
Billboard Star hits form to clinch Ain Khaled Cup
Doha
Billboard Star bounced back to winning form in impressive style, capturing the feature race — the Ain Khaled Cup for 3YO Thoroughbreds over 1200m — at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday.
The bay gelding, owned by Nasser Saif A R Al Kubaisi, tracked the early leader closely before showing grit and determination in the final strides to secure the victory.
Trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, the win also completed a double on the card for both trainer and jockey.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, Racing Manager at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), crowned the winners following the race. The 47th Al Rayyan Race Meeting featured eight action-packed races throughout the evening.
47th Al Rayyan Race Meeting
– Ain Khaled Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1 - Ain Khaled Cup - 3yo Thoroughbred (Class 2): Billboard Star, Mohammed Al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi
2 - Thoroughbred Handicap (70-90): Thor's Hammer, Jassim Al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi
3 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85): Al Mutaghatris, Julian Smart, Alberto Sanna
4 - Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate: Rayyan Bu Thaila, Jihad El Ahmad, Alberto Sanna
5 - Purebred Arabian Novice Plate: Al Ghassam La Gloire, Mohammed Al Ghazali, Marco Casamento
6 - Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75): Silencer, Jihad El Ahmad, Alberto Sanna
7 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (50-70): HM Zabraj, Nasser Ghazali, Marco Casamento
8 - Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65): Funny Bunny, Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Trevor Patel.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
FIBA Asia Cup participation good for Qatar team's future: Saadoun Al Kuwari
Tribune News Network Doha The 31st edition of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, concluded with notable achievements for the Qatar national basketball team. Organized by FIBA Asia, the tournament featured 16 teams, with Qatar competing in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions Australia (winners in 2017 and 2022), Lebanon, a four-time finalist and the most successful Arab team in the competition's history (2001, 2005, 2007, 2022), and South Korea, a powerhouse in Asian basketball. Historically, Qatar has been a strong contender among Arab teams, securing podium finishes in 2003 and 2005, making them one of the region's most accomplished sides in the tournament's history. Qatar's 2025 roster was a blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent, included 12 players: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndai, Zain Eddin Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohamed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. With an average age of 25.2 years, Qatar fielded the youngest Arab team in the tournament, showcasing a promising future. The team also boasted an average height of 197 cm, providing a significant advantage in rebounding and interior defense compared to their competitors. Under the guidance of Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Qatar underwent an intensive preparation program that included training camps in Doha, Turkey, and South Korea, as well as friendly matches against high-caliber opponents. The coaching staff focused on enhancing physical fitness, strengthening defensive strategies, and developing fast-paced offensive plays that capitalized on the team's height and transition speed. Qatar's participation in the Asia Cup served as a critical step in their long-term strategy to bolster their continental presence and prepare for the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers, set to begin in November 2025. The tournament provided Qatar's young players with invaluable experience against diverse playing styles, particularly those of Australia and South Korea, while testing their readiness for future global competitions. Entering the tournament, Qatar aimed to advance beyond the group stage and reach the knockout rounds, despite facing formidable opponents known for their speed and long-range shooting. The team relied on its fighting spirit and determination to deliver a competitive performance. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, emphasized the significance of the tournament: 'Our participation in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah is part of a clear strategic plan by the Qatar Basketball Federation to build a strong generation of players equipped with the physical and technical skills needed to compete at the continental and international levels in the long term. 'For months, we have prepared our team through rigorous training programs and international camps, alongside friendly matches against top-tier teams to test and enhance our players' capabilities and cohesion. Our squad's average age of 25.2 years reflects our investment in the future, balanced by the experience of veteran players who guide and support their younger teammates. 'Facing powerhouses like Australia, Lebanon, and South Korea in our group provided a golden opportunity to gain experience and elevate our performance. These teams represent diverse, fast-paced playing styles, making the matches invaluable for our development. 'Our primary goal was to deliver a respectable performance and progress beyond the group stage. More importantly, we aimed to instill a winning mentality and self-confidence in our players while building a solid foundation for Qatar's basketball future. 'We've received positive feedback from coaches and officials at the tournament, who praised our players' level and fighting spirit. This reinforces our belief that Qatar's basketball future is bright if we continue on this path.' Looking ahead to FIBA World Cup 2027 Qatar's participation in the Asia Cup is a stepping stone toward the FIBA World Cup 2027, which Qatar will host for the first time in the Middle East from August 27 to September 12, 2027. The tournament will feature 32 teams, with matches played across four main arenas, culminating in the final at Lusail Arena. The World Cup qualifiers, involving 80 nations competing for 31 spots, will begin in November 2025. Qatar, as the host nation, is automatically qualified and has been drawn in Group D alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India for the Asia-Oceania qualifiers. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be split into two groups, with the top three teams from each, plus the highest-ranking fourth-placed team, securing World Cup berths. The qualifiers will be conducted over six windows from November 2025 to March 2027, with matches played in a home-and-away format. The windows are scheduled as follows: November 24 and December 2, 2025; February 23 and March 3, 2026; June 29 and July 7, 2026; August 24 and September 1, 2026; November 23 and December 1, 2026; and February 22 and March 2, 2027. Qatar's participation in the 2027 World Cup will mark their second appearance in the tournament, following their debut in Japan in 2006. With a blend of youthful talent, strategic preparation, Qatar's basketball program is poised for a promising future on the global stage.


Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
QA unveils travel packages for 2026 Qatar tennis tournaments
Tribune News Network DOHA Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, has launched the much-anticipated travel packages for the Qatar TotalEnergies Women's Open 2026 and the Qatar ExxonMobil Men's Open 2026. Taking place next year from February 8 to 14 and February 16 to 21, 2026 respectively, the tournaments will bring world-class tennis action to the heart of Doha. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide can now book their packages in advance, combining premium access to one of the most prestigious events on the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 tours with exceptional hospitality and 5-star accommodation in Doha. They will witness a masterclass in tennis where the best players in the world compete for glory at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, all while enjoying the beautiful seasonal weather of Doha and activities, ranging from cultural experiences to exciting adventures. The experiences can be booked along with Flight + Hotel packages from Qatar Airways Holidays. Last year's matchups have set the stage for an electrifying 2026. Andrey Rublev had a captivating run to the championship trophy at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, battling with stars like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 champion Amanda Anisimova seized the title by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Qatar Airways Holidays & Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds, said: 'We have once again introduced our tennis travel packages for what promises to be an exciting 2026 tennis season here in Doha. With the Qatar TotalEnergies Women's Open and Qatar ExxonMobil Men's Open on the horizon, these packages offer seamless travel solutions and unmatched access to the action. Our goal is to ensure that tennis fans enjoy every step of the journey when travelling through the award-winning Hamad International Airport with the World's Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time.' Qatar Airways' tennis travel packages include return flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, hotel stays in 4- or 5-star properties, and access to all matches played on the Centre Court along with access to the vibrant fanzone. The arena promises a truly intimate experience with seating designed to see the stars up close by offering the best vantage points. Fans can choose from three seating categories – Upper, Middle, or Lower. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, these packages provide convenience and accessibility through Qatar Airways Holidays' user-friendly booking platform. All packages are available at Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on the flights, plus on the total package value, redeeming packages using Cash + Avios. Fans can also add airport transfers and tours to the package. This partnership marks another milestone in Qatar Airways' portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships, including the likes of FIFA, UEFA, Formula 1, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), FC Internazionale Milano, AFC, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
High-level security delegation from US visits Qatar
Tribune News Network DOHA The Security Committee of the Supreme Committee at Delivery & Legacy has received a high-level security delegation representing Federal Agencies and Local police authorities from the United States of America. The delegation was received by representatives of the Tournament Security Force from various security units involved in securing tournaments and events in the State of Qatar. The delegation's visit to the State of Qatar follows the recent visit of HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force 'Lekhwiya' - Chairman of the Security Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy - to the United States. That visit witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Qatari Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security, aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two friendly countries and exchanging expertise in the field of securing major sporting events, particularly in the context of the ongoing preparations to secure the FIFA World Cup 2026.