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| Staff Writer |
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The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's (QREC) autumn season launched in spectacular fashion at Al Shaqab's indoor arena, with Al Sraiya Stud emerging as the standout operation. The back-to-back events, held under the umbrella of the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), demonstrated the depth of Qatar's Arabian breeding programme with significant participation from local farms, studs and individual owners.
The 4th Qatar Arabian Breeders Cup (Oct 24-26) set the stage for three days of exceptional competition. Al Sraiya Stud stole the show with a remarkable treble, their representatives excelling across multiple divisions. Their outstanding mare Al Kaydah Al Sraiya proved untouchable in the Senior Mares championship, while E'beeda Al Zobara from Al Zobara Stud claimed silver and Kaheel Stud's Tara KL took bronze.
The breeding operation's dominance continued as Omeir Al Sraiya captured Junior Colts gold ahead of Rannan Tho Al Janah, owned by Jaffar Khalil Radwani. Ghaith Al Yacoub from Al Yacoub Stud rounded out the medals. Their third championship came through Arkan Al Sraiya in the Senior Stallions division, beating Amir Al Reeh and Mashhoor M to the top spot.
In the yearling categories, Durra Al Khor flew the flag for Al Khor Stud in the fillies' division, with Mahawi KL (Kaheel Stud) and Argentina Aljassimya (Aljassimya Stud) taking minor honours. The colts' section saw Azzam Umm Aludham, carrying the colours of Nasser Mohammed Al-Hajri, claim gold ahead of H Tikrit from Al Henzab Stud.
Haffana Al Jassim upheld Al Jassim Stud's fine reputation in the Junior Fillies championship, with Isha Al Salem and Qamra Al Jamal completing the podium positions.
The 4th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred (Oct 27-28) maintained the high standard. Rose Al Shahania delivered a commanding performance in the Yearling Fillies championship for Al Jaham Stud, surpassing Lilac Al Shahania (Alajlan Stud) and Dana Alhere (MH Stud).
Araab Al Shaqab, representing owner Nayif Aldossari, dominated the Yearling Colts division ahead of Bilal Aljassimya and Shuaa Al Shahania. The Junior Fillies championship fell to Sabha Al Khor, carrying the colours of Al Dawasir Stud, while Haneen Al Nasser and Jana Al Ghaniyyah claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Gazal Al Rifaa added another trophy to Al Sraiya's impressive haul in the Junior Colts category, finishing ahead of Gazwan Al Athba and Sultan Al Kheesa. The senior divisions saw Misk Umm Aludham secure mares' gold for Al-Hazm Stud, with Al Ghariya Al Shaqab and Areeba Al Shaqab filling the minor placings.
Fittingly, Al Sraiya Stud had the final say as Afas Al Rayyan claimed the Senior Stallions championship over Hagras Al Shaqab and RB Suhail.
The international flavour of the events was underlined by the presence of nine judges, supported by four Disciplinary Committee members and two Ringmasters, reflecting the world-class status of Qatar's Arabian horse shows. Their contribution was recognised at the conclusion, with HE Tomasz Sadziński, Ambassador of Poland to Qatar, leading the appreciation ceremony.
The success of these opening fixtures sets the stage for what promises to be an exceptional season of Arabian horse competition in Qatar, with the nation continuing to strengthen its position as a global leader in Arabian horse breeding and showing excellence. The strong participation levels and quality of competition suggest an exciting campaign ahead, with owners and breeders clearly focused on capturing the prestigious titles and honours on offer.