Qatar’s winter racing season will step into sharper focus on Thursday afternoon as the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) stages the landmark 40th Al Uqda Race Meeting, a nine-race programme that will blend depth, diversity, and rising quality from start to finish. Scheduled from 2:30pm to 7:10pm, the card will span Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds across multiple classes, building steadily toward the day’s defining contest, the 100,000 QAR Al Arish Cup, set to close proceedings under the lights.
The meeting will open with competitive intent at 2:30pm through Race 1 – Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate, a Class 6 contest over 1400 metres. With 14 runners declared and 85,000 QAR on offer, the opener is expected to set an honest tempo early, as emerging Arabian prospects look to establish themselves in a crowded maiden field.
Momentum will carry into Race 2 – Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate at 3:05pm, restricted to four-year-olds in Class 6 conditions. Again run over 1400 metres with 14 runners, this 45,000 QAR contest will likely hinge on race positioning and composure, as lightly raced types seek their first breakthrough.
The card will then shift codes at 3:40pm with Race 3 – Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, a Class 6 event over 1400 metres. With 12 runners lining up for a 45,000 QAR purse, this race is expected to test developing Thoroughbreds still learning their craft, where tactical speed and balance could prove decisive.
Stamina will come into play in Race 4 – Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 0–65, scheduled for 4:15pm. Run over 2200 metres with 11 runners, this Class 6 handicap for 45,000 QAR should reward patience and rhythm, particularly as the longer trip places emphasis on finishing strength rather than early pace.
At 4:50pm, the spotlight will fall on Race 5 – Thoroughbred Fillies And Mare Novice Plate, a Class 5 contest over 1400 metres. With 14 runners and 55,000 QAR at stake, this race is set to showcase developing female talent, offering an important platform for progression into stronger company.
Quality will lift further in Race 6 – Thoroughbred Handicap 70–90 at 5:25pm. This Class 3 event over 1400 metres will attract 14 runners competing for 65,000 QAR, and is expected to deliver one of the sharper tactical battles of the afternoon, where timing and positioning will be critical.
A second Class 3 contest follows swiftly at 6:00pm with Race 7 – Thoroughbred Handicap 70–90, this time featuring 11 runners and a 20,000 QAR purse. Though lighter in prize money, the race is likely to be keenly contested, offering little margin for error.
Endurance and class will combine in Race 8 – Thoroughbred Handicap 75–95, a Shalfa Qualifier over 2200 metres at 6:35pm. Thirteen runners will line up for 65,000 QAR, making this a pivotal test for horses aiming to progress through the upper tiers of the programme.
The evening will culminate at 7:10pm with Race 9 – Al Arish Cup – Purebred Arabian Conditions, the feature race of the day. Run over 1300 metres for Class 2 performers, this 100,000 QAR contest with 12 runners is set to provide a fitting finale, combining speed, class, and prestige on a stage worthy of the Al Uqda milestone.
Contenders: Al Khbaib, Al Zwair, Jenkille Hipolyte, Kamun Du Nil, Taymoor Al Shahania, Lattam, Nah’ash Al Shahania, Nasser Al Shahania, Shagraan, RM Wadha, Manjam, Dabas
As the 40th edition of Al Uqda unfolds, Qatar Racecards 22 January are poised to reflect the depth and ambition of Qatar racing, delivering a programme where opportunity, progression, and quality converge across a compelling winter afternoon.
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