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| Staff Writer |
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"The future of global racing lies in bridging tradition with innovation," asserts Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Mansour, his voice carrying the quiet authority of someone who has spent a lifetime studying the sport's evolution. As Chief Operating Officer of Al Shaqab Racing, Al Mansour represents a new generation of Middle Eastern racing leadership – one that combines deep respect for heritage with an unwavering drive toward modernisation.
Al Mansour's embrace of technological advancement exemplifies his forward-thinking approach. "I have seen and been amazed by several companies that do it, whereby you put a tracker on the horse, like a Fitbit for horses that tracks respiratory rate, basically tracks horse's activity during training," he explains with evident enthusiasm.
The practical applications of these innovations are already showing results in daily operations. "Trainers get information about how the horse has recovered from workouts and gallops. Did they take it too hard? or did they recover well? And they can make plans based on that."he notes.
His fascination extends to veterinary innovations, particularly noting the sophisticated systems employed by international connections. "There are other veterinary apps that are amazing. Performance analysis through sectional timing data particularly interests him. "I have to use sectional timing," he emphasises. "Sometimes you think, 'Oh, it was a fast pace, and they died down.' Looking at finishing speeds and how they cover these sections really gives you a lot of information on how the race was run." This data-driven approach helps eliminate subjective judgments. "Sometimes visually, some performances might deceive you, but the numbers don't lie.”
However, he maintains a balanced perspective on technology's role. "This is a sport where you deal with an animal. Wonderful as it is - it's not a machine," he reflects. "So, there are ups and downs, bad days, good days, sick days. Sometimes those are the products, and they’re evolving, so you don't really know how good or bad it is."
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For aspiring industry professionals, Al Mansour offers candid advice born from experience. "Well, I think one of the biggest lessons is to always listen to advice, “ he asserts. “Because, you know, human nature, we always think we're right. But there are a lot of people who are far more experienced that can advise you."
His message to newcomers emphasises careful preparation. "As a prospective new owner or breeder in racing, always take a step back first and learn before you go on this journey. I don't want to sound too pessimistic, but horse racing is a big undertaking. If you're not aware of what's going on or what you're trying to do, or if you're not aware of all the key factors, it might gobble you up."
Al Mansour's journey to leadership was shaped by early exposure to racing excellence. Born into a family deeply involved in the sport, his formative years were spent at Al Shahania Stud under the founding ownership of Sheikh Mohammed. "Since my childhood, my father would take me racing with them, which sparked my love for horse racing," he recalls. "I spent time around racehorses, visited the farm, and learned everything I could."
Despite pursuing studies in the UK unrelated to racing, his passion remained undimmed. "I maintained my passion, following races and even owning several horses myself," he explains. When the opportunity arose to join Sheikh Joaan's operation at Al Shaqab, established in 2012 , he "eagerly accepted with both hands."
This combination of formal education and hands-on experience would prove invaluable in developing his comprehensive vision for racing's future. "You need to understand both the heritage and the possibilities," he notes, reflecting on the industry's evolution. "It's about respecting where we've come from while being bold enough to imagine where we could go."
Al Mansour's approach to team building reflects his understanding of racing as a collaborative endeavour. "You need to trust your trainer, your jockey, your staff. It's really a team sport, like all big sports teams," he explains. "Every person from the one who bred the horse, chose the mating, foaled the horse, raised the horse, looks after the horse in their group – every member is just as important as the other. You can't take anyone for granted," he adds.
His philosophy extends to maximising potential at every level. "Everyone has a certain potential – you can't create something from nothing; you can't create a superstar who doesn't have that potential. Wherever you may be in that flight, you're trying to get the horse to reach the maximum of his potential. That's really what everyone is trying to do."
The relationship between horse and rider particularly fascinates him. "One of the best traits a horse can have is being honest and genuine," he observes. "The relationship between horse and rider is critical. Especially when you have a world-class jockey, their main goal is to convince the horse to run faster, not force the horse to run faster. When you have world-class jockeys like Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, or William Buick, you see how they ride these horses and how they guide them – that's what our sport is about. It's not about forcing; it's about the difference."
His vision for Al Shaqab's future reveals similar depth. "When we talk about the big studs and big names, everyone who knows racing recognises them. With success, you reach a point where most young people want to work there. Young people already say they want to work at Coolmore, Godolphin, or Shadwell. For our lasting legacy, we want to be a place everyone aspires to work at, with a strong reputation as breeders and owners."
The development of international partnerships forms a crucial part of Al Mansour's strategy. His regular attendance at premier sales venues – from Tattersalls to Arqana – reflects a comprehensive approach to bloodstock acquisition. "I love buying from yearling sales; it's the most exciting part of my job," he reveals. "With yearlings, your talent is truly tested. You only have the pedigree and the horse standing in front of you to evaluate."
His interest extends to American bloodlines, particularly noting successful stallions like Justify. "Now, there are some exciting stallions to bring back from America. Justify has been amazing in Europe for two seasons," Mansour enthuses.
While focused on the future, Al Mansour's vision is validated by current success, particularly through the achievements of Al Ghadeer. Under trainer Francois Rohaut and jockey Christophe Soumillon, the son of Al Mourtajez has joined the legendary Ebraz as the only horses to complete the Arabian Triple Crown – winning at Goodwood, ParisLongchamp, and in Doha.
"Every time people doubt him, he proves them wrong," Al Mansour states with evident pride. The five-year-old's versatility across varying conditions has culminated in consecutive Qatar Arabian World Cup victories, cementing his status as arguably the greatest Arabian horse in training.
The sustainable growth of racing in the region is a key priority for Al Mansour, who emphasises the importance of protecting new entrants to the sport while maintaining high ethical standards. His concern for industry integrity is evident. "The issue is still there a lot. I'm afraid for our sport because of young owners who are being ill-advised or misled by some of their advisers," he cautions.
He advocates for stronger oversight and clearer guidelines. "You need to have more random visits to training and breeding centres,” he advises. “Establish a guideline in your country where there is a minimum level of welfare provided for them, for the staff providers." This attention to standards has helped establish Al Shaqab's reputation for excellence.
The challenge of maintaining integrity particularly concerns him. "That's what sometimes gets the young owners excited and interested in getting into the sport. That's what takes them out of the sport – when you have a less than honest adviser." His solution emphasises transparency and education. "Now, with all the technology and information available, it's becoming less of an issue. The auction houses are trying their best to be as transparent as possible."
This commitment to ethical practices extends beyond immediate commercial considerations. "This is a sport where we all need each other," he explains. "We need new people, new faces, new ideas – it's like its own economy. Some of the old, well-established stables are gone. A lot of these big firms have whittled down to smaller firms. The industry needs new people, and you don't want to scare them off."
Beyond the gleaming spires of Al Shaqab's world-class facilities, Al Mansour's impact on racing continues to grow. "This is more than just about winning races," he reflects. "It's about creating something that will inspire generations to come." His vision combines technological innovation with steadfast tradition, reimagining Qatar's equestrian heritage for a global stage while maintaining its essential character.
In an industry where the past and future often clash, Al Mansour is proving that progress doesn't mean abandoning tradition – it means building upon its foundations with bold vision and unwavering purpose. As Middle Eastern racing continues its ascendancy in the global sport, his blueprint for success offers a compelling model for the future of horse racing worldwide.