Under the warm evening glow of Al Uqda, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Lusail Cup will stand as Thursday’s (4th December) defining spectacle. The 1200m sprint for fillies and mares, backed by a Qr 100,000 purse, promises a clash of speed and spirit as connections ready their hopefuls for the moment that could reshape their season. With the feature set to close the card, every race leading up to it will help build the rhythm, emotion, and anticipation that define a standout meeting in Qatar.
The afternoon will begin with the Thoroughbred Rated Maiden Plate (Class 6) at 15:30, stretching over 2200m for Qr 45,000. It will be a test of patience and maturity for newcomers still searching for their first break. Trainers of these unraced or lightly raced contenders will walk the rails with quiet optimism, hoping the long trip unlocks hidden potential.
At 16:05, the meeting will shift to the heart and stamina of the Purebred Arabian Handicap 50–70 (Class 5), also run over 2200m. The Qr 50,000 prize ensures strong participation from stables backing seasoned Arabians capable of grinding down the long route with characteristic grit.
The staying theme continues at 16:40 with the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 0–50 (Class 5). The 2200m journey, worth Qr 45,000, will showcase home-trained runners aiming to outstay their rivals. For many local teams, this race offers a valuable opportunity to shine on a competitive card.
Momentum begins to shift at 17:15, when the Thoroughbred Novice Plate (Class 5) injects fresh energy into the meeting. Run over 1400m for Qr 55,000, it will bring forward novice horses brimming with unpolished talent. With shorter distance and quick tempo, this race may well reveal a rising name for the winter season ahead.
Speed takes full command at 17:50 in the Purebred Arabian Handicap 70–90 (Class 3), a sharp 1200m dash for Qr 65,000. Known for producing tight finishes, this sprint will likely reward early positioning and clean breakaways, electrifying spectators as the sun begins to dip behind the Al Rayyan stands.
The build-up intensifies with Race 6 at 18:25—the Purebred Arabian Conditions (Class 2) event. At 1400m for Qr 85,000, this contest traditionally draws high-quality Arabians capable of balancing speed with tactical control. It will serve as an essential prelude to the main event.
Finally, the meeting will reach its peak at 19:00 with the running of the Lusail Cup – Thoroughbred (Fillies & Mares). The 1200m, Qr 100,000 feature will demand precision and courage from every participant. As the floodlights bathe Al Uqda in gold and anticipation peaks, this race will offer one final surge of excitement—a fitting finale to an evening shaped by rising tension, shifting tempos, and the unmistakable charm of Qatar’s racing stage.
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