Horse auction to kick off Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe today
Gulf Times
On Saturday and Sunday, the horse racing action will move to ParisLongchamp with many group races to be held over the two days.
Paris will witness today the launch of the first of the events associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, which has been sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) since 2008. The opening event will be the annual horse auction for Purebred Arabians organised by the Arqana at Saint Cloud Racecourse in the presence of QREC senior management led by QREC Chairman HE Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi and a number of horse owners both from Qatar and from other countries given the high value of the auction and the horses displayed there. This year, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend is held less than two months before the kick-off the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which, in turn, will be held for the first time ever in the Middle East. While the event is Paris is a global horse racing one, the spirit of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be prevailing throughout the weekend and the associated events, especially with the large numbers of French, European and international racegoers at Paris Longchamp on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, QREC, in co-ordination with the relevant authorities, will distribute booklets on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, highlighting the fact that Qatar is fully prepared and ready for hosting the mega historical event. Beside the horse auction, other events include a race meeting at Saint Cloud Racecourse as well tomorrow. The day will include two major Group 1 Arabian races; the Qatar Arabian Trophy for three-year-old Fillies and the Qatar Arabian Trophy for three-year-old Colts. Qatari-owned horses will be present with strong hopes in both races. On Saturday and Sunday, the horse racing action will move to ParisLongchamp with many group races over the two days. The big Sunday will see the two most prestigious Group 1 races during the weekend and internationally as well; namely, the Qatar Arabian World Cup and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatari-owned horses will be there in both of them, looking for new victories. Just a few days, or rather hours, before the start of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, QREC chairman al-Mohannadi said: We look forward to continuing success in sponsoring this major global event, which is the best horse race in the world. The partnership between QREC and France Galop continues goes from strength to strength and the mutual gains over the years have been really valuable. Stating the weekend just before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 adds extra significance to it and, at the same time, focuses the attention of everyone towards Doha to learn more about Qatar’s readiness to host and organise an exceptional version of the FIFA World Cup, given the huge potential that Qatar enjoys and which will prove Qatar’s ability to win this challenge and dazzle the whole world.” “QREC’s sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has rendered numerous benefits and advantages and it will continue for years to come. QREC is proud to have several national companies and organisations sharing this event and being part of its success. As usual Longines continues their role as the partner of the Prix de l Opera Longines and the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines and both are Group 1 races.” Qatar Airways is again the official transporter of the event. Manateq returns to be associated with the weekend by sponsoring Group 1 Qatar prix Jean Luc Lagardere on Sunday. In addition, Qatar Tourism/Visit Qatar are sponsoring the raffle on Sunday, the prize of the winner will include two return business class tickets to Doha with Qatar Airways, full board luxury accommodation at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and access to the HH The Amir Sword Festival in February 2023. The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation will be associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. EAA aims to transform lives through education, being the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
QREC chairman HE Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi.
