On a day of close finishes, even the feature produced a thriller as Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud’s Dubawi Spectre won the Thoroughbred Sand Championship in style on the first day of the HH The Amir Sword Festival at the QREC’s refurbished Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday.Jassim Ghazali-trained five-year-old horse delivered a determined performance and secured his second consecutive win, bringing his season tally to four victories. With Maxime Guyon in the saddle, the bay gelding fought bravely in a tense battle before the line, eventually prevailing by ½ a length to cap off the day’s racing.Nibras Racing Syndicate’s Nuvolari and Saif Rashid Saif al-Khayarin Local Law came second and third respectively. Dubawi Spectre had won the Al Jassasiya Cup on March 21, the Doha Cup on November 27 and the Brooq Cup on December 11 in 2024.In the penultimate race of the day, Al Nati Up extended his perfect 2025 record with a thrilling victory in the Purebred Arabian Sand Championship.Owned by Sharq Stud and trained by Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan al-Sulaiti, the in-form five-year-old horse secured his third straight win, producing a stunning late charge under Fayos Martin Borja, in a breath-taking blanket finish, only a neck and two heads separated the first four home.Racing in the colours of Abdulatif bin Hussain MZ al-Emadi, Lulwat Al Faisal won the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Sand Championship race, reaffirming her impressive form in 2025, bouncing back to winning ways.Trained by Khalifa Hamed Nasser al-Sawai, the five-year-old mare produced a strong late surge in the home straight under Lukas Delozier, overtaking the long-time leader and securing a cosy 1¼-length victory.HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, crowned the winners of the race.HE Eng Yasser bin Abdullah bin Ahmed al-Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, crowned the winners of the Local Purebred Arabian Sand Championship, which was landed by Munhamik, who showcased his staying power and determination, securing a thrilling victory.Racing for Nasser Owaida Salem al-Hajri, the Owaida Salem al-Hajri-trained seven-year-old gelding was patiently ridden by Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri, gradually improving from the back of the pack before launching a strong late charge to snatch victory by half a length.Due To Dance delivered a commanding performance to break his maiden in the Thoroughbred three-year-old Sand Championship. Racing in the colours of Hamad bin Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Attiya, the Mohammed Ghazali-trained colt unleashed a sweeping move before the final bend under Oisin Murphy, surging past the leaders and pulling away for an impressive 3½-length victory. The win also marked a double on the day for his trainer. Salman al-Darwish, Chairman of Porsche Centre Doha, crowned the winners.Displaying patience and precision, Burkan bided his time before launching a decisive challenge in the home straight to claim the Premium Maiden Cup for Purebred Arabians. The Al Rabban Racing’s four-year-old gelding, trained by Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, produced a strong finish under Tomas Lukasek, surging past the leaders to secure victory by two lengths and open his account in style.After back-to-back runner-up finishes, Al Maher delivered a breath-taking performance in the Premium Maiden Cup for Local Thoroughbreds. The Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari runner unleashed a powerful surge before the final bend, putting the race to bed in emphatic fashion. With Jim Crowley in the saddle, the Zuhair Mohsen-trained five-year-old gelding was simply unstoppable, charging home to a runaway nine-length. Bader Shaheen al-Kuwari, Ooredoo Director of Strategic Account Management, crowned the winners.The Premium Maiden Cup for Local Purebred Arabians, the opening race of the festival, saw Al Wasmi produce a commanding performance to secure victory.The Al Wasmiyah Farm’s four-year-old gelding, on just his second career start, built on his debut placing and delivered a powerful late surge to win by emphatic 4½ lengths, giving a flying start for trainer Mohammed Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento. Salman al-Darwish, Chairman of Porsche Centre Doha, crowned thewinners.The second day of the three-day festival will feature 10 race on Friday, concluding with the $400,000 Al Rayyan Breeders Cup. Key races include the Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup and the Al Zubara Trophy – Local Purebred Arabian, with both races carrying prize money of $200,000 each.RESULTSHH THE AMIR SWORD FESTIVALDay 1 - 24th Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Sand ChampionshipsWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 - Thoroughbred Sand Championship (Class 2) Restricted raceDubawi Spectre, Jassim Ghazali, Maxime Guyon2 - Purebred Arabian Sand Championship (class 2) Restricted raceAl Nati Up, Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan al-Sulaiti, Fayos Martin Borja3 - Local Thoroughbred Sand Championship (Class 2)Lulwat Al Faisal, Khalifa Hamed Nasser al-Sawai, Lukas Delozier4 - Local Purebred Arabian Sand Championship - Open Race (Class 2) Restricted raceMunhamik, Owaida Salem al-Hajri, Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri (-2.5kg)5 - Thoroughbred 3yo Sand Championship (Class 2)Due To Dance, Mohammed Ghazali, Oisin Murphy6 - Premium Maiden Cup - Purebred Arabian (Class 6)Burkan, Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, Tomas Lukasek7 - Premium Maiden Cup - Local Thoroughbred (Class 6)Al Maher, Zuhair Mohsen, Jim Crowley8 - Premium Maiden Cup - Local Purebred Arabian (Class 6)Al Wasmi, Mohammed Ghazali, Marco Casamento