Horse Racing

Doha, Qatar: Lacaro Du Croate, the talented five-year-old mare, claimed a major victory by winning the Gr.1 (PA) The President of the UAE Cup – Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes over 2000m at ParisLongchamp yesterday. The race was for 4-year-old and older Purebred Arabians. Trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, and owned by Mansoor Khalil M. Al-Shahwani, Lacaro Du Croate showed a very willing attitude to win at the highest level. The mare jumped well from the stalls and quickly took a good position in midfield, but still close to the leaders, sitting fourth behind Al Theeb. The race was led by the pacemaker Mureb, while the well-fancied Lippo De Carrere was held up at the back of the field.Jockey Guillaume Guedj-Gay guides Lacaro Du Croate to victory. The positions remained mostly unchanged during the first part of the race, with the runners going at an even tempo. Entering the final straight, Lacaro Du Croate was still travelling strongly on the bridle. Guillaume Guedj-Gay switched her to the outside, where she looked to be going best of all. Soon after, Lacaro Du Croate took the lead and was asked for her effort inside the final 300m. Moneer, Lippo De Carrere, and Al Theeb all tried to challenge her, while RB Kingmaker also began to finish strongly from the back on the outside. But Lacaro Du Croate found more under pressure and responded very well to her jockey’s urgings. She kept on strongly to win by one and a quarter lengths, with Lippo De Carrere finishing second and Moneer taking third.

Horse Racing

Doha, Qatar: Rider Juan Carlos Garcia clinched the Diamond Tour title as the 13th round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour concluded at the Qatar Equestrian Federation Outdoor Arena on Saturday night. Partnering with Oliver Twist Vd Berghoeve, Garcia produced the fastest round, clocking 67.80 seconds to secure victory in the feature event. Khalid Al Eid finished second aboard Q Hayen in 68.39 seconds, while Fares Saad Al Qahtani claimed third place with a time of 70.07 seconds on Com du Rouet Z. The top three riders were crowned by Ahmed Badawi, Head of the Judging Committee for the Championship. The Bronze Tour, contested at a height of 120cm, witnessed close competition with rider Hazza Mubarak Al-Hajri taking top honours aboard Elio 4 after clocking 48.17 seconds. Suhaim Hamad Al-Yafai secured second place on Flash du Puits in 48.54 seconds, while Ibrahim Khalid Al-Kuwari finished third on Flexy Bel Z with a time of 48.87 seconds. In the Future Riders Class, held at a height of 90cm, Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani emerged victorious on Zion II Vdk after completing the course in 22.01 seconds. Noura Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi finished second on Goliat in 22.43 seconds, while Ali Khalid Al Obaidli placed third aboard Roxette van de Achterhoek in 22.62 seconds. Hassan Al-Nasr, Director of the Qatar Dressage Team, honoured the top three riders.Director of the Qatar Dressage Team Hassan Al-Nasr with the top three riders in the Future Riders Class. In the team competition of the same class, Team Marwan Al Shaqab claimed first place with a combined time of 107.67 seconds. Team Al Shaqab secured second spot in 108.69 seconds, while Team Ajwad completed the podium with a time of 109.29 seconds. The awards were presented by Saeed Al-Rashdi, Deputy Director of the Tournament. Following the conclusion of Round 13, Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Vice President of the Organising Committee, praised the “clear and remarkable development” in riders’ performances this season across dressage and showjumping. “We have witnessed a remarkable rise in the competitive level, which enhances riders’ readiness for upcoming regional events,” he said, highlighting strong competition in the Gold and Bronze Tours as well as the participation of regional riders, which added quality to the championship. Al Rumaihi added that Hathab continues to play a key role in developing riders’ skills and raising technical standards, expressing confidence in “strong and decisive competition” in the season-ending final round.

Football

Doha, Qatar: With the domestic season ending following Saturday’s Amir Cup final, Qatar’s players will now shift focus to the final phase of preparations for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next month. Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui expressed confidence that Al Annabi have enough time to prepare for the global showpiece, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Making their second World Cup appearance, the back-to-back Asian Cup champions have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina – the European play-off winners. Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui Qatar will begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 before taking on Canada on June 19. They will conclude the group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24. Lopetegui oversaw a training camp during March and April before players returned to their clubs for the closing stages of the domestic season, including the Qatar Stars League and Amir Cup matches. The Spaniard is expected to announce another training camp in Qatar soon. Qatar’s preparations initially included high-profile friendlies against Serbia and Argentina during the Qatar Football Festival in late March, but those matches were cancelled. Al Annabi are now scheduled to face Ireland and El Salvador in warm-up matches on May 28 and June 6, respectively. “We had one last match of the domestic season [the Amir Cup final], which means we have enough time to prepare before heading to the World Cup,” Lopetegui told BeIN Sports on the sidelines of the Asian Cup 2027 draw in Riyadh on Saturday night. “We hope there are no injuries, and we hope to be fully prepared in terms of physical and mental readiness. If you want to compete in the World Cup, you must be ready.” Qatar in tricky Asian Cup group Qatar, seeking a third successive continental crown, were drawn alongside four-time champions Japan, Thailand and Indonesia in Group F of the Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host from January 7, 2027. “Qatar won the last two editions. We are proud of what has been achieved, but at the moment, we must focus on the next edition,” Lopetegui said. “We have to prepare ourselves in the best possible way, especially since the draw has placed us with very strong teams. In particular, the Japanese team is always a favourite to win the Asian Cup. I believe they are the strongest team, along with the Qatari team.” Lopetegui said every group-stage match would be demanding. “These are demanding matches and you must always approach an Asian Cup match as if it were a final. We could talk about the strengths of other teams, but we must focus on ourselves. “We are determined to be a major part of the 2027 Asian Cup, and this requires preparation and perseverance in our work. I know the fans who love the Qatari team expect a lot from them through their participation in the World Cup.”