Eight races highlight 11th horse racing at Al Rahba

MUSCAT, JAN 10
The 11th race meeting of the 2025-26 season was successfully staged at Al Rahba Racecourse in Wilayat of Barka, organised by the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation through the Oman Horse Racing Club. The event featured eight highly competitive races, showcasing purebred Arabians, locally bred horses and thoroughbreds, amid strong participation and intense rivalry.
Race commentator Mohammed bin Hassan al Balushi praised the overall standard of the meeting, stating that the close finishes reflected the continued technical development of local horse racing. “The performances we witnessed highlight the growing professionalism of riders, trainers and stables, as well as the improving fitness levels of the horses,” he said.
Strong Start for Locally Bred Horses
The opening race, the Bidiyah Cup for locally bred purebred Arabians over 1,200 metres, was claimed by Captain Al Afiyah, with Manaf finishing second and Amniyat al Faisal taking third place.
Jockey Moones bin Salem al Siyabi, who featured in several races during the meeting, noted the rising competitiveness of local production races. “The pace was high from the start, and competition among locally bred horses has become much stronger, which reflects the healthy growth of national breeding programmes.”

Arabian Excellence Across Distances
In the second race, the Ibra Cup over 1,200 metres, MG: Mutabahi secured victory, while Arhab al Shahaniya dominated the third race, the Al Mudhaibi Cup over 2,000 metres, confirming his strength in middle distance contests.
The fourth race, the Wadi Bani Khalid Cup for locally bred purebred Arabians over 1,600 metres, saw a standout performance by SS R Tilal, owned by Al Mahamid Stud.
Salim bin Saeed al Rashidi, owner of Al Mahamid Stud, explained that the win was the result of long-term planning, saying: “We focus on gradual and structured preparation and SS R Tilal proved today that he has the quality to compete strongly over middle distances.”
Trainer Ahmed bin Sabeel al Balushi emphasised that the results were a direct outcome of disciplined preparation. “Daily commitment and adherence to training programmes are key to success. We ensure that every horse is physically and mentally prepared before competing at this level.” he said
Thrilling Thoroughbred Finale
The excitement continued in the thoroughbred races, with Tadshin winning the seventh race, the Al Kamil W'al Wafi Cup, while Imdakam claimed victory in the eighth and final race, the Dima W'attayeen Cup, after a strong finish in the closing stages.
The race meeting concluded amid widespread praise from owners, trainers and riders for the professional organisation and technical quality of the event, reaffirming Al Rahba Racecourse as a key platform for developing talent and elevating the standard of horse racing in Oman.