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The third season of the Al Shaqab League, Qatar’s premier showjumping competition – began Thursday. The championship is dedicated to nurturing young talent and elevating the standards of the national equestrian scene.The first day of Round 1, held at the Longines Indoor Arena, featured four exciting classes — Intro 2 (60 cm), Future Champions (110/115 cm), Junior Champions (120/125 cm), and Youth Champions (130/135 cm) — as riders competed under Optimum Time and Table A formats.Khalid Sanad al-Naimi, Event Director, at Al Shaqab, said: “The Al Shaqab League represents our enduring commitment to empowering Qatar’s emerging riders and providing them with a pathway to achieve excellence in equestrian sport. Each season reflects our vision of shaping a new generation of athletes who combine skill, discipline, and passion — embodying Al Shaqab’s mission to inspire, educate, and elevate.”Building on the success of its previous editions, the Al Shaqab League serves as a unique platform that bridges local development with global ambition, offering riders of all levels — from juniors and amateurs to professionals — the opportunity to compete, learn, and excel in a world-class environment that reflects the highest standards of the sport.This season will span four main rounds, with the first round also being held today and Saturday. The second round will be held on December 26 and 27, while the third round is scheduled for April 17 and 18, 2026. The final round will be held on May, 21 and 23, 2026.

The sixth round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab 2025–2026 season will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, at the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation. Organized by the Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, the three-day event will feature numerous elite riders. Tomorrow’s competitions will begin with the Amateur Tour at a height of 100 cm, followed by the Silver Tour at 130 cm. The competitions will continue on Friday with the Future Riders Tour for riders aged 6 to 12 at a height of 70 cm, followed by the Gold Tour for individual and team riders at 140 cm, and finally the Open Tour at 110 cm. The event will conclude on Saturday with the Future Riders competition for the 12–16 age group at a height of 90 cm, followed by the Bronze Tour for individual and team events at 120 cm, and will wrap up with the Diamond Tour at 150 cm. The Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab is one of the country’s most prominent local championships. It contributes significantly to the development of equestrian sports by providing a high-level competitive platform that allows riders to gain valuable experience and strengthens cooperation among various equestrian stakeholders in Qatar.

Mohammed Saeed Haidan clinched the top honours in the Diamond Tour during the fifth round of the ninth edition of the Longines Hathab Championship – Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. Haidan clocked 32.83 seconds astride Quick, while Saudi rider Khaled al-Eid finished second with a time of 34.34 seconds on Q Line. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi was third in 38.98 seconds on Edison.In the 120cm Bronze Tour, Jaber Rashid al-Ameri took first place in 44.74 seconds on Apollon. Khaled al-Hadi finished second in 46.02 seconds on Capion, while Hamad Nasser al-Qadi came third on Deep Water in 50.79 seconds. In the Bronze Tour team event, The Dome emerged victorious, followed by Ajwad and Al Adaid Al Shaqab.In the 90cm Future Riders competition, Sultan Jassim al-Suwaidi secured first place on Violet. Fahad Talal al-Nuaimi finished second on Croat, and Mohammed al-Mutairi came third astride Baccarat.In Dressage, Hamad Nasser al-Marri won the preliminary test title with 68.333 points, while Hajar Khan claimed the Level 2 preliminary title with 70.000 points. Mohammed Faisal Al Marri topped the Junior Level 2 preliminary test with 68.621 points, and Michelle Grimes took first place in the Level 1 dressage round with 74.817 points.

Mohammed al-Asaker stole the spotlight in the fifth round of the ninth edition of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab – clinching the Golden Tour title with a commanding performance at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arenaRiding Skoblinski, al-Asaker delivered a superb round to finish in 56.07 seconds, ahead of Ibrahim Yousef al-Mahmoud on Costa (57.69 seconds) and Khaled al-Eid on Raker (59.57 seconds). In the Golden Tour Team event, Wathnan emerged victorious with a combined time of 120.62 seconds, narrowly edging Ajwad (120.93 seconds), while Al Fardan settled for third (121.68 seconds).Earlier in the day, the Open Tour (110 cm) produced thrilling performances, with Khaled Al Hadi taking first place after clocking 30.51 seconds on Doremi. Mohammed al-Dhalaan came in second on Sarina (30.67 seconds), followed by Saif Mohammed al-Nuaimi on Sydney (31.08 seconds).In the junior category, Khalid Jassim al-Suwaidi secured top spot on Du Guinette (31.23 seconds), ahead of Ali Omar al-Ansari on Nikita (33.07 seconds) and Sherida Nasser al-Kaabi on Extra Pam (33.31 seconds).The competition also featured the Future Riders Tour (70 cm), where Mashael Mohammed al-Thani excelled to claim first place on Malaga with a time of 50.07 seconds, just 0.07 seconds off the ideal time. Nasser Hamad al-Thani took second on Coco Chanel (49.59 seconds, 0.41 seconds off), while Hessa Ali al-Jaber finished third on Violet (50.68 seconds, 0.68 seconds off).

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.

Mohammed Saeed Haidan clinched victory in the 140cm Gold Round of the fourth leg of the ninth edition of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab – held at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. The event is organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation. Riding Quick Bell, Haidan clocked a winning time of 35.65 seconds. Khaled al-Hadi finished second in 38.31 seconds on Capion, while Ghanem Nasser al-Qadi came third in 38.49 seconds on Assis.In the team competition of the same round, Al Fardan Team secured first place with a combined time of 78.32 seconds. Lekhwiya Team followed in second (79.31 seconds), and Al Shaqab Team finished third (82.77 seconds).In the Open Round, Khaled al-Hadi claimed first place with a time of 44.59 seconds on Carlton, ahead of Yaqoub Nasser al-Mas on Equinox (44.64 seconds) and Sheikha Fatima bint Jabor al-Thani on Eddie (45.81 seconds).In the Junior category, Abdulaziz bin Jassim al-Thani topped the standings with a time of 46.53 seconds on Gabbana. Khalid Jassim al-Suwaidi came second on De Genette (56.52 seconds), while Hadi Mansour al-Shahwani finished third on Brouq (60 seconds).In the Future Riders Tour (0.70m), Mishaal Mohammed al-Thani triumphed on Malaga with a time of 52.8 seconds, just 0.08 seconds off the ideal mark. Salman Faisal al-Marri placed second on Kingstar (50.92 seconds), followed by Manar Rashid al-Shahwani on Coco Chanel (49.96 seconds).

Khaled al-Eid, Manar Rashid al-Shahwani and Yaqoub Nasser Al Mass were among the standout winners on the second day of the third round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab staged at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena. Saudi rider al-Eid triumphed in the Golden Tour (140cm) with Racker, edging Bader al-Fard on Levigon and Qatar’s Hamad Nasser al-Qadi on Edison. The Open Class (110cm) was won by al-Mass aboard Pontendro, with Mohammed Dhafi al-Ardi second on Destiny and Chun Yuen Ammy Xiao third with Carton. In the junior category, Chun Yuen secured top spot riding Carton, ahead of Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi on Extra Bam and Tamim bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on Just In Time. In the Future Riders (70cm) class, al-Shahwani clinched first place with Frederikshof, followed by Eva al-Jarmakani on Korapaun and Alia Ahmed al-Khater on Zoro.

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.

Saudi rider Khalid al-Eid stole the spotlight in the Diamond Tour of the second round of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour, securing both first and third places yesterday at QEF’s indoor arena.Al-Eid clocked 61.04 seconds on Q-Layen to win the title and added third place on Rakker DMC in 63.01 seconds. Brazil's Santiago Lambre took runner-up spot in 58 seconds on DB GI Diakitos in a field of just three riders.The Silver Tour delivered thrilling competition as Saeed Hamad Juma clinched victory in 26.49 seconds on Diesel. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi finished second in 26.93 seconds on Deep Water, while Salman Mohammed al-Emadi took third in 27.77 seconds on Toblerone.In the Future Riders class at 90cm, Fahad Talal al-Naimi emerged on top with a time of 54.14 seconds, riding Kroaat Van Orchid’s, just 0.14 seconds off the ideal time. Greek rider Melina Karagiannidi came second in 56.28 seconds on Tullibards Simply Cool, while Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani secured third place in 56.31 seconds on Zion II VDK.Championship Director Abdullah Al-Marri hailed the strong performances across the opening two rounds, noting the intensity and competitiveness in both show jumping and dressage. He underlined that the consistency shown by riders reflects their commitment and preparation, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions on the QEF calendar.Al-Marri expressed optimism about the future of Qatari equestrian sport, stressing the importance of continued hard work ahead of regional and international challenges. He voiced confidence that Qatari riders will represent Al-Adam with pride and achieve results that mirror the country’s equestrian development.The ninth edition of the prestigious series is organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation.

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.

Hamad Nasser al-Qadi stole the spotlight during the second round of the ninth edition of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab, winning the Golden Tour Friday at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena. Riding Viahipi d'Auzay, al-Qadi produced a brilliant time of 27.99 seconds to secure first place, ahead of Khaled Mohammed al-Emadi on Qapella Di Lino (29.06) and Mohammed Saeed Haidan on Quick Bill (30.44).**media[361695]**In the Golden Tour team competition, Wathnan emerged victorious with a combined time of 68.92 seconds, edging Al Salam (69.49) and Lekhwiya. Tournament Director Abdullah al-Marri presented the awards to the winners.The day began with the Future Riders Round at 70 cm, where Nasser Hamad al-Thani claimed first place on Friedrichshof Dark Dream in 52.21 seconds, just 0.21 seconds behind the ideal time. Alya Ahmed al-Khater secured second with Soul Rebel (52.37), while Salman Faisal al-Marri finished third, also on Friedrichshof Dark Dream (52.66). Ahmed Khaled al-Humaidi, Equine Program Advisor at Al Shaqab, crowned the winners.**media[361696]**In the 110cm Open Tour, Yaqoub Nasser al-Mass impressed with a winning ride aboard Equinoxe de l'Aulne in 47.81 seconds. Khaled al-Hadi followed with back-to-back second and third places on Doremi du Flot Z (49.01) and 0 Carlton de Sauvageonn (49.25). The Junior category of the same round saw Mohammed Faisal al-Marri come out on top with Chou Chou Z (52.21). Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi on Extra Pam (55.36) and Mohammed Hamza al-Kuwari on Carte Blanche (55.75) placed second and third, respectively. Omar al-Buainain, Director of the Support Services Sector at the Qatar Equestrian Federation, crowned the winners.The second round concludes Saturday with the Diamond Tour, Silver Tour and Future Knights round. The Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, jointly organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab – a member of Qatar Foundation – features 14 rounds to be held until May 2026. It stands as one of the country’s most prominent equestrian championships.

Salman Mohammed al-Emadi, riding Higoletta van de Kapel, delivered two flawless rounds with times of 32.69 and 32.28 seconds to claim the top prize in the Gold Tour (140cm) as the opening round of the Longines Hathab Season 9 concluded at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena Saturday. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi came second on Isis, also completing clear rounds in 32.95 and 32.73 seconds. Rounding off the podium, Mohammed Saeed Haidan partnered with Quick Bill for another perfect record in 33.87 and 33.28 seconds in the feature event of the day, limited for 10 riders. In the team competition of the same class, Wathnan team claimed first place with a combined time of 66.56 seconds, followed by Lekhwiya (70.34 seconds) and Al Fardan (74.51 seconds). Earlier, Haidan, riding D Saucedo, clinched the Silver Tour (130cm) title. Haidan clocked 22.90 seconds to prevail over Saudi rider Bader Alfard, who finished second aboard Kimberly in 26.00 seconds. Khalid Mohammed al-Emadi secured third place with a time of 25.51 seconds on Qapella Di Lino. In the Future Riders 90cm round, rider Al Reem Hamza al-Kuwari took first place with a time of 54.05 seconds aboard Jani. Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani finished second and third with times of 56.48 and 57.11 seconds aboard Zion Wardfree. In dressage events, Abdulla Khalid al-Julandani (D3), Hamyan al-Kowari (D2), and Sara Almahasneh (D1) topped their respective categories.