Doha, October 25 (QNA) – Qatar’s horse racing scene is gaining international recognition, with the HH the Amir Trophy attaining Group 1 international status, HE Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah said.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Attiyah said the club’s annual ceremony honoring owners, trainers and jockeys went beyond celebrating a successful season, serving as a springboard for further progress in Qatari horse racing, backed by the country’s leadership.

He added that the ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of owners, trainers and jockeys over the past season while inspiring Qatari talent to step up its efforts, raise performance standards and sustain the sport’s long-term success.

Al Attiyah said preparations for the new season reflect Qatar’s commitment to strengthening the global standing of horse racing.

He said the club aims to mark a significant advance on the international stage, with the HH the Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds elevated from Group 2 to Group 1 status following recognition by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The upgrade reflects the club’s commitment to the highest international technical and organizational standards and is expected to raise the festival’s profile, attracting leading horses, owners, trainers and jockeys to Doha and enhancing its appeal among the global racing community.

Al Attiyah said developing local talent is central to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s long-term strategy, with a focus on sharpening trainers’ technical and tactical skills and building a stronger pipeline of Qatari jockeys.

Trainers take part in races throughout the season, which runs from October to May, while regular meetings with the club provide a forum to review technical issues and refine the racing program, he said.

The club also runs intensive summer training camps for aspiring jockeys and riders. Its most recent camp was held in South Africa, where participants worked to sharpen their skills and improve their competitive performance, Al Attiyah said.

The club is also working with relevant authorities on future training programs designed to provide competitive environments that meet international standards, helping Qatari jockeys prepare for competition on the global stage.

Al Attiyah said the new season’s racing calendar features a varied program, with the HH the Amir Sword Festival serving as its centerpiece and the highlight of Qatar’s horse racing season.

Following the success of its four-day format last season, the festival will again run over four days, with increased prize money for several races aimed at boosting competition and attracting more owners and jockeys. The changes are also intended to raise organizational standards in line with the festival’s international standing.

Al Attiyah said horse racing in Qatar has evolved beyond a sporting pursuit into an economic sector supporting a range of specialized industries and services. He said race meetings, stronger competition and higher prize money are helping drive demand for equestrian equipment and veterinary services as owners invest in improving their horses’ performance.

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is also exploring potential investment projects across the equestrian sector, including flat racing, show jumping and endurance racing, Al Attiyah said. The proposals remain under study, with the club assessing ways to expand the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability in line with international standards.

Al Attiyah highlighted Qatar’s longstanding partnerships on the international horse racing circuit, including its continued sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France, a collaboration spanning 18 years. The partnership has helped strengthen the event’s organizational profile and public appeal, he said.

Qatar also maintains a presence at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in the United Kingdom and has forged strategic partnerships with leading racecourses worldwide. These efforts seek to expand the international reach of purebred Arabian horse racing and reinforce Qatar’s standing in the global racing industry, Al Attiyah said.

Al Attiyah urged owners, trainers and jockeys to seize the opportunities offered by the new season, describing it as a pivotal stage in the development of Qatar’s horse racing industry. He expressed confidence in the ability of Qatari talent to deliver strong performances and build on the country’s achievements, further consolidating Qatar’s standing in the sport regionally and internationally.

Al Attiyah reaffirmed the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s commitment to welcoming constructive ideas and development proposals from owners, experts and horse racing enthusiasts, stressing that success depends on collective effort.

He expressed confidence that the new season would deliver exceptional competition and excitement, ushering in a new chapter of achievement that reflects Qatar’s support for sport and strengthens its presence at major local and international racing events. (QNA)