MUSCAT: The two-day camel racing event in Muscat drew remarkable attention, featuring 682 camels from across the Sultanate in an exciting blend of tradition, endurance, and speed. The event showcased Oman’s rich heritage of camel racing while highlighting the dedication of trainers, owners, and competitors who invest significant effort into preparing their camels for such prestigious competitions. With participants arriving from various regions, the atmosphere around the racetrack was vibrant and competitive, reflecting the cultural significance of camel racing as one of Oman’s premier heritage sports.
Today’s program featured a total of 23 rounds, divided into two main categories. The Hajjaj category included 14 races over a two-kilometer distance, while the Laqaya category comprised 9 races stretching three kilometers. This structure ensured a variety of contests that tested both speed and stamina, allowing younger and more seasoned camels to display their skills. The carefully planned race schedule also kept spectators engaged throughout the day, with each round producing thrilling finishes and dramatic displays of athleticism from the competing camels.
In the Hajjaj category, several standout victories captured the attention of the audience. Mahafil, owned by Hamoud bin Saeed Al-Maharbi, secured first place in the opening round, while Shaqra, owned by Hilal bin Hamad Al-Junaibi, triumphed in the second. Shaheen, owned by Obaid bin Muslim Al-Junaibi, claimed victory in the third. Other notable winners included Marsa, Al-Fayda, Nasi, Al-Shababiya, and Al-Shamaliya. Later rounds saw Qamari, Al-Dhabi, Mablish, Mankhaf, Arab, and Manoufra achieve impressive results, cementing their status as strong competitors in this early stage of the season.
The Laqaya category also produced memorable performances. The Royal Camel Corps achieved a significant win in the opening round with Iftitah, underlining their dominance in this division. Al Tayyara, owned by Ibrahim bin Saud Al-Darei, Nasnas, owned by Rashid bin Saeed Al-Mashaykhi, and Hadath, owned by Saeed bin Rashid Al-Ghailani, also secured top finishes. Additional victories by Al Musk, Sallab, Tamweel, Zarij, and Qamari demonstrated the depth of talent and preparation among participants. Organisers confirmed that the first stage of the season will conclude tomorrow with 12 more rounds across the Idaa, Thanaya, Haul, and Zamoul categories, promising another day of tight contests and high stakes as competitors vie for early-season honors.
