Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over the Royal Horse Race Festival showcasing Oman’s rich equestrian heritage at Madinat al Adiyat Race Course in Seeb on Tuesday.

The event began with a grand procession. Royal Camel Corps accompanied His Majesty the Sultan’s entourage to the gates of Madinat al Adiyat Race Course, followed by Royal Cavalry and Royal Guard of Oman escorting the procession to the main venue. Upon His Majesty’s arrival, he was received by senior officials, including Nasr bin Hamoud al Kindi, Secretary-General of Royal Court Affairs, Hilal bin Mohammed al Wa’eli, Head of Horse, Camel, Farms and Garden Affairs at Royal Court Affairs, and Dr Sarhan bin Salem al Zaidi, Director General of Royal Cavalry.

The festival commenced with a ceremonial performance of the Royal Anthem and a series of captivating cultural presentations, including traditional Omani folk arts such as Al Nadba, Hambal al Khail, Qasafi al Razha and Muharrab al Khail. Dancing horses and Razfah camels added to the vibrant display.

Five races were conducted in the festival. Royal Cavalry owned ‘Soko’ emerged winner in the prestigious His Majesty the Sultan’s Horse Racing Cup competed over a distance of 2,000m. Sayyid Saud bin Harib al Said’s ‘RB Blast Off’ secured second place, while Sunny Du Loup, also owned by Royal Cavalry, claimed third.

The event featured stunning equestrian performances, including peg-picking, archery, sleigh skills and show jumping by male and female riders of Royal Cavalry.

The Al Muriyat Race was dedicated to female riders from Royal Cavalry covering a distance of 1,100m. It was won by ‘Atheer’, ridden by Ma’ather bint Saeed al Shamakhiya. The second and third places went to ‘Al Tariq’ and ‘Al Mouna’, ridden by Asmahan bint Jumaa al Balushi and Hiba bint Salem al Rahbi, respectively.

In the Al Mughirat Race for Purebred Arabian Horses over a distance of 1,100m, ‘Amusylah’, owned by Royal Cavalry, secured first place, followed by ‘Al Araiq’ and ‘RB Sdeik’.

The 1,600m Qadihat Race saw ‘Muthabir’ of Royal Cavalry claim victory. Sayyid Saud bin Hareb al Said’s ‘RB Kinsman’ came second, while ‘RB Yas Man’, owned by Sayyid Shihab bin Hareb al Said, finished third.

In the Safinat Race for Purebred Arabian Horses over 1,600m, ‘Jethjath’, owned by Abdullah bin Ali al Maamari, won. ‘Al Grain’ and ‘RB Free Bird’ secured second and third places.

The festival included performances by school students and children with hearing disabilities and Down’s syndrome, who presented a touching tribute to His Majesty the Sultan. Special displays featured Royal Cavalry’s prowess in horseback relay, camel carriages and basketball on horseback.

A magnificent parade formed the number 11 to symbolise the date of His Majesty’s assumption of power, alongside a formation of ‘Haitham’ and ‘2020’. The festival concluded with participants performing Omani al Azi art, expressing loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan.

His Majesty presented trophies to the winners and accepted a commemorative gift bringing the festivities to a close as the Royal Anthem played.