Horse Racing

Doha: American rider Christine Vanderveen praised the Doha Equestrian Tour’s swift response and the support extended to athletes during the situation. She noted that organisers worked quickly to provide safe options for riders who wished to relocate their horses while maintaining a supportive environment for those remaining in Doha. “I feel comfortable here the atmosphere in Doha feels like family,” Vanderveen said. Currently competing in the local show jumping event at Al Shaqab, she described the decision to hold a domestic competition as a positive step that allowed riders to maintain their horses’ rhythm and training schedule. Read Also Doha Equestrian Tour facilitates safe return of 147 horses to Europe QSL: Al Sadd slip keeps Falcon Shield race wide open According to Vanderveen, the past week in Doha provided valuable preparation time, with her horse staying in excellent condition despite the surrounding circumstances. She also expressed optimism that the five-star competitions of the Tour series will go ahead as planned, highlighting how the Tour continues to provide riders with a strong platform for training and competition.

Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: In a rapid and carefully coordinated operation, the Doha Equestrian Tour (DET) successfully transported 147 competition horses from Doha to Europe via two emergency flights, ensuring the safe return of all animals and teams amid exceptional regional circumstances. The flights departed for Liege, Belgium, carrying 74 horses on the first flight and 73 on the second, along with accompanying personnel. The entire relocation from approvals to departure was completed in just 36 hours, following intensive coordination between the Tour’s organizing committee, national authorities and operational partners. With commercial flights temporarily suspended from Hamad International Airport, the Tour also implemented additional logistics solutions to support trainers and crew members unable to board the emergency flights. Ground transportation was arranged from Doha to Riyadh and Oman, allowing teams to travel onward and reunite with their horses in Europe. The complex transfer required extensive veterinary clearances, international transport documentation and operational coordination with key partners including Qatar Airways Cargo and multiple government authorities. Organisers emphasised that horse welfare and participant safety remained the top priority throughout the process. Doha Equestrian Tour Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al-Khayarin According to Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al-Khayarin, transporting horses is inherently complex, but the situation demanded exceptional teamwork and swift coordination across multiple entities. Thanks to pre-established risk management protocols and emergency procedures, the operation was executed smoothly despite the extraordinary circumstances. “We extend our sincere gratitude to all official partners and relevant authorities who contributed to the successful and safe transport of the horses,” said Al-Khayarin. “We particularly acknowledge the significant efforts of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) of the Ministry of Interior, the Amiri Guard, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Airways, our official airline partner, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, our official mobility partner, and the Qatar Olympic Committee.” While most international horses have now returned to Europe, some riders, trainers and horses remain at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, where local and GCC participants continue preparations to complete the season’s competitions.

Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) title race remains wide open heading into Round 19, with both Al Shamal and Al Gharafa firmly in contention to catch leaders Al Sadd after an eventful Round 18 that also intensified the fight for the top four and the battle to avoid relegation. The biggest shock of the round came on Friday when Al Sadd suffered a 2-5 defeat to Umm Salal at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The result denied the defending champions a chance to extend their advantage at the top and kept the Falcon Shield race very much alive. Despite the setback that ended their 10-match winning streak in QSL, Al Sadd remain at the summit with 38 points, holding a four-point lead over both Al Shamal and Al Gharafa with just four rounds left in the season. Second-placed Al Shamal may feel they still have momentum in the race, particularly with a game in hand. Their Round 17 clash against Al Arabi was postponed earlier this month and is scheduled to be played on April 7, potentially giving them a crucial opportunity to close the gap on the leaders. Level on points with Al Gharafa but ahead on goal difference, Al Shamal will next face seventh-placed Al Duhail (24 points) on Tuesday in a match that could have significant implications both for the title race and the top-four battle. Al Gharafa, meanwhile, also remain within striking distance of the summit despite a 2-0 loss to Qatar SC on Thursday. With the league leaders dropping points, the result did little to derail their title ambitions. They will look to bounce back when they take on Al Ahli (16 points) on Wednesday. Al Sadd will also be eager to respond to their surprise defeat when they meet Al Arabi on Tuesday, aiming to restore their momentum as the season enters its decisive phase. Away from the title race, Round 18 also tightened the battle for places in the top four. Al Rayyan suffered a 2-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Al Shahania, a result that could have major implications at both ends of the table. Despite the loss, Artur Jorge’s side remains in fourth place on 24 points, but their position is far from secure. Qatar SC (27 points), Al Arabi (25 points) and Al Duhail are all within reach, ensuring that the race for continental qualification spots remains highly competitive. Al Rayyan will look to recover when they face Al Wakrah, who sit seventh with 23 points, while Qatar SC, buoyed by their victory over Al Gharafa, will meet Umm Salal, who are expected to carry renewed confidence after their stunning win over Al Sadd. The Orange Fortress currently occupy ninth place with 19 points. At the bottom of the table, the relegation battle has also intensified. Al Sailiya, currently rooted to the bottom with 15 points, will be desperate to respond after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Al Duhail. They face a crucial clash against Al Shahania, whose victory over Al Rayyan lifted them to 17 points, giving them fresh hope in the fight to climb away from the drop zone.