Welcome to the latest updates on Arabian horse racing for the 2026 season. This week features major events in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. From the prestigious HH The Amir Sword Festival to the expanded UAE President Cup global series, we bring you complete coverage of the world’s finest purebred Arabian horse racing.
🏆 Historic Triple Victory for Al Ghazali and Casamento at HH The Amir Sword
The HH The Amir Sword Festival kicked off at Al Rayyan Park in Doha, Qatar, with a spectacular opening day. Trainer Jassim Al Ghazali and jockey Casamento achieved a historic triple victory, dominating the Arabian horse races.
The same duo also secured victory with “Loaded Gun” in the Thoroughbred Handicap Cup, followed by “Jungle Monarch” in the Maiden Cup on his debut in Qatar. The festival continues until May 30, with the main HH The Amir Sword race offering prizes worth up to 5 million Qatari Riyals.
🌍 UAE President Cup 2026 – 19 Global Destinations
The organizing committee for the UAE President Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses has announced details of the 33rd edition, which features historic expansion with total prize money exceeding 20 million UAE dirhams. The races will take place across 19 global destinations, starting from Tunisia and the United States (Churchill Downs), through France, Sweden, Italy, and Morocco, reaching the United Kingdom (Newbury and Doncaster).
Faisal Al Rahmani, Secretary General of the series, stated: “The 33rd edition represents a historic turning point… we are proud to present the strongest and most valuable series in the history of Arabian horse racing.”
🏅 Sharjah International Horse Festival – Ashraf RC Takes Gold
The 27th Sharjah International Arabian Horse Festival recently concluded with participation from 217 purebred Arabian horses from around the world. The colt Ashraf RC, owned by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, was crowned with the gold championship title in the 2-3 year old colt category.
“Raydan Al Sedim,” owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, secured second place (silver), while “Essam Al Saeed” took third place (bronze). The festival serves as a leading platform for showcasing purebred Arabian horses and exchanging expertise among breeders and owners worldwide.
🏁 Upcoming Race Schedule
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| HH The Amir Sword (Final Days) | Al Rayyan, Qatar | May 28-30, 2026 |
| UAE President Cup – European Leg | Paris, France | June 5, 2026 |
| Dubai International Arabian Horse Festival | Meydan, Dubai | June 12, 2026 |
| Bahrain Season Closing Races | Riffa, Bahrain | June 19, 2026 |
🇸🇦 Saudi Cup 2026 – Historic Victory for “Forever Young”
The Saudi Cup 2026 concluded in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack, the world’s most valuable horse race with a prize of $20 million. The Japanese horse “Forever Young” achieved a historic victory, claiming the cup for the second consecutive year.
The event was attended by the Chairman and CEO of Abdullah bin Fahd Aba Al-Khail Company, along with prominent sports personalities including Sarah Phillips (granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II). Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position on the global horse racing map by hosting this major event.
🇴🇲 Oman – Season Finale in Barka
The Omani equestrian season concluded with the final races at the Barka racetrack. The main race featured elite purebred Arabian horses. The horse “Al Malik,” owned by the Royal Cavalry, won the gold race over 2000 meters. The horse racing sector in Oman is witnessing remarkable development with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth.
🏅 Most Famous Arabian Horses of All Time
Mar Aziz: Born in America, this horse was sold for $15 million, making him one of the most expensive Arabian horses ever. His offspring continue to win international competitions.
Kash El Deeb: Born in Egypt, this horse won over 50 first prizes across Europe and the Middle East.
Padron: Born in Canada, this Arabian horse has produced over 800 offspring, many of which have set world records.
✨ Interesting Facts About Arabian Horses
• Bedouin tribes treated their horses like family members for over 2,000 years.
• An Arabian horse can travel 160 kilometers (100 miles) in 24 hours across the desert.
• Famous bloodlines include: Al Kebeilan, Al Seglawi, Al Hamdani, Al Abeyan.
📈 Performance Analysis – Top Arabian Horses This Season
According to equestrian experts, Hadi De Carrere leads the rankings of purebred Arabian horses in Qatar, while Ashraf RC tops the global rankings in the colt category. The UAE President Cup 2026 is expected to feature record-breaking competition due to the significant expansion in global stops.
📝 Summary
Qatar leads the scene with the Amir Sword Festival, the UAE expands the President Cup globally, Saudi Arabia continues to attract world-class horses, and Oman produces high-quality purebred Arabian horses. The coming days promise more excitement and top-level competition.