Few fixtures on the regional calendar command the same reverence as the HH The Amir Sword Festival, and this week Al Rayyan Racecourse will once again assume centre stage. From Wednesday to Saturday, the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC)will present its flagship event, with preparations complete for a meeting that consistently showcases the pinnacle of Arabian and Thoroughbred racing.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Festival, Acting CEO Mr Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish assured that the venue and infrastructure are fully prepared to welcome connections, officials and racegoers for four days of top-class sport. He was joined by Deputy CEO Mr Ahmed Al Sheebani and Racing Manager Mr Abdulla Al Kubaisi, alongside representatives of supporting organisations.
This year’s HH The Amir Sword Festival will feature 32 races in total. The first two days will be staged on the sand track, bringing together leading Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds, before attention switches to the turf for the final two days. The third day includes a key race dedicated to local breeders, underlining Qatar’s commitment to its domestic programme.
The meeting will culminate on Saturday with its two showpieces — the HH The Amir Sword for Purebred Arabians and the HH The Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds — each carrying prize money of USD 2.5 million. In a notable development, the Trophy has been upgraded to International Group 2 status this year. Both features will be run as Races 3 and 4 on the closing card.
There is added interest surrounding Al Ghadeer, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, who bids to secure a third consecutive victory in the Sword. Should he succeed, he would complete the Doha Triple Crown for the third time — an achievement never before accomplished.
New additions to the programme include the Middle-Distance Cup (1700m, Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 85–105), the Sand Sprint Cup (1200m, Thoroughbred Handicap 85–105) and the Qatar International Thoroughbred Handicap Cup (2400m, 90–110), further strengthening an already competitive schedule.
With prestige, prize money and history on the line, the HH The Amir Sword Festival once again stands as the centrepiece of Qatar’s racing calendar.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.