a historic third Doha Triple Crown, further cementing his status among the greats of Purebred Arabian racing. His task, however, will be far from straightforward. Wathnan Racing is represented by UK Arabian Derby winner Lippo De Carrere and multiple Group PA scorer Haseef, while Al Shahania Stud fields Samsa Al Shahania in pursuit of regaining the coveted Sword.
International Depth in HH The Amir Trophy
The HH The Amir Trophy, now run as an International Group 2, continues to attract high-calibre contenders from across the globe. Japanese challenger Satono Glanz returns for a third attempt after finishing runner-up in the past two editions. He is joined by fellow Japanese Group 2 winners Byzantine Dream and Deep Monster, adding further depth to the contest.
El Cordobes will carry strong international credentials into the race, prepared along lines similar to those previously followed by past Trophy hero Rebel’s Romance, ensuring another fiercely competitive renewal over the turf.
Silver Sword Showdown
The HH The Amir Silver Sword, contested over 2000 metres, assembles a field of 16, including four leading French-trained Purebred Arabians. Among them is the unbeaten Laffan, whose Group 1 PA success in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains stamped him as one of the most progressive performers in training. Stablemate Alhaarith, Sienne Al Maury and Inaya Grine add further depth to what promises to be a searching examination of stamina and class.
Domestic Pride in the Shalfa
The closing day opens with the HH The Amir Shalfa, Qatar’s most prestigious domestic handicap over 2000 metres. Aafoor returns to defend the title he claimed last year and arrives in form following success in the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, underlining the strength of local competition at the Festival.
Global Interest Across Supporting Races
The Group 1 PA Qatar International Cup over 1600 metres features dual Group 3 winner Lino and last year’s fourth Jenkille Hipolyte, both bringing strong credentials into the race.
The Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup, upgraded to International Listed status, sees Point Lynas attempt to improve on last year’s runner-up finish, while defending champion General Panic returns after another solid season.
In the Al Rayyan Mile, Pacific Avenue seeks to build on his previous Doha success, while Irish-trained Andab adds further intrigue following a Listed win at Dundalk.
As the HH The Amir Sword Festival celebrates half a century of QREC, the four-day showcase stands as both a tribute to the past and a bold statement of intent for the future. With elite competition across divisions and continents, the Festival looks set to deliver racing of the highest calibre on every card.
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