 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Racing's attention turns to the Middle East as Al Rayyan Racecourse prepares to host the prestigious HH The Amir Sword Festival, offering a staggering US$10 million in prize money across three days of top-class action starting Thursday.
The spotlight falls on Al Ghadeer, who attempts to make history as the first dual winner of the Doha Triple Crown. The Al Shaqab Racing-owned 6YO, trained by Francois Rohaut, faces a formidable challenge in Saturday's US$2.5 million Gr.1 HH The Amir Sword, the world's richest Purebred Arabian race.
Standing in his path is Qatar's leading older horse Abbes, trained by Alban de Mieulle for Wathnan Racing. The veteran displayed his enduring class with a thrilling third consecutive victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy last month.
Adding depth to the field, Ch'Ezza, Al Ghadeer's stablemate owned by Abdullah bin Fahad Al-Attiyah, tackles 2400m for the first time. The progressive runner brings strong form, having secured the Qatar Cup-Prix Dragon in France before finishing third in the Qatar Arabian World Cup.
Thomas Fourcy fields two accomplished mares from France – Al Doha, representing HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, who finished third in last year's renewal, and Al Shaqab Racing's Nour Al Maury, fresh from her seventh Group One success.
Friday's card features the US$200,000 Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup and the US$200,000 Al Zubara Trophy for Local Purebred Arabians, while Saturday's US$500,000 HH The Amir Silver Sword for 4YO Purebred Arabians adds further prestige to the finale.
The US$2.5 million Gr.1 HH The Amir Trophy sees the return of globe-trotting star Rebel's Romance. Charlie Appleby's 7YO has enhanced his reputation since last year's victory, adding four Group One triumphs across Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany and a memorable neck success in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
British challengers include the Owen Burrows-trained Alflaila, fourth in November's Bahrain International Trophy, who steps up to 2400m. The Foxes, trained by Andrew Balding for King Power Racing, returns to the trip for the first time since finishing fourth in the 2023 Derby.
The Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint has attracted a strong international contingent, featuring British raiders Quinault, Washington Heights and Rogue Lightning. Bahraini contender Swift Asset and Japanese 3YO Ecoro Sieg add further international flavour, while local hopes rest with Osama Omer Al-Dafea's Taxiwala.
The Gr.1 Qatar International Cup over 1600m sees UK Arabian Derby winner Luwsail representing Al Shaqab Racing, alongside 2021 Silver Sword victor Munir Du Soleil, now racing for UAE connections after his recent Group Three success for trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
Last year's Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup winner Brave Emperor, trained by Archie Watson for Middleham Park, returns to defend his crown, with Ed Bethell's 6YO Point Lynas completing the British challenge.
The Gr.2 Al Rayyan Mile for 3YO Thoroughbreds adds further international intrigue to Saturday's card, which culminates in eight high-profile contests worth US$7 million.
The festival opens with Thursday's Sand Championships Day featuring eight races, followed by Friday's ten-race card highlighted by the Al Rayyan Breeders Cup, before Saturday's spectacular finale.
QREC Chairman H.E. Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi and his team have transformed Al Rayyan Racecourse into a world-class venue, complementing the racing action with extensive family entertainment facilities, including children's play areas and hospitality marquees.