3 minute read

The first day of the 3 day The Amir Sword festival gets underway at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's track at Al Rayyan.

We know virtually nothing about the Purebred Arabian races so shall concentrate on the thoroughbreds.

First race for them is a Maiden for Class 6 with a full field.  Tom Marquand has made the trip from Sydney to Qatar and rides Dreaming Away in this.  Damon Runyon and Shellbrook have been in the frame at recent outings and look poised to break their ducks soon.

There's a 2000m Handicap on turf with our mate Eddie Pedroza on Al Khor Surprise with Sea the Light and Al Shomos possibilities.

The 1200m sprint looks like being between Catch A Wave, Gangland, Mr Diamond and Shaheen.

This evening the barrier draw will take place for Saturday's big races and for this we are off to the National Museum, with dinner in the Old Palace after.