Unbutton to defend Al Ghariya Cup title as racing season begins

Doha: The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) 2022-23 racing season is set for an exciting start with top entries battling for the title in the season-opening Al Ghariya Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse today.   

Unbutton edged out Bint Saffian by short head (SHD) to land the Al Ghariya Cup in a thrilling race last year, and the four-year-old bay filly is back to defend her title in today’s feature which will be contested at 8:15pm.  

Owned by Injaaz Stud, the Jihad El Ahmad-trained will be ridden by JP Guillambert in the QR100,000 race that will see a total of 11 contestants vying for inaugural day’s honours. 

A tough battle is expected in the 1200m race as Angelic Queen, Cups And Cake, Kadupul, Make A Wish and Ridicule are among the entries in fray for the title. Hillside Dream, Luchador, Zavaliya, Gold Lily and Keel Bay are also on the race card.   

Besides the feature Al Ghariya Cup, six other races will be held on the opening day of the busy racing season with action beginning with the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6) at 5pm. 

Contestants will then vie for titles in Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Fillies & Mares), Purebred Arabian Novice Plate while Purebred Arabian Handicap 70-90 and Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2) races are also on schedule for the inaugural day.

Just like the last year, the first week’s second race meeting tomorrow will feature Al Hamla Cup with last year’s champion Equinoxe also on the race card. A total of seven races will be held on the second day too.       

The QREC’s 2022-23 racing season will witness a total of 69 race days on both turf and sand over six months and 12 days. The Al Rayyan Racecourse will host 52 meetings while Al Uqda Racecourse is scheduled to hold 17 race days. 

The season, that will see the HH The Amir Sword Festival action from February 16 to 18, 2023, will conclude with the End Of Season Cup meeting on April 24, 2023.

Today’s schedule 
5:00pm: Thoroughbred Maiden Plate - Class 6 (1700m)
5:30pm: Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (1700m)
6:05pm: Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate - Fillies & Mares (1200m)
6:35pm: Purebred Arabian Novice Plate (1200m) 
7:10pm: Purebred Arabian Handicap (1700m)
7:40pm: Thoroughbred Open Race - Class 2 (1700m) 
8:15pm: Al Ghariya Cup - Thoroughbreds - Fillies & Mares, Class 2 (1200m)