Qatar Racing Builds Toward the Al Judhay Cup as the 42nd Al Uqda Meeting Unfolds on January 28

A measured afternoon of competitive racing will take shape at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club on Wednesday, January 28, as the 42nd Al Uqda Race Meeting presents an eight-race programme running from 2:30pm to 6:35pm. The card will steadily build toward its defining moment, the Al Judhay Cup – Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate, a Class 6 contest worth 85,000 QAR that is set to close the meeting and draw the sharpest focus as the feature race of the day.

The opening exchanges will set the tempo early. Race 1, the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate over 1400 metres, will begin at 2:30pm and feature 12 runners competing for 45,000 QAR. As a Class 6 event, it will offer a first glimpse of emerging thoroughbred talent, where positioning and patience are likely to shape the outcome.

Momentum will continue at 3:05pm with Race 2, the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate. Another 1400-metre test, this Class 5 contest will also field 12 runners, this time racing for 55,000 QAR, and is expected to underline the depth of local Arabian bloodstock in a competitive novice setting.

Stamina will come more clearly into play in Race 3 at 3:40pm, as the Thoroughbred Novice Plate stretches out to 2200 metres. With nine runners contesting 55,000 QAR, this Class 5 event will provide a different tactical challenge and reward horses capable of settling early before finishing strongly.

The programme will then return to Arabian competition at 4:15pm with Race 4, the Purebred Arabian Handicap 50–70. Run over 1400 metres, this Class 5 handicap will see 12 runners vying for 50,000 QAR, with weight and racecraft expected to play decisive roles.

At 4:50pm, attention will shift back to thoroughbreds for Race 5, the Thoroughbred Handicap 0–70, a Class 5 Qatari Riders Race over 2200 metres. With 12 runners and 50,000 QAR on offer, this contest will place added emphasis on rider judgement and pace control over the longer trip.

Quality will rise again in Race 6 at 5:25pm with the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 60–80. This Class 4 event over 1400 metres will feature nine runners competing for 55,000 QAR, and is likely to showcase more established performers stepping into a sharper test.

The penultimate contest, Race 7 at 6:00pm, will add further intrigue. The Purebred Arabian Handicap 0–95, restricted to four-year-olds only, will be run over 2100 metres as a Class 3 event. With six runners chasing 65,000 QAR, it is expected to provide a high-quality lead-in to the finale.

All roads will then lead to 6:35pm and the Al Judhay Cup – Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate. Run over 2200 metres, this Class 6 feature will see a full field of 12 runners compete for the meeting’s richest purse of 85,000 QAR. As the concluding race of the 42nd Al Uqda Meeting, it will carry both prestige and promise, offering a defining platform for maiden Arabians ready to announce themselves on a prominent stage.
Contenders: AJS Karar, Al Natibis Up, Caid Du Soleil, Der’h Al Shahania, Lattam, Midhal, Munahis, Namar, Radad, Bin Narain, Jabra’an Al Shahania, Viscos

With a balanced mix of thoroughbred and Arabian races, varied distances, and a clear progression toward a high-value feature, Qatar Racecards 28 January are set to deliver a purposeful and engaging afternoon of racing in Al Uqda.