'This place is the new kid on the block' - legendary rider Doug Whyte breaking new ground as a trainer in Qatar

Doug Whyte: making his first trip outside Hong Kong as a trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

This year's HH The Amir Sword Festival in Qatar has finally come out of the financial shackles imposed on it by the recent staging of the 2022 World Cup in the territory, and this could be just the start of things to come.

The 100-mile long peninsula is a leading exporter of liquified natural gas and is now upping its racing game in order to hold its own against near neighbours and competitors UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The three-day festival has already attracted many new faces to the Al Rayyan racetrack, most of whom have been lured by the $10m prize pot which could well increase again in 2024.

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David MilnesNewmarket correspondent

Published on 16 February 2023inQatar

Last updated 17:13, 16 February 2023

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