MUSCAT: The Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF), in cooperation with the Royal Camel Corps (RCC), will kick off the fourth race of the annual camel racing season on Sunday morning at Al Felaij Race Track in the Wilayat of Barka, in Al Batinah South Governorate. The five-day event will run from November 16 to 20.
As part of this round, the Royal Camel Corps will purchase a select group of winning camels that record the best overall timings across key categories. The acquisition plan includes five camels from the Hagayeg category, three camels from the Lagaya category, and two camels from the Elythaa category.
The value of the ten camels identified for purchase is expected to exceed half a million Omani rials, reflecting RCC’s significant investment in supporting elite racing lines. In accordance with RCC regulations, each purchased camel will remain with its original owner after the sale, allowing the owner to continue training the camel for competition — ensuring performance continuity and preserving the bond between trainer and racing camel.
An additional valuation race is scheduled for December, during which more top-performing camels will be evaluated and priced according to RCC standards.
The RCC has also designated this fourth race as the first qualifying event for the prestigious HM’s Cup, which will be held in April 2026, with the winners of the main rounds earning direct qualification.
The fourth race will commence today November 16, with 25 rounds dedicated to the Hagayeg category, two years old, over a distance of 3 km.
On November 17, the track will host 12 rounds, including eight rounds for the Hagayeg category over 4 km, in addition to three rounds for human riders over 2 km.
Competitions will continue on November 18, featuring 15 rounds for the Lagaya category, three years old, over 5 km.
On November 19, the Elythaa category, four years old, will headline the programme with 13 rounds, including six rounds over 6 km and seven rounds over 5 km.
The final day on November 20 will feature six rounds for the Thanaya category, five years old, followed by six rounds for the Al Hawl category, six years and above, all contested over 6 km.
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