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Horse auction to launch exciting weekend in Paris

Horse auction to launch exciting weekend in Paris

The Peninsula

Paris will witness today the launch of the first of the events associated with the Qatar Prix 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 Issa bin Mohammed 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 Arc de Triomphe weekend is held less than two months before the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which, in turn, will be held for the first time ever in the Middle East.

While the event in 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 coordination 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.

Besides the horse auction, other events include a race meeting at Saint-Cloud Racecourse as well tomorrow. The day will include two major Gr1 Arabian races; the Qatar Arabian Trophy for 3YO Fillies and the Qatar Arabian Trophy for 3YO 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 Gr1 races during the weekend and internationally as well; namely, the Qatar Arabian World Cup and the Qatar Prix Arc de Triomphe. Qatari-owned horses will be there in both of them, looking for new victories.

Continuing success 

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 to go from strength to strength and the mutual gains over the years have been really valuable. Staging 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 on 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,” he added.

“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 its role as the partner of the Prix de l Opera Longines and the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines and both are Gr1 races. Qatar Airways is again the official transporter of the event.

Manateq returns to be associated with the weekend by sponsoring Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean Luc Lagardere on Sunday.

In addition, Qatar Tourism / Visit Qatar is sponsoring the raffle on Sunday, the prize of the winner will include two return business class tickets to Doha with the World’s Best Airline, 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.