ENGLISH TEXTS through equestrian sports , shows and horse racing . In the realm of racing , Qatar has significantly developed both Arabian and Thoroughbred racing within its borders , relying on one of the major festivals on the international scene . It has also stood out globally by securing victories at the highest level worldwide and providing support to some of Europe ’ s key racing events . A spotlight on this nation as it prepares for its prestigious H . H . Amir Sword Festival .
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THE H . H . THE AMIR SWORD FESTIVAL
Qatar is a young racing nation , yet one of the most significant events on the international racing calendar , the H . H . The Amir Sword Festival , will take place in the heart of its capital , Doha , at the Al Rayyan Racecourse . From February 13 to 15 , 2025 , 26 competitions will be held at Al Rayyan , including the coveted H . H . The Amir Sword ( Gr . 1-PA ) for Purebred Arabians and the H . H . The Amir Trophy , its counterpart for thoroughbreds . The program also features races such as the Al Rayyan Mile ( Gr . 2 ) for three-year-olds and the Dukhan Sprint ( Gr . 3 ). For 2025 , the Festival unveils a new identity presented during the February 2 press conference . It is symbolized by the “ Bisht ”, a traditional ceremonial cloak worn during important occasions , representing Qatar ’ s prestige and deep cultural attachment to horses . This change also highlights the QREC ’ s ( Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club ) commitment to continually enhancing the Festival ’ s reputation on the world stage . Total prize money for the 2025 edition has increased to $ 10 million , with the main races on the final day offering $ 2.5 million each .
ILLUSTRATION : A closer look at the major events of the Festival ’ s final day : 1 . Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup ( Group 2 ) 2 . Qatar International Cup ( Group 1-PA ) 3 . Dukhan Sprint ( Group 3 ) 4 . Al Rayyan Mile ( Group 2 ) 5 . H . H . The Amir Shalfa ( Handicap Race ) 6 . H . H . The Amir Silver Sword ( Class 1 - Purebred Arabians )
7 . H . H . The Amir Trophy ( Group 1 ) 8 . H . H . The Amir Sword ( Group 1-PA )
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28 FOREIGN COMPETITORS EXPECTED
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International participation is once again on the rise , driven by a longterm strategy from the QREC . Some of the world ’ s best performers , whether thoroughbreds or Purebred Arabians , are expected to take part . Among the 28 foreign contenders are Rebel ’ s Romance , Al Riffa , and the champion Al Ghadeer , trained by François Rohaut , who will attempt the unprecedented record of claiming a second Triple Crown for Al Shaqab Racing .
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By Cécile Adonias
ADRIAN BEAUMONT
Director of IRB Racecourse Services
Galorama . What is your background ?
A . B . I have been the Director of the IRB ( International Racing Bureau ) since August 1982 . That makes 43 years now ( laughs )! Before that , I worked for two years with a broker , John Moore .
G . How long have you been working with the QREC ?
A . B . We ’ ve been working with the QREC for over ten years now . Initially , our partnership began with the Derby held at the end of December . Then , we shifted our focus to the HH Amir ’ s Trophy festival .
G . What is your role with the QREC ?
A . B . We are responsible for promoting the HH Amir ’ s Trophy festival to potential foreign participants . This year , there will be about forty foreign participants coming from France , England , Dubai , Bahrain and Japan . The entries closed on January 7 , 2025 . Following that , and in collaboration
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