Qatar

www.qrec.gov.qa

History

Horse racing has always been part of the Arabian Culture and the Qatari's have been racing their horses for centuries. Officially horseracing was established in 1975 by Emiri decree. That year the now existing grandstand was built and they had 4 official racedays per year, thoroughbred and Arabian races. Unofficially there were many more. A black and white photo finish was used during these days. Steriline starting gates were purchased.

In 1991 a new racetrack was built by a local company, and a few changes were also made to the grandstand. At that time there were 12 race meetings per year - 5 races per meeting. A combination of Thoroughbred, local thoroughbred and Arabian races.

In 1994 a new track was built, again by a local company. There were 20 meetings per year, 5 races per meeting. Prize money was increased from $500,000 to almost $2,000,000. A new Lynx photo finish system was purchased. in 1999 a 16-stall starting gate was purchased from Steriline, Australia.

In 2001 the French Company Gregori was appointed by HH the Emir to construct a new racetrack and grandstand. Currently the new racetrack is under construction and hopefully racing will resume by February 2002. To accommodate the race-goers the existing grandstand will remain until the new grandstand is finished at the new location.

Racing in Qatar has been televised since 1975. Since 1991 Qatar racing has gone worldwide with Satellite television.

Name of Racing Authority: Racing and Equestrian Club

Postal Address: P.O Box 7559, Doha, State of Qatar

Tel: + 974 4825 703 Fax: + 974 4803 016

Email: sian@qrec.net

Website: www.qrec.gov.qa

Chairman: H.E Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Khaled Al Thani

Stewards/Committee

Ian Paterson (Chief Steward), Michael Fenton (Deputy Chief Steward) Tariq Abdulhameed Al Siddique, Saad Mubarak Al Hajri, Abdulrahman Mohd Al Naama, Abdulaziz Nasser Al Fuhaid

General Manager: Sami Jassim Al Boenain

Chief Executive Officer (Racing) & Chief Stipendiary Steward: Ian Paterson

Racing Veterinarian: Gigi Kay

Track Manager: Brad Smith

Racing Administrator: Sian Jones

Principal Racecourses:

Al Rayyan Racecourse, P.O Box 7559, Doha, State of Qatar.

Bradford Smith (Track Manager), Telephone 974 4825 703, Fax 974 4803 016.

Statistical:

Race Festivals

Qatar International Horse Festival, February-March

Financials

Total Prizemoney (Local Currency – Qatari Riyal)

$8,200,000 - Provided by Racing Authorities

$500,000 - Provided by Sponsors Contributions

Average Prizemoney Per Race (Total) $25,212

Average Prizemoney Per Race (Flat) $25,212

Exchange Rate to US$: - (3.65)

Betting Statistics - not applicable

Breeding