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| Staff Writer |
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After wrapping up this year's horseracing season at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) last month, preparations are underway for the upcoming season, led by His Excellency Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi. Following QREC-sponsored races in Europe, efforts are scheduled to start next October, focusing on optimising the season's program.
The QREC management, with support from the Racing Department, maintains close communication with owners and trainers to fine-tune the program. They're actively reviewing proposals to enhance the racing experience, aiming to bolster Qatar's horseracing reputation globally, which is in line with QREC's vision for the sport.
Abdullah Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, stated: "We are all working towards delivering an exemplary season, similar to recent seasons. At the end of each season, we consider the most important positive and negative aspects in coordination with owners and trainers – whose feedback is appreciated as we all work towards realising the same end. There are several proposals which are always adopted in the racing program, and if not, we explain to owners and trainers why a certain proposal is postponed or not incorporated; it is because we have standards which are applied to races run at both Al Rayyan and Al Uqda racecourses."
"As part of the QREC Management's and Racing Departments' commitment to continuous improvement, the door is open for owners and trainers to present their proposals for the upcoming season," added Al Kubaisi.
"At this stage, we have noted that the remarks presented in relation to the last season are few compared to those raised in relation to the previous seasons, which positively indicates the level the races have reached and QREC's efforts to actively participate and achieve the best results. In addition, the staging of meetings at Al Uqda racecourse (22 races meetings last season) had a positive impact by providing opportunities for a broader base and more diverse categories of participants, as well as easing the pressure on Al Rayyan racecourse, where 45 races meetings were held from October to the end of the last season in April. There has been a clear improvement in the maintenance of the racetracks at both Al Rayyan and Al Uqda.
"Regarding the development of the Al Rayyan sand track, we have studied and considered similar experiences in other tracks. Currently, the ideal model for implementation here is the Meydan track in Dubai, which is excellent and meets all international standards for sand tracks, taking into account the track size, weather conditions, and the type of horses running in races in Qatar."
Sami Al Boenain, Advisor to the QREC Chairman and one of the region's most professional horse racing specialists, said: "We are considering remarks from owners and trainers and are still welcoming any proposals from them. However, QREC intends to maintain the general structure of the program. If there is a change, it would be by addition rather than replacement, as maintaining the program's stability unchanged helps owners and trainers develop their plans and identify their purchases in the long term."
Regarding the proposal to increase the number of races for Qatari jockeys, Al Boenain noted, "While this request is welcomed, our current shortage of Qatari jockeys poses a challenge."
Conversely, some connections are reluctant to involve non-Qatari apprentices in races designated for Qatari jockeys. However, Qatari jockeys need to compete against more seasoned riders to hone their skills, a viewpoint strongly supported by QREC.
A prime example is jockey Faleh Bughenaim, who has consistently competed against foreign professionals since the start of his career, significantly contributing to his current high level of performance. Simply participating in easier races wouldn't suffice for Qatari jockeys' development.
"The HH, The Amir Shalfa Race, is restricted to horses owned by Qatari subjects only," added Al Boenain, ensuring equal opportunities for owners to compete with their best horses for this title. For some time, some owners had requested to have this race open to all owners, but that would deprive local non-sheikh Qatari owners of participating in the prestigious race during the HH The Amir Sword Festival. The number of horses allowed per owner will be increased under the same conditions for this race, as we wish to have 16 owners with 16 outstanding horses capable of running and competing in a race of this such significance and prestige."