Tuesday 14 / April / 2026
Barka: The Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation is approaching the conclusion of its 2025/2026 season, with 23 races completed and two remaining. The penultimate race is scheduled for Friday, followed by the 25th and final race on Saturday, bringing down the curtain on a season defined by fierce competition among elite horses and jockeys.
The season has featured 25 races comprising more than 200 heats across multiple categories. Over 120 heats were allocated to purebred Arabian horses, including more than 45 heats for locally bred purebred Arabians in support of domestic breeders, alongside more than 40 heats for thoroughbreds.
Races were held at two venues: Al Rahba Racecourse in the Wilayat of Barka, which hosted 20 races, and Al Wataniya Racecourse in the Wilayat of Muttrah, which hosted three, reflecting efforts to diversify locations and broaden the sport’s reach across governorates.
Highlights included the fifth race, the National Day Cup, held at Al Rahba racecourse. The event featured eight heats, with the mare "Labwah Al Shihaniyah" winning the first heat — the Beit Al Baranda Museum Race over 1,200 metres — for owner Al Mashaykhi Stables.
The season also saw the Royal Cavalry claim the Oman Derby Cup after "Al Areeq" won the seventh heat of the ninth race at Al Rahba racecourse, which included five heats for purebred Arabians, two for thoroughbreds, and one for locally bred purebred Arabians.
At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said graced the annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race at Al Rahba racecourse, organised by the Royal Court Affairs (RCA). The horse "Falah", owned by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Harib Al Said, captured the His Majesty the Sultan’s Cup after winning the fifth heat (Wilayat of Barka Heat) for purebred Arabians over 2,000 metres. "Saad" of the Royal Cavalry finished second, while "Sunny de Loup", also of the Royal Cavalry, took third.
The 15th race at Al Wataniya Racecourse in the Wilayat of Muttrah included seven heats, with "Al Shali SB" winning the seventh heat — the Royal Oman Police Cup — for owner Saad bin Suhail Al Mukhaini.
The two remaining races, particularly the season finale on Saturday, are expected to deliver high-stakes competition, building on a season of organisational success and broad participation that underscores the growth of equestrian sport in the Sultanate of Oman.
