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The 5th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred, organised by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), began at Al Shaqab on Sunday. The three-day will see action for various categories for junior mares and fillies, yearling colts and fillies, and senior stallions and mares with the championship classes being held on Tuesday.

For the third consecutive year, the legendary Al Ghadeer produced a breathtaking performance to retain the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup crown on the final day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp Sunday, reaffirming his dominance in Purebred Arabian racingOwned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon — his partner in both previous triumphs — the brilliant six-year-old once again proved untouchable on the biggest stage. Al Ghadeer now stands on the brink of an unprecedented third consecutive Doha Triple Crown, chasing the very record he set by winning it twice before.Following the race, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowned HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani with the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup trophy, in the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Chairman of Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), marking a fitting conclusion to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.HH Sheikh Abdullah also crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1). The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of of Qatar to France and Guillaume de Saint Seine, Chairman of France Galop.The iconic race was won by three-year-old Daryz, representing Aga Khan Studs Sc., who produced a magnificent performance under the direction of trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and a superb ride by Mickael Barzalona. Achieving the greatest victory of his young career – which began only in April – Daryz earned his place among the elite names in the history of the World’s Best Horse RaceThe meeting also featured seven additional races, including four more Group 1 contests. Among those presenting the trophies were HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1); QREC Chairman al-Attiyah, who awarded the winners of the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1); Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansoori, QREC Board Member, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Foret (Gr1); and Rashid bin Saed Adiba, Head of the QREC Racing Operations Section, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Place de l'Etoile.Historic hat-trick for Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA)Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez x Gharraa) once again demonstrated his unrivalled dominance in the Purebred Arabian ranks with a spectacular victory in the Group 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup over 2000m.The race, featuring a field of 12 of the world’s best Arabians, is the richest and most prestigious contest for the breed, and Al Ghadeer confirmed his status as the undisputed champion.The six-year-old superstar secured his 11th career Group 1 (PA) title. This success also marked a third consecutive Group 1 victory on the card for jockey Soumillon, who earlier guided Diamond Necklace and Puerto Rico to top-level success, completing a remarkable treble on Arc Day.In a race led by Joe Star (Al Mourtajez), as usual setting the pace, Al Ghadeer was restrained from his wide draw to settle at the rear, positioned just behind his main rival HM Alchahine (Al Mourtajez). The tempo was strong but even, and Al Ghadeer travelled comfortably three wide on the best ground, always within striking distance of the leaders.Third last in the false straight but still travelling powerfully, he continued to track HM Alchahine, who moved wide turning for home. Travelling noticeably best of all, Soumillon bided his time before switching his mount to the outside for a clear run. Inside the final 300m, Al Ghadeer drifted slightly left but responded instantly once Soumillon switched his whip to the left hand, showing an excellent turn of foot to surge past and assert his superiority. He stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length from HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez) finishing a clear third.Daryz Triumphs in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de TriompheDaryz, a three-year-old colt, produced a stunning performance to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, stepping up to 2400m for the first time and proving his class in Europe’s most prestigious race in a 17 runners race. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned & bred by Aga Khan Studs SC, Daryz delivered a memorable victory, marking a first Arc success for both trainer and jockey.A Group 2 winner, Daryz came into this race on the back of an excellent second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Niel, confirming his credentials at the highest level. His powerful finishing kick and composure in a top-class field showed he is a colt of exceptional quality and stamina. He’s now a Gr.1 & Arc winner.Broke well and soon settled in a good spot behind the favourite Minnie Hauk (Frankel) on the inside rail, Daryz was briefly restrained to midfield but remained in touch as the field found their positions. Entering the home straight, he improved quickly into second, still shadowing Minnie Hauk, who had just taken the lead and drifted slightly wide to start her challenge. Inside the final 200 metres, Daryz was still a good second, but with his rival looking resolute in front. However, inside the last 100 metres, the colt found another gear, quickening impressively to join the favourite, and after a thrilling head-to-head battle, Daryz proved the stronger, winning by a head. Minnie Hauk held on for second, while Sosie (Sea The Stars) stayed on well to take third.Diamond Necklace Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Marcel BoussacDiamond Necklace (St Mark’s Basilica), a classy 2-year-old filly, produced a dazzling display to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac over 1600m, a race for 2-year-old fillies only that brought together a field of eight runners. The Coolmore filly confirmed herself as one of the leading juveniles of the season with a brilliant and determined performance.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg colours, Diamond Necklace continues her rapid rise through the ranks and becomes a Group 1 winner on only her third career start. She came into this race following an impressive Listed victory at Leopardstown, and once again showed class, maturity, and determination at the highest level.Puerto Rico Takes the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc LagarderePuerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), a talented 2-year-old colt, continued his rapid progression with a brilliant victory in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over 1400m, a race for 2-year-old colts only that brought together a field of nine runners.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith, Puerto Rico produced a good performance to claim his first Gr.1 success. He completed a Group 1 double on the card for both trainer and jockey, following their earlier victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac with Diamond Necklace.Maranoa Charlie Dominates the Prix de la ForetMaranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) confirmed his brilliance with a commanding front-running performance to take the Group 1 Prix de la Foret over 1400m at ParisLongchamp. The race, open to 3-year-olds and up, featured a field of 16 and produced a decisive victory for the progressive colt.Trained by Christopher Head, ridden by Aurelien Lemaître, and owned by Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the 3-year-old colt displayed both speed and toughness to secure his first success at the highest level.Asfoora Flies to Victory in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de LongchampAsfoora (Flying Artie), the brilliant 7-year-old mare, showcased her trademark speed and determination with a dazzling win in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, run over 1000m. The sprint attracted a field of 19 runners, bringing together some of the fastest horses in Europe. Trained by Henry Dwyer, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd, the Australian sprinter bounced back in style after a below-par performance in a Group 1.Barnavara Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Prix de l’OpéraBarnavara (Calyx), a talented 3-year-old filly, produced a thrilling front-running display to land the Group 1 Prix de l’Opéra over 2000m, a race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares which attracted a field of 12. Trained by Jessica Harrington, ridden by Shane Foley, and owned by Alpha Racing, the filly continues her remarkable rise through the ranks.Qatar’s Enduring Partnership: A legacy of vision and excellenceAs the curtain fell on the 2025 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris, Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship once again proves to be much more than a support for a sporting event. It stands as a model of strategic partnership and sporting vision.The collaboration between the QREC and France Galop, which began in 2008, has become one of the cornerstones of this world-renowned meeting. Over the years, it has delivered far-reaching benefits, particularly in strengthening the presence of Purebred Arabian racing on Europe’s and the world premier stages. This integration has become a defining feature of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, where the Qatar Arabian World Cup continues to capture worldwide attention. Staged immediately before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the race attracts immense interest and has evolved into one of the most anticipated moments of the entire weekend.The Qatari sponsorship has also given rise to the prestigious Doha Triple Crown, a visionary initiative that encourages international competition among owners and trainers of Purebred Arabians. The series connects three elite races — the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp, and the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan— with special recognition for any horse capable of winning all three.Winning the Triple Crown is a challenge that only truly exceptional champions can meet — as Ebraz, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, first proved in 2020. Yet Al Ghadeer took this achievement to unprecedented heights, completing the treble for the second consecutive year and looks well prepared and very close to complete the treble – a feat that underscores his extraordinary consistency and class at the very highest level.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Hajmah triumphed in the Gr1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments and Wathnan Racing’s First Look delivered a commanding performance to claim the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar, defeating a strong field with authority on the first of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend meetings at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris Saturday.The races were held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.The card featured nine races, including three Group 1 and three Group 2 contests and witnessed impressive Qatari victories that continued the winning momentum from Thursday’s Saint-Cloud meeting, where Al Shaqab Racing and Al Wasmiyah Racing landed two Group 1 Arabian contests.Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, QREC Chairman, presented the trophy of the Gr 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani, after a brilliant victory by Hajmah.Hajmah, the talented four-year-old filly, added another top-level victory to her record by winning the Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments – Pouliches 4 ans over 2,000m. The race was for four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies and featured a field of 15 runners. Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Fabrice Veron, and bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Hajmah continues to show her consistency at the highest level, following her previous Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 ans success against the colts. This also marked a double for trainer François Rohaut, who won the colts’ edition earlier on the card.Soon in rear in three-wide position behind Hm Al Zalmaa in a race led by Intisar De Monlau at an even pace, Hajmah travelled nicely while positions remained unchanged. Entering the final straight, Soumillon, like Saturday at Saint-Cloud, beautifully anticipated the lift of the pace and guided Hajmah up on the outside to get close to the leaders.With Intisar starting to tire, Hajmah took the lead alongside Chdia, both going clear with Geneva and Lacaro Du Croate a length behind but well clear of the rest. After a long battle in the final stages, Hajmah proved the strongest, winning by a short head over Chdia, while Geneva took third.First Look, a talented four-year-old gelding, showed great courage and class to land the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar over 2,000m, a race for 3yo and older, on a competitive field of nine runners.The Wathnan Racing-owned runner came into this contest on the back of a Gr 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron win at Deauville, and is now a Group 2 winner for the first time.Trained by André Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, First Look continues to build an impressive record in middle-distance events. Quickly away from the gates, First Look settled just behind the leaders in a race led by Rqshabar with Uthred in second. Travelling strongly, he held third in the false straight, just ahead of Swagman, Bright Picture and the favourite Bay City Roller.Entering the final straight, the gelding looked full of running and still unasked for maximum effort. He moved into second as the long-time leader began to fade and soon took command, cruising while Bay City Roller closed quickly on the outside and Bright Picture challenged on the inside. Inside the final 300m, First Look remained in front, but Bright Picture and Bay City Roller kept up the pressure. In the last 100m, First Look dug deep to find extra and held on to win by a length and a quarter, with Bright Picture taking third.In the day’s opener, Tennessee, a high-class 3yo colt, proved his stamina in style when winning the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay at ParisLongchamp, a race for three-year-olds over 3,000m that attracted a select field of seven.Trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, owned by the powerful partnership of Westerberg, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and John Magnier, and ridden with confidence by stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Tennessee displayed courage and authority to secure his second career Group win.Caballo De Mar, a tough and progressive four-year-old gelding, produced a powerful staying performance to land the Gr 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran over 4,000m. The race, open to four-year-olds and up, featured a small field of eight, including five supplemented runners. Coming just 13 days after his easy Gr 3 victory in the Deutsches St Leger, Caballo De Mar handled the step up in class and trip impressively to secure his first Gr 1 success.Earlier in the day, Ridari, a three-year-old colt, confirmed his rising star status with a commanding victory in the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein over 1,600m. Open to horses aged three and older, the race featured a competitive field of ten, but Ridari showed composure and class to take the lead and dominate. The colt returned this season with a win in the Gr 3 Prix de Fontainebleau and has now stepped up to claim his first Group 2 success.Trained by Mikel Delzangles, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned by Aga Khan Studs SCEA, Ridari is establishing himself as one of the top milers of his generation. Consent, a progressive three-year-old filly, delivered a career-best performance to capture the Gr 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu. The staying contest, run over 2800m for fillies and mares aged three and up, featured a strong field of 12, but Consent rose to the challenge in style to secure her first Group 1 success.Runner-up last time out in the Gr 2 Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes over 2,900m at Doncaster, where she finished a neck behind Santorini Star despite travelling powerfully throughout, Consent confirmed her upward curve with this victory on Arc weekend.Trained with patience and precision by Sir Mark Prescott, confidently ridden by Luke Morris, and racing in the silks of Denford Stud, she proved herself a top-class stayer.Behind the leaders but wide from her draw, she eased into second, tracking Santorini Star (Golden Horn). Entering the final straight, her jockey kept her relaxed, conserving energy. She moved to the front inside the last 400m, still going easily, and then quickened decisively in the final furlong to pull away and win by four and a half lengths. Santorini Star rallied for second, with Rabbit’s Foot taking third.The final day of the festival at ParisLongchamp will feature nine thrilling races, including seven Group 1 events Sunday, making it a premier global racing fixture and a gathering of the world’s elite horses. Undoubtedly, the spotlight will be on the two main events: the third race on the card, the Qatar Arabian World Cup, carrying €1mn in prize money, and the fourth, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, offering €5mn in total prizes.The first race is the Gr1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac for 2-year-old fillies over 1,600m, featuring nine fillies, including Aylin representing Al Shaqab Racing and Amo Racing.The programme continues with the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, a 1,400m contest for 2-year-old colts, also featuring nine runners. Next up is the Prix De l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines over 1,000m for 2-year-olds and up, with 19 horses in the field, including Night Raider, owned by Wathnan Racing, and Afjan, representing Al Shaqab Racing.The fourth race is the highly anticipated Gr1 Qatar Arabian World Cup, part of the Doha Triple Crown, featuring 12 horses aged 4 and up over 2,000m.Among the contenders is Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Ghadeer, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in this race and the Triple Crown.However, he will face a number of other top-class horses also vying for the global title, including Wathnan Racing’s RB Mary Lylah, Al Shaqab Racing’s duo of AL Zwair and Luwsail, Abdulla bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Ch’ezza, Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Moshrif and Mansour bin Khalil al-Shahwani’s Nabucco Al Maury.The spotlight then shifts to the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the 2,400m showpiece for three-year-olds and upwards, which has drawn a field of 18. The market is headed by three leading contenders: Minnie Hauk, Aventure and Kalpana.Minnie Hauk, trained by Aidan O’Brien and the mount of Christophe Soumillon, has made six career starts, finishing runner-up on debut before reeling off five straight victories, the last three at Group 1 level. Aventure, from the yard of Christophe Ferland and partnered by Maxime Guyon, brings a strong résume of victories and high placings in Group company, most recently landing the Gr1 Qatar Prix Vermeille.The programme also features the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Opéra for fillies and mares aged three and older over 2,000m, with 12 declared, among them One Look carrying the Wathnan Racing colours. Over 1,400m, the Gr1 Qatar Prix de la Forêt has drawn a field of 16, including extra, also representing Wathnan Racing. Eighteen 3-year-old and older runners line up for the competitive Qatar Grand Handicap des Flyers over 1,400m.The curtain comes down with the Qatar Prix de la Place de l’Etoile over 2,000m, which has attracted 17 contenders. The Qatar Prix La Forêt Group 1 for Thoroughbreds aged 3 and above over 1400m has 16 runners, including Extra owned by Wathnan Racing.

As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, sponsored by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), draws the world’s racing eyes to Paris, Thursday’s spotlight shines on the Purebred Arabian Horse Sale, organised annually by Arqana at Saint-Cloud Racecourse.The auction opens the associated events of the weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses.The growing focus on Arabians reflects one of the most notable successes of Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar’s support for Arabian horse racing on French tracks stretches across the entire winter season, beginning with the Qatar Prix Massoud for three-year-olds making their first appearance—a race that officially launches the European Arabian racing calendar.This momentum continues with a distinguished lineup of major Arabian races, including the Qatar Prix Denouste for three-year-old colts, the Qatar Prix Djebella II for three-year-old fillies, the Gr.2 PA Qatar Prix de l’Élevage for four-year-old and up fillies and mares, the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes for four-year-olds, Gr.2 PA Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) for four-year-olds and up, the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (three-year-old fillies), the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (three-year-old colts), the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (four-year-old fillies) and culminating in the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, staged on the final day of the weekend as the highlight immediately preceding the weekend’s centrepiece, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.Given this remarkable calendar showcasing a wide diversity of races, it is entirely fitting that Arqana’s Pure Arabian Horse Sale has earned such prominence both in France and on the global stage. This year’s auction catalogue features 97 lots, including 36 two-year-olds, two yearlings, 31 horses currently in training and 28 of breeding stock. Among the horses on offer, 13 are from Al Shaqab Racing, including seven horses in training and six horses of o breeding stock.Last year’s sale drew a significant international turnout of breeders, owners and trainers, achieving outstanding results. Of the 106 lots presented, 76 were sold, representing 71.7%, with total sales reaching €3,580,000.

In continuation of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) efforts to reinforce its global presence through sponsoring some of the most prestigious horse races on the international stage, the Group 2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes was staged at the Curragh in Ireland Saturday. The QREC-sponsored 1600m race for two-year-old thoroughbreds was landed by Hawk Mountain, which is trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Ronan Whelan and owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor. Ahmed AmanAlla al-Sheebani, Director of QREC Support Services Department, presented the trophies to the winners. With this victory under his belt Hawk Mountain confirmed his class and promising start. After breaking his maiden on his second start over this course and distance, he took the step up in class with authority and is now a Group 2 winner following just his third start. Facing four rivals in the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes, he dictated the pace from the start, showed a sharp turn of foot when it mattered and stamped his authority with a decisive victory, underlining his growing reputation on the juvenile scene. Breaking smartly from the gate, Hawk Mountain immediately assumed control at the head of affairs, with Shaihaan in second, Port of Spain in third, Geryon in fourth and Al Haarith last of the five. The pace was even to slow in the back straight, with positions unchanged. Rounding the final bend, Hawk Mountain began to increase the tempo, still going easily, while Shaihaan came under pressure and Port of Spain found himself trapped in a pocket. On the outside, Al Haarith began to quicken, but Hawk Mountain had already slipped away from his rivals. Inside the final 300m, he extended his advantage impressively, winning decisively by three and a quarter lengths. Geryon, owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd, trained by G M Lyons and ridden by Colin Keane, stayed on strongly to snatch second place, just a head ahead of Al Haarith, who was ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle for trainer Joseph Patrick O’Brien and owned by Al Wasmiyah Racing, Ballylinch and Umm Al Shukhout Farm. It is worth noting that the QREC’s sponsorship of the race comes as part of its long-term strategy to maintain a strong presence and promote the participation of Qatari owners’ horses in the biggest races at the top European and international racecourses. Over the past years, this strategy has brought numerous benefits, including victories in major international races, opportunities for Qatari owners to compete at the highest level and direct exposure for Qatari trainers and jockeys to the world’s finest equestrian talent, training methods, and racing standards.

HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor al-Thani Sunday announced a dramatic return to international power boat racing after an 11-year lay-off from the sport.The former Qatari offshore racer was a regular front-runner in the UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship and the American racing scene until he stopped competing at the end of 2014.His former British throttleman Steve Curtis MBE has continued to compete in the highest echelons of the American offshore racing scene and the duo will join forces for the 44th Annual Offshore World Championship at Key West in Florida on November 2nd-9th.With support from Qatar’s Ministry of Sport and Youth, the duo will revive the legendary Spirit of Qatar 96 racing hull name with a new boat and compete in the Extreme class.“Our last race together was in 2014 but we will be testing during the third week of October before heading to Key West,” enthused Sheikh Hassan.“The goal, of course, will be the podium and to set plans in motion for the 2026 season. It will be a new boat for us to run together but I am sure that Steve and I will settle in quickly.”One of many highlights for the duo during their former association with the Spirit of Qatar Team was obliterating the water speed record with a stunning second run of 244mph at the 26th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in central Missouri in 2014.The iconic Key West racing festival is fought out over three races.After the customary parade through the streets of Key West on Sunday, November 2nd, technical checks and registration is scheduled for Monday, November 3rd.Official testing will take place on Tuesday, November 4th with the first of the Extreme races for the Truman Waterfront Cup and the on-water fireworks taking centre stage on Wednesday, November 5th.Further testing is permitted on Thursday, November 6th before the second race for the Southernmost Continental Championship on Friday, November 7th.Numerous spectator-friendly events are planned in Truman Waterfront Park on Saturday, November 8th, before the final race for the Conch Republic Championship rounds off the action on Sunday, November 9th.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Sahlan produced a career best performance to win the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp during the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) sponsored Qatar Arc Trials in Paris Sunday. QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah presented trophies to the winners of the day’s feature races. The card featured nine races in total, including five group contests, all run under the banner of Qatar, with each race brimming with quality, excitement and fierce competition. Al-Attiyah presented trophies for the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians — a key prep for the Qatar Arabian World Cup — which was won by HM Alchahine, owned by Helal Alalawi. In addition, he awarded the prizes for the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) for Thoroughbred fillies, claimed by Aventure, representing the colours of Wertheimer & Frère. Sahlan, the fast-improving 3-year-old colt, delivered the best performance of his career when capturing the Gr.1 Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp over 1600m.The prestigious race, open to 3-year-olds and older, assembled a high-class field of 12 runners. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, and owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, the homebred colt came into the race full of confidence after his stylish victory in the Gr.3 Prix Daphnis – Samuel Liberman at Deauville. He has now confirmed himself at the very top level. HM Alchahine wins Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon HM Alchahine, a powerful 5-year-old colt, produced a sparkling performance to win the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon. Hardly asked a question by his rider, he cantered home under a hands-and-heels ride to secure the second Group 1 success of his career. Trained by Mme Jean-François Bernard, ridden by Cristian Demuro, and owned by Helal Alalawi, Hm Alchahine came into the race off a victory in the Gr.2 (PA) over 1600m at Hamburg-Horn, adding to his earlier Gr.2 and Gr.1 wins this season. This latest triumph confirmed his position among the very best of the Purebred Arabian division. Byzantine Dream claims Qatar Prix Foy title Japanese challenger Byzantine Dream made his trip to Paris worthwhile with a gutsy victory in the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp, run over 2400m with a field of nine for 4yo and upwards. Trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Kazumi Yoshida, the four-year-old colt has already built a strong reputation over staying trips, most notably when landing the Gr.2 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap in February in Riyadh, a race that carried a winner’s prize of £1,200,000. Dropping back to 2400m here, he showed both class and determination to add another prestigious trophy to his record. As expected, Mont St Michel set a strong pace in front, with his stablemate Los Angeles (Camelot) tracking closely behind. Byzantine Dream was settled in sixth on the inside, waiting patiently. Entering the final straight, the colt looked full of running but was searching for a gap. Up ahead, Los Angeles battled with Sosie, but inside the last 250m Byzantine Dream finally saw daylight. Quickening sharply, he joined Sosie for a thrilling fight inside the final 100m. Brave and determined, the Japanese raider edged ahead near the post to win by half a length. Sosie had to settle for second, while Almaqam finished strongly to take third. Aventure books Arc ticket with dominant Qatar Prix Vermeille triumph Aventure, a progressive 4-year-old mare, stamped her class with a decisive success in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Vermeille. The 2400m contest, a key prep race for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, brought together six high-class fillies and mares. Trained by Christophe Ferland, ridden by Maxime Guyon, and carrying the colours of her breeders Wertheimer & Frère, Aventure has been in sparkling form all season. Victorious in a Gr.3 over 2000m on her seasonal return, she followed up with a Gr.2 win over 2100m, before finishing second in a strong renewal of the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. With this Vermeille victory, she now heads confidently towards the Arc as one of France’s leading hopes. Cualificar secures Qatar Prix Niel in last stride Cualificar, a 3-year-old colt with a sparkling season behind him, produced a decisive late surge to win the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Niel. The 2400m trialbrought together a field of eight colts, all aiming for a ticket to the Arc. Trained by André Fabre, ridden by William Buick, and owned by Godolphin, Cualificar has been one of the standout performers of his generation this season. Victorious in two Gr.3 contests over 1800m in the spring, he then ran a huge race to finish a close second in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, beaten only half a length. This win over 2400m confirms his place among the best middle-distance colts in Europe.

In a pioneering move within Qatari horse racing, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), chaired by chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, has decided to introduce races for purebred Arabian show horses, starting from the new season set to kick off next month.This decision reflects Qatar’s keen interest in Purebred Arabian show horses, the global championships held for this category in the country and Qatar’s prominent standing in the world of Arabian show horses in general. Accordingly, QREC will launch this new initiative with races reserved for Purebred Arabian show horses, beginning with nine races scheduled across the upcoming season.Of these, eight races will be staged at Al Rayyan Racecourse and one at Al Uqda. These races have been included in the new season’s programme, which has been announced. They will be part of various race meetings rather than standalone race days exclusively dedicated to this category. Entries will only be accepted for local bred horses from Arabian show horse strain, as confirmed by QREC’s Horse Show Section. Apprentice and Qatari rider allowances will not be claimed in any races of this series.The first of these races will feature in the ninth meeting of the season, the Al Thakira Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, on 12 November, as Race 7 for maiden Purebred Arabian show mares aged four years and older over 1,000m.The second will be staged in the 15th meeting, the Ras Laffan Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, as race 7 for maiden Purebred Arabian show horses aged four years and older over 1,000m.The 18th meeting, the Bu Samrah Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, will include Race 7 for maiden Purebred Arabian show mares aged four years and older over 1,000m.The 24th meeting, the Zekreet Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, will see the addition of a new race for maiden Purebred Arabian show horses aged four years and older over 1,000m.The fifth race of this category will take place at the 31st meeting, the Umm Al Zubar Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, with a 1,000m race for four years and older Purebred Arabian show mares, which have not won more than one race.In the 33rd meeting, the Baidda Algaa Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, Race 8 will be reserved for four years and older Purebred Arabian show horses, which have not won more than one race, and will be run over 1,000m.The 45th meeting, the Ras Rokn Island Cup Day at Al Uqda dirt track, will feature Race 8 for Purebred Arabian show mares aged four years and older that have not won more than one race, to be run over 1,100m.The 55th meeting, the Fuwairit Cup Day at Al Rayyan dirt track, will stage Race 7 for Purebred Arabian show horses aged four years and older that have not won more than one race, to be run over 1,100m.The final race for this category will take place in the 66th meeting, the Qatar Gold Sword & Trophy Day at Al Rayyan. While the rest of the card will be contested on turf, this race alone will be run on the dirt track. It will be Race 5, the concluding contest for Purebred Arabian show horses and mares aged four years and older over 1,200m. Horses and mares which have won a qualifying race will have first priority to run.Thereafter, preference will go to novice stallions and mares based on the number of times they have finished second, then third, then fourth. Horses that have not finished in the first four in the previous races will not be eligible to participate. Subsequently, maiden horses and mares will obtain priority to run based on their number of second, third and fourth places in this order.A horse or a mare without any placing in the first four in the previous races will not gain a run in this race.

The Strikin Viking, a progressive three-year-old gelding, gained the biggest success of his career with victory in the Gr.3 155th Casino Baden-Baden Goldene Peitsche, Germany’s historic sprint contest, run over 1200m at Baden-Baden. The race, open to 3-year-olds and upwards, drew a strong international field of ten sprinters. Trained by Hamad al-Jehani, ridden by Faleh Bughenaim and carrying the silks of Wathnan Racing, the gelding came into the race on the back of a solid third in the Listed Queensferry Stakes at Chester. Building on that effort, he stepped up again to secure his first Group success. Quickly into stride, The Strikin Viking broke well and was soon among the leaders, disputing the pace in the opening stages with the favourite Arabie on the stands’ side. The pair pressed on while War Bride tracked close behind and Zerostress raced handily against the rail. Travelling smoothly in front, The Strikin Viking held a narrow advantage as Arabie began to come under pressure approaching the final two furlongs. Sent for home by Faleh Bughenaim, he opened up a clear length advantage while Arabie weakened inside the final furlong. War Bride found room and gave chase, closing strongly while Zerostress also picked up late. But The Strikin Viking was always in control, showing both grit and speed to hold off War Bride by three-quarters of a length at the line. Zerostress finished well to take third. Bred by Tally-Ho Stud, The Strikin Viking is out of Asmeen, an unraced mare. He is a half-brother to Chorlton Lane, a winner over 1400m at two and Gr.3-placed over 1600m at three. Asmeen is out of Askeria and is a half-sister to Ashraf, a dual winner over 1600m and 1900m and fourth in Listed company over 2000m at three, as well as to Askerana, a winner over 2000m at three.

Afjan showed courage and speed to win the Gr.3 Prix d’Arenberg over 1000m at ParisLongchamp. The race, for two-year-olds, brought together ten colts and fillies.Racing in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Henri-François Devin and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the colt was coming off a very good second place in the Gr.3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville over 1200m. This time, he got his reward and became a Group winner.Settled in midfield, but always in touch, Afjan travelled nicely in a race run at a strong pace, with Stargazed and Shine On Me cutting out the running. Gradually improving into fifth, Afjan was only a length behind the leaders as they came under pressure, still going well under Soumillon, who was motionless in the saddle.Asked for more inside the final 300m, Afjan quickened strongly to join the front rank, battling with Shine On Me and the favourite Havana Anna. In a thrilling finish, he stayed on powerfully to edge ahead in the closing stages, holding off the rallying Havana Anna by a nose. Shine On Me finished third, clear of the remainder.Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Afjan is out of Al Johrah, who won twice over 1000m at two and was placed twice in Gr.2 races over 1000m and 1100m. He is a half-brother to Faleh, a winner over 1000m at three. Al Johrah is out of Bea Remembered, who was placed at Listed level and is a half-sister to Stormy Antarctic, a dual Gr.2 winner and multiple Gr.3 winner, as well as to Balsam, a Listed winner over 1000m at two.