This August 2016 file photo shows a race action during Qatar-sponsored Goodwood event.
Qatar sponsors many of the world’s largest horse races, with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) sponsoring the most prestigious races in France and Britain, as well as the signing of agreements with a number of international institutions in the field of horse racing, such as the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland to sponsor the race Phoenix Sprint and also the partnership with Breeders’ Cup in the United States.
The QREC is preparing to organise the Qatar Festival of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which will be held at the end of this month and will continue until October 1, starting with the horse auction and then the start of the races at the Saint-Clair in Paris and then moving to Chanti.
Director General of QREC Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi said Qatar’s sponsorship of foreign races has had a significant impact on the development of local equestrian events and has been a defining feature of Qatari equestrian. It has also helped the presence of a large number of famous horse owners in France and Britain in the international races organised in Qatar.
He pointed out that there are many benefits that the Qatari equestrian gained through the organisation of foreign races.
The Qatari horses have taken a great reputation around the world through its external participation, and a lot of owners and trainers attend the auctions and put their eyes on the production of Qatar, and there are those who want the Qatari production specifically for its global fame.
Al Kaabi pointed to the increase in sales of Qatari horses significantly.
The director revealed that the sponsorship of the Qatar for Goodwood was first announced in 2015 under the new 10-year partnership between Qatar and the Goodwood track.
Al Kaabi said the Qatari attachment to Goodwood is very important, especially since the two partners are involved in a multi-centuries-long event.
He declared that horse racing is the second largest sport after football in England, and the Qatar Goodwood Festival is a unique event that everyone looks forward to, adding that Qatar sponsorship and participation in this event is part of its position on the world stage.
He said Arabian horse racing has a great heritage in the State of Qatar, and Qatar has made Arab horse races of international character after the introduction of the Triple Crown in three countries: Britain, France, Qatar.
The first Qatari sponsorship of the international races was the sponsorship of the most prestigious festival in France, the Qatar-Arc de Triomphe, which has been held annually for more than 100 years. Qatar has successfully won the sponsorship of the race annually since 2008 and until 2022.
The past years have seen a major development in this race, which takes place on the Longchamp track in Paris before moving to Chanti last season due to the maintenance and modernization of the Longchamp track.
This sponsorship has had a significant impact on the development of the equestrian level within Qatar. The festival has become a global forum of Qatari excellence in all fields. It has also been a strong announcement of the level of Qatari horses.
Besides the high level of horses among Qatari owners, which was reflected positively on the level of local races. Thus, there was a remarkable development on the local level, thanks to the plans set by the Board of Directors of the Racing Club and Equestrian.
