Sports Reporter/Doha

REC chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani (right) presents a memento to President & General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc Alexander Dodds after signing the sponsorship agreement at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday
Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) announced yesterday in a joint press conference ExxonMobil’s title sponsorship of His Highness the Heir Apparent Sword Race, which will take place on January 27, 2011 at the REC. The best pure Arabians and Thoroughbreds will be racing against each other for the top honours in the prestigious event.
The press conference was attended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani, Chairman, Racing and Equestrian Club, Sami al-Boenain, REC General Manager, Alexander Dodds, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc., and Saleh al-Mana, Vice President, Government and Public Affairs in ExxonMobil Qatar Inc.
“ExxonMobil is proud of its continued support to the Racing & Equestrian Club, especially through our sponsorship of HH the Heir Apparent Sword Race under the patronage of His Highness the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,”  Alexander Dodds said.
“It is one of ExxonMobil’s core values to support Qatar through investments in the community. We believe that one of the most important contributions we can make to Qatar and its citizens is to encourage events of cultural and traditional significance such as horse racing, through our sustained sponsorship. While Qatar shines in the global spotlight as the host nation for Qatar 2022, it is equally important to preserve Qatar’s heritage of traditional sports including horse racing,” Dodds added.
Traditional sports like horse racing are still a part of the social fabric of the State of Qatar, as they attract fans and participants of different age groups. This prestigious race continues to find new fame and popularity with the great support from the Qatari leadership and local patrons.
Chairman of REC, Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani thanked ExxonMobil for its continued support for HH the Heir Apparent Sword Race. “ExxonMobil and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club have a long standing relationship. We thank ExxonMobil for its interest in supporting the horse racing, which is indeed a sport fostered by our forefathers. We hope events like these can elevate the status of horse racing in the region.”