THERE was a large international presence in Doha last week for the highlight of the Qatar racing season. On Saturday racegoers were honoured with the presence of the Emir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. He was on hand to witness the two $1 million races, The Emir’s Trophy for thoroughbreds and The Emir’s Sword for purebred Arabians.

There was an international interest in The Emir’s Trophy with runners from Britain, France, South Africa and Germany.