Alkass Digital
The just-concluded 2023-2024 racing season marked a period of remarkable achievement for the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), under the stewardship of HE Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi. The season showcased the unwavering dedication of QREC to elevate Qatar’s equestrian sport to global prominence, with a steadfast commitment to excellence in race development and maintenance of international standards.
Central to this success were the Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses, which provided the perfect venues for a meticulously planned racing calendar. With 67 race days scheduled, including 45 on turf and sand at Al Rayyan, and the remainder at Al Uqda, the season unfolded seamlessly. This strategic programming, designed well in advance, ensured optimal racing conditions and ample opportunities for horses of all ages and abilities to compete.
The season's statistics, as reported by QREC's racing department, underscored the immense effort invested. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, the focus remains on fostering fierce competition among owners, trainers, and jockeys, while continuously enhancing racing standards.
During the previous season, a total of 560 races were held, with 403 taking place at Al Rayyan Racecourse and 157 at Al Uqda. A significant number of runners, totaling 7,881, graced these tracks, showcasing the depth of talent within Qatar's racing community.
Notably, the 2023-2024 season witnessed a historic milestone in prize money distribution, with a record-breaking QR87,510,520 allocated in total. Of this, QR78,030,520 was dedicated to races at Al Rayyan, reflecting a substantial increase driven by marquee events like the HH The Amir Sword Festival. With a prize purse of $10 million for the second consecutive year, the festival garnered international acclaim, attracting top contenders from Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the minimum prize money for a feature race reached QR120,000 for the first time, signaling a new era of competitiveness and prestige in Qatar's racing landscape.