The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) this week announced significant purse increases for the 2023 three-day racing H.H. The Amir Festival, including a boost to $2.5 million for the signature H.H. The Amir Trophy. The festival–which is set for Feb. 16-18 and falls a week before the $20 million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack–will again be contested at Al Rayyan Racecourse.
The H.H. The Amir Trophy, which was previously worth $1 million, is a 1 1/2-mile turf test for 3-year-olds and up.
“Certainly, raising the value of prizes in the most valuable equestrian festivals will bring about a new era in the history of the event, which is expected to be rich excitement contesting among horse owners, trainers and jockeys who have already expressed their great happiness with this development,” H.E. Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, said. “In fact, this increase will enhance the development of racing and motivate owners to have the best horses and reap such prize money. Naturally, this will lead to raising the standard of racing to match the immense support from the authorities, who spare no effort to this effect and facilitate all requirements for success both at home and overseas.”
Overall, the total prize money for the three-day festival has been increased by more than the double from a year ago to nearly $10 million.
“All the races will be significant and valuable as all owners, trainers and jockeys aspire to be present at the winner's enclosure in this renewal, which will be marked by a new standard of maximized motivations given the generous increase in the prize money. This will eventually lead to the further development of Qatar's horseracing,” Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, said.
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