Doha: The State of Qatar’s sponsorship, represented by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), which has been ongoing since 2008, has contributed to enhancing the prestige of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race, held annually on the first Sunday of October.

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and France Galop have announced the extension of their agreement to sponsor the historic race until 2027, ensuring the continuation of this partnership, which holds great significance for horse racing in France.

This partnership between the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and France Galop stands as one of the most notable milestones in the world of sports, particularly given its longevity, starting in 2008 when it was first signed for a five-year period until 2012. Due to the remarkable success achieved in the initial years, the agreement was extended in 2010 for an additional 12 years, running until 2022. It was renewed once again in 2023, extending the partnership until 2027.

This renewed partnership enhance
s the status and significance of the prestigious global race, which features more than 12 Group 1 races, including four races dedicated to purebred Arabian horses. The event takes place over three days at the beginning of October, starting with a race on Friday at the Saint-Cloud racecourse, followed by two races at the ParisLongchamp racecourse on Saturday and Sunday. These three days become the primary targets for the participation of the best horses in Europe as the racing season approaches its end.

The two most important and prominent races within the event are the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Qatar World Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, which is indeed the largest and most significant race for purebred Arabian horses in the world.

Thanks to this partnership, the status and significance of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on the global stage have increased year after year, with the race being broadcast live in 60 countries annually, further solidifying the prominence of this historic event
.

In a reaffirmation of this leadership, both Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), as partners in organizing the Longines World Racing Awards, announced on January 25, 2022, the reappointment of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the Best Race in the World, based on official rankings. This marks the fifth time the race has received this prestigious title, having previously won it in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. It is once again crowned as the Best Race in the World for the year 2021.

Chairman of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi affirmed that the partnership between the club and France Galop, which began 14 years ago, has been marked by success and mutual benefits throughout these years. He pointed out that the long-standing relationship between the club and France Galop is characterized by its continuous development, enhancing the status of both the club and France Galop on the global stage. Sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de T
riomphe is a key element in implementing the club’s strategy and achieving its vision of making Qatar a global hub for horse racing and leading in the care of purebred Arabian horses, he added.

This year, the events of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will commence on Tuesday with a horse auction organized at the Arqana Sales pavilion in Paris. The following day, horse races will take place at the Saint-Cloud racecourse, featuring a series of races, including the two most important ones: the Gr. 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy for three-year-old colts and the Gr. 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy for three-year-old fillies.

On the final day of the races, a large number of events will take place, the most important of which are the Qatar World Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses (Group 1) over a distance of 2000 meters and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for Thoroughbred Horses (Group 1), with a prize value of 5 million euros for this race.

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is considered the largest horse racing eve
nt in Europe, with its first edition launched in 1920. It is held annually on the first Sunday of October at the ParisLongchamp racecourse, featuring the best thoroughbred horses from around the world. Among the most famous champion horses that have won the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are “Sea Bird II,” “Dancing Brave,” “Enable,” “Treve,” and “Zarkava.” This prestigious global race not only showcases fierce competition and a strong test among the best horses but also serves as a major social event, attracting large crowds each year.

The Qatar World Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses (Group 1) has achieved unparalleled success since its inception, drawing significant attention, especially as it takes place alongside the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at the ParisLongchamp racecourse. This timing adds extra momentum to the event, as it annually features the best purebred Arabian horses from around the world, representing prominent owners from various countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, F
rance, the United States, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Tunisia, England, Iraq, Switzerland, Morocco, and others. Currently, the total prize money for this event stands at 1 million euros, making it the largest race for purebred Arabian horses on turf in Europe.

Source: Qatar News Agency