The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club will usher in 2026 with intent and intensity on Thursday, January 1, as the 31st Al Rayyan Race Meeting takes centre stage. An eight-race program will unfold with rhythm and purpose, building steadily toward a high-stakes finale where the Race 8 – Umm Al Zubar Cup worth 120000 QAR is set to crown the opening statement of the New Year and define the evening’s narrative.
The card will get underway at 4:00 pm with Race 1, the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6) over 1700 metres. Ten runners will open proceedings in a 50,000 QAR contest that promises fresh faces and early-season ambition.
At 4:35 pm, Race 2 will raise the tempo with the Thoroughbred Handicap 0–60 (Class 6), also over 1700 metres. A competitive field of 16 runners will chase another 50,000 QAR, making it one of the most tactical races of the early program.
Arabian prospects will move into focus in Race 3 at 5:10 pm, the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6) over 1200 metres. Eleven runners will compete for 50,000 QAR, where speed and progression will be closely watched.
Experience will come to the fore in Race 4, the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 65–85 (Class 4) at 5:45 pm. Run over 1200 metres with eight runners, this 60,000 QAR contest is expected to sharpen the competitive edge as the card matures.
The evening will continue to build with Race 5 at 6:20 pm, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap 0–60 (Class 4) over 1200 metres. Twelve runners will line up for 60,000 QAR, offering a blend of pace and positioning before the card steps into higher class territory.
Quality will rise noticeably in Race 6, the Thoroughbred Handicap 80–100 (Class 2) at 7:08 pm. Eleven runners will contest 90,000 QAR over 1200 metres, marking a key test of proven ability on the program.
A unique highlight will arrive at 7:30 pm with Race 7, the Purebred Arabian Show Mare event over 1000 metres. Restricted to local-bred mares aged four and above from approved Arabian show strains, this 50,000 QAR race will bring elegance and precision into the spotlight, with no apprentice or Qatari rider allowances permitted.
All paths will then converge on Race 8, the Umm Al Zubar Cup – Purebred Arabian Open Allowance, scheduled for 8:05 pm. Run over 1900 metres and carrying 120,000 QAR, the feature will serve as the defining contest of the 31st Al Rayyan Race Meeting, closing the card with authority and ambition.
Contenders: Al Jori, Salwa, Mughayrh Alfalah, Medan, Za’eer Al Shahania, Lanvin De Faust, Hadi De Carrere, Burkan, Basheer Al Shahania, AJS Haizum
As QREC turns the page to 2026, this January 1 program at Al Rayyan will reflect renewal, competition, and intent. From emerging talent to feature-race prestige, the Qatar Racecards 1 January will begin with a race day designed to look forward, not back.
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