QREC Chairman HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani (second from right) shakes hands with President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, Alistair Routledge, after signing the sponsorship agreement at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain (right) and Exxonmobil’s vice-president and director of Government and Public Affairs Saleh al-Mana are also seen. Picture: Juhaima

 

By Sports Reporter/Doha


Extending its long-standing support of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), ExxonMobil Qatar is once again the exclusive sponsor of the 2015 Qatar Gold Sword Race, taking place on February 5.
 This prominent event will see the best local bred Pure Arabians race against one another for top honours and a chance at QR1.5 million in prize money.
This event is the precursor to the blue riband of the season, HH The Emir’s Sword. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Assy (Amer-Margouia) was the winner of the ExxonMobil Qatar-sponsored Qatar Gold Sword in 2014. Then Assy  went on to create history by winning HH The Emir’s Sword and becoming the first local bred pure Arabian to complete a glorious double by winning the two coveted events of the season.
The press conference highlighting ExxonMobil’s extended sponsorship of Qatar Gold Sword Race was attended by QREC Chairman HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Routledge, and QREC  General Manager Sami Jassim  al-Boenain.
ExxonMobil Qatar’s ongoing sponsorship of the pivotal race speaks volumes to its commitment to this historically significant element of Qatari heritage, while also emphasizing the important role horse racing and equestrian  events continue to play today in Qatar.
ExxonMobil Qatar and the Racing and Equestrian Club share a long-term relationship, which is based on mutual respect and understanding, and we are proud to continue our support for the Club and the Qatar Gold Sword Race this year,”. President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, Alistair Routledge, said
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh, and thanks to the efforts of Sami al-Boenain and the entire management of the Racing and Equestrian Club, the Qatar Gold Sword Race has undoubtedly become one of the most anticipated and prestigious events in Qatar’s sports calendar.”
“The Qatar Gold Sword Race showcases a significant part of Qatar’s heritage … the tradition of equestrian excellence … and equestrian competition continues to play an important role in Qatar today.  
“Most importantly, the event helps put Qatar on the world stage, and we are always proud to be involved in initiatives which profile Qatar as a global destination for hosting first-class sporting events.”
“ExxonMobil’s presence in Qatar goes beyond our core industry of energy development—it is ultimately about supporting the country as it moves toward achieving its long-term objectives, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.  
“One of the ways we do this is by supporting this thriving society. This means delivering sustainable, long-term development for the benefit of Qatar’s people, while preserving the country’s unique heritage. Thank you for this opportunity.  We look forward to another exciting race this year,” Routledge concluded.
The QREC chairman HE Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to ExxonMobil Qatar. “ExxonMobil Qatar and QREC share a long and fruitful partnership”, he said. “We thank ExxonMobil Qatar for its ongoing support for horse racing in Qatar, which serves to strengthen and protect a sport fostered by our forefathers. It is our hope that events like the prestigious Qatar Gold Sword Race further elevate the status of horse racing excellence not only in Qatar, but also throughout the region and around the world.”
ExxonMobil Qatar shares Qatar’s view that elevating the country’s status in the international sports arena helps highlight opportunities for long-term investments in the country and further strengthens Qatar’s role as an international business and investment hub.
Events like His Highness The Emir’s Sword, Qatar Gold Sword Race, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup all add prominence to Qatar’s position in the global sports arena, enhancing its reputation as a sporting capital of the world.
QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain was excited at the prospect of another exciting contest this year.
“We saw Assy win this contest last year in an exciting finish. I am sure that this year also we will get to witness a great and thrilling contest. The quality of the Local Bred Pure Arabians has vastly improved and one can expect to see racing at its best in this prestigious race.
“Assy later went on to win HH The Emir’s Sword in an open class race which proves that Qatar is best when it comes to breeding top class Pure Arabians. My best wishes to all the owners, trainers and jockeys event who will be a part of the coveted.