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Total E&P Qatar which has extended its sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe until 2017, hosted a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton yesterday to make a presentation of the world’s richest race on turf. |
The 93rd edition of the world-renowned horserace is scheduled to be held at Longchamp racecourse in Paris on October 5.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani, Managing Director of Total E&P Qatar and Group Representative Guillaume Chalmin, Total E&P Qatar Deputy Representative, vive president HR, Communications and CSR Dekhil Abu Salaa and QREC Media Sections Head Saad Mubarak al-Hajri were present during the occasion.
Total have partnered with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the most prestigious horse race in the world. Total is also the proud partner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy for Colts, Qatar Arabian Trophy for Mares and the Prix Marcel Boussac as well as HH the Emir Sword Race in Qatar.
Total has been involved with the QREC since 2008 and this famed event is part of Total’s commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030. Supporting sports is a main part of Total’s corporate social responsibility programme; it is a major contribution to social development, as it values sports as one of the best tools to transcend cultural barriers and cultural integration. In addition, horse racing is a major tradition in the region and particularly in Qatar as horses are part of Qatar’s culture and history.
Guillaume Chalmin, said “Every sport has its showpiece event: Cycling has the Tour de France, football, Rugby and basketball have their respective World Cups. The jewel, in the crown of the horseracing world, is the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The amazing victory of Treve, the fantastic horse of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last year in Paris, gives the opportunity to live a very entertaining and intense race. I would like also to thank HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani, and his team for providing Total with the opportunity of this valuable association. We are delighted to have established a longstanding relationship with QREC, an organisation that has profoundly raised the profile of horse racing in Qatar and abroad.”
Through its CSR activities, Total is bolstering Qatar’s international image while also supporting the local culture and its traditions. As horse racing is deeply entrenched in Qatari and French culture, it was logical for Total to commit to its development.”
QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani, said, “Total shares our vision for the promotion of Qatar by using business, sports and education to reach different sectors of the global community.”
“Our partnership with them is one of the most valuable and enduring of any sporting associations in the region and we are proud to be able to include their name alongside our own at major events around the world, including the world’s two most valuable races on turf. Our association at such events is very visible, but Total’s support extends far deeper. Through joint initiatives, we have been able to engage with many different groups within the community, including school children where we have been able to enrich education and demonstrate the many benefits of an active interest in sport.”
Qatar’s leading trainer Jassim al-Ghazali who was present at the event was confident that Qatari owned horses will once again do well in the main events.
“Last year we had Al Shaqab Racing’s Treve winning the big race and this year too HE Sheikh Joaan has some more good horses like Ectot and Ruler Of The World in the race. We have a very good chance of winning it again. My best wished to all the Qatari owners and look forward to an exciting contest.”
Though Qatar failed to retain the Qatar Arabian World Cup in 2013, Ghazali was optimistic of Qatar’s chances.
“Umm Qarn, Al Shahania and Al Shaqab Racing have some of the best Pure Arabian’s in the race and I am looking ahead to see one of them winning the World Cup for Qatar again.”