HM Cup Bestowed upon Champion
‘Falah’ in Royal Cavalry’s Annual Equestrian Spectacle

Barka, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) — At
the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin
Haitham Al Said presided over the Annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race at the Al
Rahba Racecourse in the Wilayat of Barka today, in an event organized by the the
Royal Court Affairs (RCA) through the Royal Cavalry.

The horse ‘Falah’, owned by HH
Sayyid Shihab bin Harib Al Said, was awarded His Majesty the Sultan’s Cup after
triumphing in the fifth race, the Wilayat Barka Race for Purebred Arabian
Horses over 2,000 meters. The Royal Cavalry’s ‘Saad’ secured second place,
while ‘Sunny de L’Ob’, also from the Royal Cavalry, claimed third.

Upon his arrival at the main
grandstand, HH the chief guest inaugurated the new permanent visual identity
for the Annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race. The emblem’s design is centered on the
Royal Crown, depicted through two opposing horse heads—a symbol of the
sovereign’s enduring patronage of equestrian sport. It also incorporates the
banner of the Royal Cavalry, the body entrusted by His Majesty’s noble command
with organizing this prestigious event. The logo features a primary deep purple
hue, accented by a secondary golden-brown tone.

In the opening Nakhal Fort
Race for Purebred Arabian Horses (1,200 meters), reserved for the Royal
Cavalry’s female jockeys, ‘Al-Muheeb’, ridden by Ramla Khalil Al Zedjali, took
first place. Rayeda Saud Al Bahri aboard ‘Hamsah’ finished second, and Asmahan
Jumah Al Balush on ‘Mabhur’ came third.

The Hazm Fort Race (1,200
meters) saw a clean sweep by the Royal Cavalry, with ‘Yasirah’ winning first
place, ‘Amsilah’ second, and ‘Al-Muqdam’ third.

The Wadi Bani Kharous Race
(1,600 meters) was won by ‘Bakir’, owned by HH Sayyida Nora Mohammed Al Said.
The Royal Cavalry’s ‘Al-Reem’ placed second, and ‘RB Kinsman’, owned by HH
Sayyid Saud bin Harith Al Said, finished third.

In the Ain Al Khasfah Race
(1,600 meters) for the top-rated Omani-owned horses of the 2025/2026 season,
victory went to ‘Madmoun’ of Marbat Al Reef. ‘Dhaawi’, owned by Majid bin Ali Al
Maamari, was second, and Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman’s ‘Izmir de
Carrier’ took third.

The race card was enriched by
diverse equestrian displays from the Royal Cavalry’s knights and lady riders,
accompanied by musical performances. Knights from South Al Batinah presented
traditional arts, and school students performed horse riding skills. Further
displays featured skilled mounted archery and a poignant segment titled
“Insight of a Knight,” showcasing the bond between a visually
impaired Omani youth and his horse. Exhibitions on equine beauty and small
horse-drawn carriages completed the programme.

Nasr bin Hamoud Al Kindi,
Secretary-General of the Royal Court Affairs, stated, “Horse racing and
equestrianism in the Sultanate of Oman receive the continuous support and
patronage of His Majesty the Sultan, reflecting his supreme regard for the
sport’s historical and cultural significance and its profound connection to the
Omani people. This gracious patronage has fostered the preservation of purebred
Arabian bloodlines and instilled in Omani youth a deep appreciation for these
noble breeds.”

He affirmed that the Royal
Court Affairs, through the Royal Cavalry, has undertaken sustained efforts to
advance equestrian sports by organizing the Annual Race across Oman’s
governorates. The event commenced in Sohar (North Al Batinah), followed by
editions in Nizwa (A’Dakhiliyah), Bidiyah (North A’Sharqiyah), Salalah
(Dhofar), and Ibri (A’Dhahirah).

He added that hosting the
seventh edition this year in the Wilayat of Barka (South Al Batinah) is of
great significance to the participating riders, serving to elevate their prowess
and refine their horsemanship. The race consistently attracts an elite cadre of
the finest riders from across Oman to compete in its various events.

— Ends/Khalid