As some top quality horses from Qatar and abroad get ready for the flagship weekend in Qatar racing — His Highness The Amir’s Sword Festival — Al Hazm and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) announced continuation of a fruitful partnership at a press conference yesterday.
Al Hazm will once again be a sponsor of His Highness The Amir’s Sword (Group 1 PA), the million-dollar Purebred Arabian feature on Saturday.
“We would like to thank (Al Emadi Enterprises CEO) Mr Mohamed al-Emadi for being a sponsor for His Highness The Amir’s Sword. He has been supporting horse racing at QREC for long. His Highness The Amir’s Sword is the most valuable race in Qatar. For us as Qataris, everyone wants to win the Sword from His Highness. I think this shows how much Mr al-Emadi wants to sponsor because it is a precious prize. He sees there is big value in sponsoring the event,” QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi said yesterday.
Al-Emadi said, “We are with the QREC for more than 10 years now. It is our pleasure to be associated with the race that carries His Highness’ name. We will be where His Highness will be there. That’s the main reason why we are there. For us, it’s not about the financial benefits.
“As part of the private sector our duty is more than just to make money. We have to be part of any successful tournament in the country. That also means that the private sector believes in the economy of the country. Most of the racing in Europe and other places, the club has had very good results. So we too want to make sure that we are supporting them.”
The three-day racing extravaganza at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park turf attracts some top quality horses from across the world.
The final day of the festival will see some of the biggest races, including the Al Biddah Mile (QA Group 2), Dukhan Sprint (QA Group 3), Qatar International Cup (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians, and the two USD1 million features — His Highness The Amir’s Trophy (QA Group 1) for Thoroughbreds and His Highness The Amir’s Sword (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians.
What will add to the excitement is a recently-installed far bend on the track.
“We have a new quarantine, and we have a new bend. It is an exciting addition, the far bend gives more competition to everybody. A horse can speed up at the end, and has a chance. It does change the nature of the race,” al-Kaabi said.
“We have good horses from abroad. This race is going to be tough to win. Especially the Amir’s Trophy and the Sword. I think there is a big competition for (His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s) Ebraz also to win the (His Highness The Amir’s Sword) race third time. I think it will be difficult for all the horses.
“All the owners and trainers are very tensed and excited about what’s going to happen. May the best horse win.”
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and Al Emadi Enterprises CEO Mohamed al-Emadi pose during a press conference at Al Hazm in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Juhaim
