QATAR RACECOURSE

Racing at the Al Rayyan racecourse in the Oil rich country of Qatar first took place in 1975 when the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club was established. The track consists of a turf track and an all weather sand track on the inside of the turf course. The turf course has a circumference of 1800 metres with a run-in of 400 metres.

The season begins in late October and extends through until May. From 2000 onwards the Qatar International Festival is the highlight of the season and is held in February.

The principal race is the Qatar Derby which is normally run on Boxing Day along with the Qatar Oaks and 'Local' Derby. In 2013 the Oaks was won by Aden ridden by R.Mullen, the Local Derby by Moaddie ridden by Yanis Aouabed and the Qatar Derby by Assy, ridden by R.Mullen, who beat Za Hoor. The other feature races are HH The Heir Apparent Trophy and HH The Emir's Trophy. The Emirs Trophy, a Group 1 for 3 year olds, is contested in late February and in 2014 was won by Dubday ridden by Frankie Dettori, who beat Peter Anders.

For further information visit www.qrec.gov.qa

If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net