The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Saturday announced the postponement and relocation of the HH The Amir Sword Festival finale to Al Uqda Equestrian Complex in Al Khor, to ensure the safety of both jockeys and horses.
In a statement, QREC said the race meeting will now take place at Al Uqda Equestrian Complex in Al Khor, with the events set to commence at 1pm on Sunday. “QREC reaffirmed that this decision reflects its commitment to providing the best possible conditions to safeguard all participants and ensure peak performance levels,” it said in a statement.
QREC also expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of all participants, emphasising that Al Uqda Equestrian Complex in Al Khor is fully equipped to host the prestigious event.
The marquee contests on the final day include the $500,000 HH The Amir Silver Sword – 4yo Purebred Arabian (Class 1). The Festival concludes with two flagship races: the HH The Amir Trophy – Thoroughbred (Class 1 Qa – Gr1) International and HH The Amir Sword – Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr1) International, both offering $2.5m each in prize money.
Meanwhile, thriving on the big stage, General Panic stormed to his second consecutive triumph, producing a brilliant performance in the QA Gr2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup in the only race held at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Saturday. The 6YO, trained by Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, showcased his class, pulling away in the closing stages to secure a decisive two and a quarter-length victory for owner Mohammed Abdulhadi S al-Hajri. Charles O’Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, crowned the winners.
On Friday at the prestigious Festival, Balzac showcased his class once again, successfully defending his title in the Al Rayyan Breeders Cup for Local Thoroughbreds.
Also, Aneed Al Shahania maintained his perfect record, securing his fourth straight victory with a commanding performance in the Al Zubara Trophy for Local Purebred Arabians, while in a sensational conclusion to the Listed Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup, Posuelo Py snatched victory in a photo finish, marking a return to winning ways.
