Muscat: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said Presided over the Annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race, held at Al Rahba Racerack in the Wilayat of Barka on Wednesday evening. The event was organized by the Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry.
The horse Falah won His Majesty the Sultan’s Cup in the fifth and main race, the Barka Race for Purebred Arabian Horses over a distance of 2,000 meters. The winning horse is owned by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Harib Al Said. Second place went to Saad, owned by the Royal Cavalry, while Sunny du Loup, also owned by the Royal Cavalry, came third.
Upon his arrival at the main grandstand of Al Rahba Racecourse, His Highness launched the visual identity and official logo of the Annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race, which is intended to serve as a permanent identity for future editions of the event.
The logo design is inspired by the royal crown, embodied by two opposing horse heads, symbolizing the supreme royal interest in equestrian sports and horsemanship. It also incorporates the flag of the Royal Cavalry, which has the honor of organizing the race under the directives of His Majesty the Sultan. The logo features two colors: dark purple as the primary color and brownish-gold as the secondary color.
Race Results
• First Race: Nakhl Castle Race for purebred Arabian horses (1,200 meters), dedicated to female riders of the Royal Cavalry.
o 1st: Al-Muheeb, ridden by Ramla bint Khalil Al-Zadjali
o 2nd: Hamsa, ridden by Raida bint Saud Al-Bahri
o 3rd: Mabhour, ridden by Asmahan bint Juma Al-Balushi
• Second Race: Al Hazm Fort Race for purebred Arabian horses (1,200 meters).
o 1st: Yasrah (Royal Cavalry)
o 2nd: Amsila (Royal Cavalry)
o 3rd: Al Miqdam (Royal Cavalry)
• Third Race: Wadi Bani Kharous Race for purebred Arabian horses (1,600 meters).
o 1st: Bakir, owned by Her Highness Sayyida Noura bint Mohammed Al Said
o 2nd: Al Reem (Royal Cavalry)
o 3rd: RB Kinzman, owned by His Highness Sayyid Saud bin Harith Al Said
• Fourth Race: Ain Al Kasfa Race for purebred Arabian horses (1,600 meters), dedicated to the highest-rated citizen-owned horses for the 2025–2026 season.
o 1st: Madmoun, owned by Al Reef Stud
o 2nd: Dhawi, owned by Majid bin Ali bin Majid Al Maamari
o 3rd: Izmir de Carrier, owned by Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman
The race rounds were interspersed with a variety of equestrian performances presented by Royal Cavalry riders, accompanied by musical pieces. Riders from the South Al Batinah Governorate showcased traditional horse-related arts for which the governorate is renowned, including displays of horsemanship. Students from local schools also participated in equestrian performances.
Additional displays included horseback archery, as well as a special segment titled “Insight of a Knight,” highlighting the inspiring experience of a blind Omani youth and his exceptional connection with horses. The event also featured showcases of horse beauty and mini horse-drawn carriages.
His Excellency Nasr bin Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, affirmed that horse racing and equestrian sports in the Sultanate of Oman enjoy continuous support and care from His Majesty the Sultan, underscoring their historical and cultural significance and their deep-rooted connection to Omani heritage.
He noted that this generous support has strengthened interest in purebred Arabian horses and fostered a strong passion among Omani youth for acquiring and preserving authentic Arabian breeds.
His Excellency added that the Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry, continues its efforts to develop equestrian sports by organizing the annual race across various governorates, including Sohar, Nizwa, Bidiyah, Salalah, and Ibri.
He emphasized that hosting the seventh edition of the Annual Royal Cavalry Horse Race in Barka this year, 2026, is of great importance, as it enhances riders’ skills and provides an opportunity for elite riders from across the Sultanate to compete at the highest level in multiple race categories.
