Equine sports are gaining momentum with each passing season in Qatar as the country hosts multiple competitions in different disciplines besides playing key part in world’s most popular events. Qatar, which has a deep-rooted connection to horses and equestrian traditions, has invested heavily in promoting horse racing, show jumping, dressage and endurance racing as well as breeding world-class Arabian horses, establishing itself as a global leader in equine sports.
Qatar’s bodies at the helm of horse racing, show jumping dressage and horse shows have planned more entertaining events this season which will see the involvements of world’s top racers besides domestics teams. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) busy racing season will roll into action in October with Al Rayyan track and Al Uqda racecourse gearing up for thrilling action. The domestic season, which will see a total of 69 races, will start on October 16. Currently, the QREC is focused on its sponsored Qatar Prix de Arc de Triomphe weekend – the world’s most popular horse racing event – starting on Saturday at ParisLongchamp. Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches and Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains races which will take place on Friday at Saint Cloud is also part of the event.
Domestically, the showjumping and dressage action has already kicked off with the opening round of 8th edition of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour 2024-25 which concluded at the Qatar Equestrian & Modern Pentathlon Federation’s indoor arena yesterday. The highly popular annual domestic equestrian series will have 14 rounds to run until May 10, 2025. The Longines Hathab is one of the most prominent local championships held in Qatar in the field of equestrianism and it aims to support and develop the level of equestrianism in the country by providing a first-class competitive platform that allows participants the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities as well as enhance cooperation and partnerships between local entities concerned with equestrian sports.
Meanwhile, the QREC recently also announced the action-packed local Arabian horse show season programme, which will witness 12 high-profile national and international events from October to April, 2025. Like every season, major studs and farms from Qatar and overseas will take part in the programme. The new season will kick off with the Start of Season Auction which will be held on October 10 before the fourth Qatar Arabian Horse Breeders Cup scheduled to be held from October 24 to 26. Additionally, Al Shaqab also announced that the second edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Championship will take place in November. The event represents a significant milestone in the world of Arabian horse competitions in Qatar and the entire region.
