Arabian racing will command the spotlight at Al Rayyan on Saturday, January 3, as the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) prepares a nine-race program for the 32nd Al Rayyan Race Meeting, blending thoroughbred competition with elite Purebred Arabian contests. Scheduled from mid-afternoon through evening, the card will be shaped around two premier Arabian features—the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup and the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy, each worth 500,000 QAR, races expected to anchor the meeting and set its competitive tone.
The action will begin at 2:30 pm with Race 1, the Thoroughbred Novice Plate, a Class 5 event over 1600 metres for four-year-olds and upward. With 18 runners set to compete for 100,000 QAR, the opener will offer an immediate test of settling ability and race positioning.
At 3:05 pm, Race 2 will maintain tempo with the Thoroughbred Handicap 70–90, a Class 3 contest over 1400 metres. Another 18-horse field and 100,000 QAR in prize money will ensure a genuinely run race where early speed and tactical judgement will be decisive.
The meeting will then turn decisively toward its Arabian centrepiece.
Race 3, scheduled for 3:40 pm, will stage the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup, a Class 1 Group 2 international Purebred Arabian race over 1600 metres. A select field of nine runners will line up for 500,000 QAR, with international form, breeding strength, and top-level racecraft expected to converge. This Cup is set to define the meeting’s stature and establish the benchmark for the Arabian division.
Contenders: Al Khbaib, Hargan, Jenkille Hipolyte, Kamun Du Nil, Mureb, Sejjel, Shabbab, Intisar De Monlau, Lueur De Faust
The intensity will continue uninterrupted in Race 4 at 4:15 pm with the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy, a local Class 1 Purebred Arabian feature also run over 1600 metres. Ten runners will contest an identical 500,000 QAR purse, placing domestic supremacy firmly under scrutiny. Together, the Cup and Trophy will form the backbone of the program, delivering consecutive statements of Arabian quality and depth.
Contenders: AJS Jassas, Al Mirage, Al Sij Al Sakab, Arman, Bakir, Fatack Al Shahania, Hadlan, Suka’ar, Razika, RM Wadha
Following the feature double, the card will broaden again in scope.
Race 5 at 4:50 pm will introduce extended distance with the Thoroughbred Handicap 75–95 Win and In Shalfa Qualifier, a Class 3 race over 2000 metres. A 16-runner field will compete for 100,000 QAR, with stamina and qualifying ambition shaping race tactics.
At 5:25 pm, Race 6, the French King Cup, will present a Class 2 local thoroughbred contest over 1600 metres. Twelve runners will vie for 150,000 QAR, demanding balance between pace and finishing strength.
The evening will build again at 6:00 pm with Race 7, the Umm Qarn Trophy, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Open Win and In Shalfa Qualifier over 2000 metres. With nine runners competing for 200,000 QAR, this race is expected to reward patience and tactical discipline.
Arabian racing will return to prominence in Race 8 at 6:35 pm with the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup, a restricted Class 2 Purebred Arabian race for four-year-olds only. Run over 1600 metres, the 10-runner field will contest 250,000 QAR, offering emerging talent a significant platform.
The meeting will conclude at 7:10 pm with Race 9, the Majd Al Arab Sprinter Cup, a Class 1 Group 3 international Purebred Arabian contest over 1900 metres. Thirteen runners will compete for 350,000 QAR, bringing the program to a close with one final test of class and resilience.
With nine races scheduled and two major Arabian features at its core, the Qatar Racecards 3 January is set to deliver a race day defined by structure, quality, and intent—where the Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Cup and Trophy are poised to stand as the day’s defining moments.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.