QREC prepares for HH The Emir’s Sword racing festival

Preparations are in full swing for one of the biggest editions of the HH The Emir’s Sword Race meeting, which will be held later this month, the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager has said.
Talking to the media ahead of the February 26-28 event, Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi said, “There are some intensive preparations going on at QREC for this edition. The significant meeting, being associated with HH The Emir’s Sword, has assumed a special international dimension.”
Al-Kaabi added that the dates for this year’s meeting have been chosen to ensure a wider participation from international owners, trainers and jockeys, besides the larger international racing community.
“The large number of entries are a proof of the interest shown by major owners in Qatar and from around the world. Owners from Europe, the USA, the UAE and Oman want to be a part of this prestigious event for a chance to compete for the Sword, and other trophies and cups, for both Pure Arabians and Thoroughbreds.
The three-day race meeting will, in addition to the coveted HH The Emir’s Sword, see very high level of competition in other prestigious races, including, the Shalfa, the Laffan Mile Cup, the Qatar International Cup and the Katara Sprint Cup.
“There will also be cups for races reserved for individual owners,” he added.
QREC has been making arrangements to ensure that the event is special and spectacular at all levels, with an intention to enhance the popularity of horse racing and equestrian across communities. “The idea is to have something for everyone, to accommodate all ages and segments of spectators and racegoers,” al-Kaabi said.
According to al-Kaabi, the meeting will also see presence of some of the biggest racing organisations in the world apart from diplomatic entities in Qatar and the QREC sponsors.
“France Galop, our partner for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; Goodwood, our partners for the Qatar Goodwood Festival and Newbury Racecourse, our partners for the Al Shaqab Lockinge, have all been invited to be a part of this celebration and grand event.”
The 2015 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was recently adjudged as the 2015 Longines World’s Best Horse Race.
“As far as potential sponsors are concerned, announcements will be made in due course of time.”
He also wished success to all the owners, trainers and jockeys, and said that together all of them will work towards producing a great and successful international event.