tag

The three-day Tour 2 of HH The Father Amir’s Prix begins at Al Shaqab Thursday, as part of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 season.The event will welcome more than 240 riders, with overall series prize money exceeding €3.3mn. The Tour 2 marks a significant step up in competition level, with CSI5 classes taking place for the first time, alongside CSI1 and CSI3 categories. Competitions will be staged across three arenas at Al Shaqab, with action scheduled from morning until evening throughout the weekend.Abdullah Al-Qashouti, Director of Marketing and Communications for HH The Father Amir’s Prix, said the organising committee has prepared a comprehensive programme of accompanying activities and entertainment designed for a wide range of audiences, combining sport and fan engagement while reflecting the event’s international character and Qatari hospitality.He noted that Friday is expected to attract particular attention with the introduction of the CSI5 class. He added that a dedicated fan zone will be available to visitors, featuring entertainment facilities, cafes and retail outlets, along with additional activations in the vicinity of the Longines Square, aimed at delivering an elevated spectator experience and reinforcing Al Shaqab’s status as a world-class equestrian destination.Tickets are available via Road to Qatar, with general admission priced at QR50 per day, with free access to children under 12 years old, and hospitality options including VVIP Tent and VIP Lounge packages.Action begins today at the main outdoor arena with four classes from 1.35m to 1.50m. The second outdoor arena hosts CSI3 and CSI1 events, while the indoor arena features CSI1 and a 60cm National Championship.Tomorrow's action is highlighted by a CSI5 1.55m jump-off and the first CSI5 Six Bars at 1.50m. Youth and National Championship classes continue indoors. On Saturday, the Grand Prix concludes with CSI5 1.60m and CSI3 1.50m, alongside youth qualifiers and national competitions. 

The Doha Equestrian Tour Organising Committee has unveiled the tour’s official identity and logo, symbolising the 10 rounds that make up this year’s edition and reflecting the event’s deep connection to equestrian heritage and Doha’s growing sporting excellence on the international stage.Speaking on the occasion, Khalifa al-Attiyah, Executive Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour, said the new identity is rooted in a strategic vision aimed at strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global equestrian map.“The Doha Equestrian Tour has consistently enriched the international equestrian calendar with high-quality competitions, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a global sporting capital and a preferred destination for hosting major international championships,” al-Attiyah said.He added that Qatar’s advanced infrastructure, including world-class venues such as Al Shaqab, plays a central role in the continued success of the tour.The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 will feature 10 international championships ranging from one to five star events, running from January 2 to April 4, with a total prize purse exceeding €10mn.The series will open with the HH The Father Amir’s Cup, scheduled from January 2 to 31, comprising four rounds across 1 to 5-star categories. This will be followed by the HH The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival, which runs from February 11 for four days and includes 1, 3 and 5-star competitions, along with dressage events.The sixth stop on the calendar is the Al Shaqab International Show Jumping Championship (CHI), sponsored by Longines, to be held from February 18 to 21. The event will feature show jumping, dressage and para-dressage competitions across 1, 4 and 5-star levels. Next is the Longines Global Champions Tour, scheduled from March 4 to 7, with 1, 3 and 5-star categories.The organising committee also announced the introduction of three new championships for the 2026 edition: the Qatar Olympic Committee Cup, the Al Shaqab Cup and the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup.The Qatar Olympic Committee Cup will serve as the eighth championship, running from March 11 for four days and featuring 1, 2 and 3-star competitions. The Al Shaqab Cup, the ninth event on the tour, will take place from March 26 over three days and will include 1 to 5-star competitions, as well as team events across various categories.The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 will conclude with the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup, scheduled from April 2 to 4, featuring one- to five-star competitions.All competitions of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 will be staged at Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, one of the region’s leading equestrian venues, renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities built to the highest international standards.

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.