Horse Racing

Paris: As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, sponsored by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), draws the world’s racing eyes to Paris, today’s spotlight shines on the Purebred Arabian Horse Sale, organised annually by Arqana at Saint-Cloud Racecourse. The auction opens the associated events of the weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses. The growing focus on Arabians reflects one of the most notable successes of Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar’s support for Arabian horse racing on French tracks stretches across the entire winter season, beginning with the Qatar Prix Massoud for three-year-olds making their first appearance—a race that officially launches the European Arabian racing calendar. The auction opens the associated events of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses. This momentum continues with a distinguished lineup of major Arabian races, including the Qatar Prix Denouste for three-year-old colts, the Qatar Prix Djebella II for three-year-old fillies, the Gr.2 PA Qatar Prix de l’Élevage for four-year-old and up fillies and mares, the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes for four-year-olds, Gr.2 PA Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) for four-year-olds and up, the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (three-year-old fillies), the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (three-year-old colts), the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (four-year-old fillies) and culminating in the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, staged on the final day of the weekend as the highlight immediately preceding the weekend’s centrepiece, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Given this remarkable calendar showcasing a wide diversity of races, it is entirely fitting that Arqana’s Pure Arabian Horse Sale has earned such prominence both in France and on the global stage. This year’s auction catalogue features 97 lots, including 36 two-year-olds, two yearlings, 31 horses currently in training and 28 of breeding stock. Among the horses on offer, 13 are from Al Shaqab Racing, including seven horses in training and six horses of o breeding stock. Last year’s sale drew a significant international turnout of breeders, owners and trainers, achieving outstanding results. Of the 106 lots presented, 76 were sold, representing 71.7%, with total sales reaching €3,580,000.

Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: Table toppers Al Kharaitiyat will take on Al Duhail in round three of QSL Cup at the Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium on Thursday at 6pm. Both teams enter the match in high spirits after winning their previous fixtures. Al Duhail defeated Mesaimeer, while Al Kharaitiyat continued their impressive form with a victory over Qatar SC, taking the lead in the standings with 6 points. Al Duhail are currently in 8th place with 4 points and will be looking to improve their position in the table and climb towards the top. This match is crucial for both teams. Al Kharitiyat aim to maintain their strong start and solidify their position at the top of the table, while Al Duhail seek to extend their winning streak and secure three points to stay in contention for the title. Meanwhile, Al Sailiya who also have 6 points (but are third in the standings on goal difference – being level on points with leaders Al Kharaitiyat and second-placed Al Rayyan) will meet Umm Salal at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday at 8pm. Umm Salal enter the match having performed well in their first two rounds, winning their opener against Al Shamal 3-1 before holding Al Khor to a 1-1 draw. They have a tally of 4 points being in sixth place. Al Sailiya will also go into the game with a high morale after recently regaining their balance in the Doha Bank Stars League with a big win over Al Arabi in Week 6. In the QSL Cup too, Al Sailiya have been unbeaten so far with wins over Al Shahania (2-1) and Al Markhiya (1-0). QSL CUP FIXTURES TODAY 18:00 Al Shahania vs Muaither – Al Khor Stadium Al Duhail vs Al Kharaitiyat – Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium 20:00 Al Gharafa vs Al Khor – Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium TOMORROW 18:00 Al Shamal vs Al Bidda – Al Khor Stadium Al Wakrah vs Mesaimeer – Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium 20:00 Al Sadd vs Al Markhiya – Thani Bin Jassim Stadium

Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: Hosts Al Rayyan trounced Al Tadamon Hadramaut of Yemen 5-0 in their Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) Group B opener at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday. Brazilian Roger Guedes scored a brace (18th and 28th minutes) while Rodrigo (68th minute) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (90th +6 minute) added each for The Lions. An own goal from Yemeni side’s Ayoub Tlili in the 50th minute, while attempting to clear a goal-bound shot, added to the tally as the Qatari side began the tournament on a high note. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute when Mohammed Muqbil got the marching orders after amassing his second yellow of the night. Al Rayyan now lead Group B with three points. The group also includes Al Nahda of Oman and Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia besides Yemen’s Al Tadamon. Group A comprises Al Ain of UAE, Zakho FC of Iraq, Al Qadsia of Kuwait and Sitra Club of Bahrain.