Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Chairman: Prince’s Sword Race’s Promotion to International Group 1 Status Reflects Qatar’s Global Standing in Horse Racing
Mdmar – Doha – QNA
Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), said Qatari equestrian sport is experiencing a genuine surge in development that has brought the country’s racecourses to international standards. He noted that the inclusion of the H.H. The Amir’s Trophy among international Group 1 races reflects the prominent position Qatar’s horse racing has achieved on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Attiyah said the annual celebration honouring owners, trainers and jockeys is not merely a recognition marking the end of a successful season, but a cornerstone for building an even more distinguished future for Qatari horse racing, in line with the unwavering support of the country’s leadership for the equestrian sector.
He added that the awards do more than recognise the outstanding achievements of owners, trainers and jockeys over the past season. They also provide renewed motivation for Qatari talent to continue contributing and redouble its efforts to ensure the continued success and sustainability of Qatari equestrian sport.
Al Attiyah explained that preparations and arrangements for the new season form part of the country’s strategy to strengthen the historical and global standing of this sporting and economic heritage. He said the club hopes the new season will mark a significant step forward internationally, particularly following the elevation of the H.H. The Amir’s Sword race for thoroughbreds to the ranks of major international Group 1 races.
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He stressed that the race’s upgrade from Group 2 to Group 1, following international recognition and approval by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), represents a major achievement for Qatari equestrian sport. It also reflects the club’s commitment to applying the highest international technical and organisational standards. The move, he said, will enhance the festival’s global profile and help attract leading horses, owners, trainers and jockeys from around the world to compete in Doha. He expects the event to draw considerable attention from the international horse-racing community.
On the development of technical personnel, the QREC chairman said the club’s strategy is centred on sustainability and the training of national talent. The club is keen to develop trainers’ technical and tactical skills through their participation in races throughout the season, which runs from October to May each year. It also holds regular meetings with trainers to discuss technical matters and develop the racing programme in line with their aspirations.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Regarding the preparation of emerging jockeys and riders, Al Attiyah said the club organises intensive summer training camps to refine their skills and improve their technical standards. The latest camp was held in South Africa, which he described as one of the leading countries in jockey training and development. He added that the club is drawing up future training plans in coordination with the relevant authorities to provide competitive training environments that meet international standards, helping Qatari riders develop their abilities and prepare to represent the country effectively at international events.
On developments for the new season, Al Attiyah said the racing programme includes a diverse range of competitive races, led by the H.H. The Amir’s Sword Festival, the season’s flagship event and the most important horse-racing fixture in Qatar. The festival will be held over four days in the coming season, following the success of extending it to four days last season. Prize money for several races will also increase, helping intensify competition, attract more owners and riders, and raise the festival’s organisational standards in keeping with its international standing.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Addressing the economic and developmental dimensions of equestrian sport, Al Attiyah stressed that the sector in Qatar extends beyond sporting competition to form an integrated economic industry linked to a range of specialised businesses and services. He said the organisation of races, rising competition levels and increased prize money help stimulate markets for horse equipment and veterinary care, as owners place greater emphasis on developing their horses’ capabilities.
He revealed that the club is considering a number of promising economic and investment projects to support the equestrian sector across its various disciplines, including flat racing, show jumping and endurance riding. These projects remain at the study and planning stage, he said, ahead of potential implementation in accordance with the highest standards to support the sector’s development and long-term sustainability.
On the international front, Al Attiyah highlighted key partnerships and achievements in global racing, confirming that the club will continue sponsoring the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France. The partnership has extended over 18 years and has delivered sustained success in both organisation and public attendance.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
He also confirmed Qatar’s continued presence at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in the United Kingdom, alongside a number of strategic partnerships with leading international racecourses. These initiatives aim to strengthen the presence of purebred Arabian horses in international racing and consolidate Qatar’s position on the global equestrian map.
The QREC chairman urged owners, trainers and riders to make the most of the opportunities offered by the new season, describing it as a pivotal stage in the development of Qatari equestrian sport. He expressed confidence in the ability of national talent to achieve strong results and build on accomplishments that enhance Qatar’s standing in the sport regionally and internationally.
Concluding his remarks to QNA, Al Attiyah reiterated that the club’s doors remain open to constructive ideas and proposals for development from owners, experts and equestrian enthusiasts. He said success depends on collective effort and promised racing fans an exceptional season filled with competition and excitement, ushering in a new phase of achievement that reflects the country’s support for sports development and raises Qatar’s profile at major domestic and international events.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
