Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi, expressed his delight in Al Shaqab’s sponsorship of the Lockinge race day to be held at Newbury racecourse on Saturday, May 16.
He pointed out that QREC’s strategy is aimed to support Qatar’s equestrian sport in overseas competitions through the facilities provided to horse owners and trainers to excel at races and realise the goals set in line with the size and value of the state officials’ support of the equestrian sport.
In a meeting with the press delegation in England to cover the racing event, Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi said, “According to the entries, there are 14 of Qatar’s horses running at the races of the day. It is definitely a good number although we look forward to more, especially as we are working to support the racing system and provide facilities that enable the participation of the horses. We also support such participations and bringing Qatar’s horses to the highest possible level.”
“We consider this race day a historical day”, added Al Kaabi, “because it is the first time for us to sponsor this race day in England where the world’s most renowned races are run. Last year, we won at Newbury through Olympic Glory. This year, we are coming back to participate and also with the event sponsored by Al Shaqab. The races in the card will be a test for the participating horses from Qatar.”
“Then, the horses participating in the coming racing events could be assessed, especially as we are having the Qatar Goodwood Festival in England after two and a half months. We look forward to good representation in the Festival, which will involve a race for Pure Arabians; the Qatar International Stakes, which will be run over a mile and will hold a purse of £400,000. In addition, there will be US $1,000,000 prize money for the winner of the Triple Crown, which will involve three legs starting with the Qatar International Stakes, and then the Qatar Arabian World Cup during the Qatar Prix de l’Arch de Triomphe day at Lonchamp and conclude with the HH The Emir Sword in Doha next year.”
Speaking about Qatar’s chances at the races, Nasser said. “I feel we will have a good weekend and my best wishes to all the owners, trainers and jockeys. We are happy and delighted to be here in Newbury to participate in an event that has been there for many years in England. We hope that Dubday and Peter Anders could prove that Qatar has some good quality horses.”
“Qatar Racing has a good structure in UK and France and I think they have a couple of strong contenders in Arod and Trade Storm in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes. I wish them all the luck and my best wishes to them. We hope to see a Qatari owner win the race.”