ENGLISH TEXTS
When there are no races , I work out to stay fit . The pace in Qatar is less intense , so it ’ s important to maintain fitness and weight . At Al Uqda , races start at 12:50 p . m . and it takes about 30 minutes to get to the racetrack from Doha . At Al Rayyan , races start at 4:00 p . m .
G . Can you describe the tracks at the two Qatari racetracks ? What are their specific characteristics ?
O . A . In Doha , at the Al Rayyan racetrack , the dirt track is quite deep . Horses need specific abilities to handle this surface , and some struggle to adapt to it . The turf track has a tight layout , with a short 300-meter straight and relatively small turns . It favors horses ridden offensively . The synthetic ( PSF ) track at Al Uqda is suitable for all horses . The track layout is quite similar to Deauville , with wide turns and long straights .
G . How do you approach the layout of each track ? Are there key moments in a race to secure a win ?
O . A . The start is a key moment in the race . Especially with 16 runners , it ’ s hard to make up ground from the back of the field . It ’ s important to get a good position straight out of the gates . The final turn is also crucial . Horses need to be relaxed and breathing well to be able to accelerate all the way to the finish line .
G . What abilities must a horse have to race in Qatar , both for the season and the international meeting ?
O . A . Generally , a horse must be agile , quick off the mark and able to accelerate repeatedly during the race . For dirt races , they must tolerate kickback , as some horses - especially Purebred Arabians -don ’ t handle it well at all .
Horses can perform significantly below their best due to the kickback . For the Emir Sword weekend , a true Group 1 thoroughbred is now needed to be competitive . The level has improved significantly , partly thanks to Wathnan Racing . Increased prize money has also attracted new trainers with higher-quality horses . For Purebred Arabians , trainers and owners have already been bringing excellent horses to this weekend for years . Overall , the level of racing keeps rising .
G . Do you ride thoroughbreds differently from Purebred Arabians ?
O . A . Yes , the riding approach is slightly different . With Purebred Arabians , I try to trick them , to make them want to put in that final effort on their own rather than forcing them . They rely heavily on their morale and willingness , especially the mares . This aspect is less present with thoroughbreds . With Purebred Arabians , it ’ s about building a connection and mutual understanding between the horse and rider . Both types of horses are different , and we must adapt to each one . That ’ s what makes it so challenging and rewarding .
PAGE 86 Olivier d ’ Andigné . © APRH
PAGE 87 The French jockey dressed in the colors of Al Shaqab Racing . © APRH
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
� PAGE 88
QATAR ’ S EXPANDING INFLUENCE IN EUROPE
Qatar ’ s international presence extends beyond its borders through long-term sponsorships and notable achievements on the European racing scene . Key partnerships include the Qatar Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe in France and the QIPCO British Champion Series in the UK . Several Qatari-owned horses have left their mark on Europe ’ s top races and have settled breeding operations in both France and the UK .
� PAGE 92
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
AL SHAQAB RACING EXCELLENCE IN BREEDING AND RACING
The iconic gray and garnet silks of Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani are a regular presence on Grouplevel podiums and were notably associated with the legendary Trêve , the dual winner of the Qatar Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe ( Gr . 1 ). Since her retirement , the champion mare has been enjoying a peaceful life at Haras de Bouquetot , the only Qatari breeding entity successfully
175