QREC begins preparations for new season

With the conclusion of the horse racing season at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) last month, the QREC management, led by Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi, has begun preparations for the new racing season, expected to start next October following the completion of the overseas participations and major races sponsored by QREC in Europe.To ensure the upcoming season’s programme is optimised, the QREC management, through the Racing Department, is in continuous communication with owners and trainers for joint coordination and considering the key proposals that need to be implemented in the programme.This collaboration aims to achieve the optimal format that will enhance Qatar’s horse racing and standing on the global racing map, thereby fulfilling QREC’s vision in this field.Abdulla al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, stated: "We are all working towards delivering an exemplary season, similar to the recent seasons at QREC. At the end of each season, we consider the most important positive and negative aspects in coordination with owners and trainers, whose feedback is appreciated as we all work towards realising the same end. There are several proposals which are always adopted in the racing program and if not we explain to owners and trainers why a certain proposal is postponed or not incorporated because we have standards, which are applied to races run at both Al Rayyan and Al Uqda race courses.”"As part of the QREC Management’s and Racing Departments’ commitment to continuous improvement, the door is open for owners and trainers to present their proposals for the upcoming season”, added al-Kubaisi."At this stage, we have noted that the remarks presented in relation to the negatives of the last season are a few compared to those raised in relation to the previous seasons, which positively indicates the level the races have reached and QREC’s efforts to provide an ideal environment for all to actively participate and achieve the best results. In addition the staging of race meetings at Al Uqda racecourse (22 meetings last season) had a positive impact by providing opportunities for a broader base and more diverse categories of participants, as well as easing the pressure on Al Rayyan racecourse, where 45 race meetings were held from October to the end of the last season in April. There has been a clear improvement in the maintenance of the racetracks at both Al Rayyan and Al Uqda.”Sami al-Boenain, Adviser to the QREC chairman and one of the region’s most professional horse racing specialists, said: "We are considering remarks from owners and trainers and are still welcoming any proposals from them. However, QREC intends to maintain the general structure of the program. If there is a change, it would be by addition rather than replacement, as maintaining the programme unchanged helps owners and trainers develop their plans and identify their purchases on the long term.”In regard to the proposal of increasing the number of races for Qatari jockeys, al-Boenain pointed out: "This request is certainly welcome, but we currently do not have enough Qatari jockeys for this. On the other hand, some connections are not willing to engage non-Qatari apprentices in races reserved for Qatari jockeys, but it is necessary for Qatari jockeys to compete with more experienced jockeys to enhance their skills and QREC strongly supports this opinion. A successful example in this respect is jockey Faleh Bughenaim, who, since the beginning of his career, has competed against foreign professional jockeys, which has significantly contributed to his current high level of performance. After all, riding in easy races would not help Qatari jockeys.”