The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted sporting events worldwide. However, global horse racing events associated with Qatar are still in place in more than one European country.
Following the Qatar Goodwood Festival in late July and early August this year, and the Arc Trials at ParisLongchamp two weeks ago, the time has come for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at in continuation of Qatar’s sponsorship since 2008.
The event will be staged with precautionary and preventive measures to ensure the safety of everyone at ParisLonchamp, and will be broadcast worldwide on a larger scale this year.
The 2020 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend will be on October 3-4 with 17 races, including ten Group 1 races on the cards, featuring the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Qatar Arabian World Cup on the second day.
However, two associated Arabian races — he Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1 PA) for three-year-old colts and the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA) for three-year-old fillies, both run over 2,000m — will be held at St. Cloud on October 2.
There are 18 colts in the entry list of the boys’ races, including His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Abbes and Sir Monlau, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Alsaher and Asiak, Al Shaqab Racing’s Alhafar, Emberator and Hazzam, and Abdullah bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Munir Du Soleil. 
The young ladies’ race has nine entries, including Al Shaqab Racing’s Alawsj, Alkedri and Jalela, and Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah’s My Belle Du Soleil. 
As part of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) vision to promote Qatar as a leader in the pure Arabian breed, the weekend involves other two races for Purebred Arabians at ParisLongchamp —t he Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1 PA) for four-year-old fillies on Saturday and Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) on Sunday.
The entry list for the 2,000m fillies race includes Sheikh Mohamed’s Artemis and Min’ha, Al Shaqab Racing’s Ajaweed, Almajdah, Meethag, Ryme Al Cham and Um Taj, Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari’s Lady Princess, winner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA) last year, and Mohamed bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Miss Boum Al Maury.
Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) will be run over 2,000m as well, but for four-year-old and older horses. The entry list is studded with world-class stars, including Sheikh Abdullah’s Tayf, Sheikh Mohamed’s Ebraz, the Doha Triple Crown champion who will return to defend his title, and Al Shaqab Racing’s Khataab, Snan and Zalej Al Cham.
Can Ebraz do a repeat of his stunning victory from last year? ParisLongchamp will have the answer on October 4.