By Chris Hoover/Doha

QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain addressing the media at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Picture: Juhaim
The most awaited days in the Equestrian calendar here in Doha is round the corner. The 20th edition of the Qatar International Equestrian Festival held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, is set to begin from February 20 to 24. Qatar’s finest Pure Arabians, Thoroughbreds and some of the best horses from abroad will add glitter to the five-day festival at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
Being the first of its kind established in the Middle East, the Qatar Festival is a keenly awaited week for equestrian enthusiasts. The inaugural event in 1991 was held as a Pure Arabian Horse Show but it has over the years grown in stature. This year, apart from the horse show and international races, the Fegentri races for women jockeys and gentleman riders will be held during the final two days of the festival on February 23 and 24.
Besides this, a hat competition for ladies has been included in the schedule. The participants in this competition will walk away with glamorous prizes as there are many prizes on offer as a lot of sponsors have been very generous in their contributions. The children who visit the race course during the five-day event are ensured of a gala time as there are many games and painting competitions planned for them.
Though there are not many participants from the European circuit, challengers from UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman will be vying for top honours in this festival.
A Heritage Village is also been set up for the visitors to have a glimpse at the traditions and history of Qatar. For the first time QREC has ventured out to bring in some wild animals for the spectators to have a close look at them. Ostriches and Gazelles along with camels will take centre stage along with the horses at the race track.
Speaking to reporters at the QREC yesterday, general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain exuded confidence that the racing carnival would be a grand success. “First of all I would like to thank HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Special Advisor to the Emir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani for their continued support to the equestrian sport in Qatar. We have been organising this festival for the past 20 years and we take pride that it is the first and still the best Equestrian Festival held in the Middle East. Top quality horses take part in the Pure Bred Arabian Horse Show and the owners are keen to win here as this is a very prestigious event.”
Talking about racing, Sami was elated with the top class field assembled for the three main races. “We have horses from France, Oman and Saudi Arabia taking part in the races. Qatar has already proved that it is the best when it comes to Pure Arabians but now we also have Group I Thoroughbreds racing here. Joshua Tree, Beethoven and Miss Starlight will make the Qatar International Cup, a very interesting contest. This sends a strong message about Qatar ready to take on the best in the international arena when it comes to Thoroughbred racing.”
With QREC’s initiative, the local owners have been purchasing top class Thoroughbreds with an aim to take part in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris. “We have a big vision for the future. Our ultimate goal is to have Qatari owners taking part in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris. They have already started to take part in the Japan Cup, the Hong Kong Cup and the Breeders Cup. We need to lay the foundation for the Thoroughbreds and we are willing to go to any extent to achieve that. We need to increase the stake money to encourage the owners. The prize money will definitely go up next season and we will see many more top class Thoroughbreds racing here,” Sami said.
When asked why horses from Dubai’s Godolphin Stable are not part of the line-up for the races, Sami said. “Since the Dubai carnival is also been held at the same time, maybe the owners prefer to participate there than come here. There are always welcome anytime, but I am sure that we will have them here next year. They also understand that the competition in Qatar is going to be tough and since the Dubai World Cup is also fast approaching, the owners might prefer to race their horses there.”
During the Qatar Festival, the back-to-back race meetings have attracted the best horses in the country coupled with international runners. The opening day of the International Festival on February 23, will witness Gulf Cup, the QR 300,000 race for GCC Bred Pure Arabians.
On the second and final day, there are two races worth QR 500,000 prize money each. The Qatar International Cup will be held for Thoroughbreds followed by Qatar International Trophy for Pure Arabians.
All three contests are expected to be exciting. The best horses, jockeys, trainers will be up against each other to provide the much needed zing to the competitions. The International Festival has always been a hit with the crowds and this year too QREC expects the Grandstands to be packed.
To coincide the International Festival, adjacent to the race track in the QREC premises, some of the finest Pure Arabians will also be on display at the 20th Qatar International Pure Bred Arabian Horse Show to be held at the Open Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation from February 20 to 22.
As many as 130 horses will be participating. A total prize money of QR 1.3 million is on offer to the winners.