In a landmark decision underscoring the international prestige of Qatari horse racing, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has adopted the decision of the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) to promote the HH The Amir Trophy from Group 2 to Group 1 status.
Announced during the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris on Monday, the upgrade elevates the premier Thoroughbred contest of the prestigious HH The Amir Sword Festival and the pinnacle of Qatar's annual racing calendar. The decision rewards the continuous evolution of the festival and the sustained efforts of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) leadership to secure the global recognition the event warrants, driven by exceptional fields and top-tier domestic and international runners.
Qatar was represented at the conference by QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Deputy CEO Ahmed AmanAlla al-Sheebani, Head of International Affairs Patricia Musial and Chief Steward Philip Dingwall.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, a showpiece fixture sponsored by Qatar for nearly two decades and established among the most prestigious events in world racing.
Major international recognition
The decision marks a major international endorsement of the standing achieved by Qatari racing, particularly the elite contests staged during the annual HH The Amir Sword Festival. It reflects the rigorous implementation of global racing standards at QREC's Al Rayyan racecourse. The upgrade is set to further boost international participation, attracting top-tier international owners, trainers and jockeys eager to target a prestigious Group 1 prize of global stature.
The elevated contest will feature at the HH The Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan next February. The IFHA's decisions, which reflect the stature and prominence of Qatari racing, extended beyond the flagship HH The Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds. IRPAC also approved Group 3 status for the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup - previously Listed - alongside Listed status for both the Dukhan Sprint and the Al Rayyan Mile. This widespread recognition marks another landmark chapter, cementing the high international standing of the HH The Amir Sword Festival and Qatari horse racing as a whole.
The DMM Dream Club Co Ltd-owned Deep Monster claimed the Group 2 HH The Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds at last season’s festival. Carrying Japanese hopes in the 2,400-metre showpiece, the eight-year-old produced a powerful performance, tracking the leaders from third before launching a resolute challenge on the run-in to prevail by a neck under Tom Marquand for trainer Yasutoshi Ikee.
That victory sealed the final Group 2 renewal of the contest. From next February's HH The Amir Sword Festival onwards, the event will take its place at Group 1 level, setting the stage for a historic running with an expected surge in international participation from leading overseas owners, trainers and jockeys.
