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As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, sponsored by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), draws the world’s racing eyes to Paris, Thursday’s spotlight shines on the Purebred Arabian Horse Sale, organised annually by Arqana at Saint-Cloud Racecourse.The auction opens the associated events of the weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses.The growing focus on Arabians reflects one of the most notable successes of Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar’s support for Arabian horse racing on French tracks stretches across the entire winter season, beginning with the Qatar Prix Massoud for three-year-olds making their first appearance—a race that officially launches the European Arabian racing calendar.This momentum continues with a distinguished lineup of major Arabian races, including the Qatar Prix Denouste for three-year-old colts, the Qatar Prix Djebella II for three-year-old fillies, the Gr.2 PA Qatar Prix de l’Élevage for four-year-old and up fillies and mares, the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes for four-year-olds, Gr.2 PA Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) for four-year-olds and up, the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (three-year-old fillies), the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (three-year-old colts), the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (four-year-old fillies) and culminating in the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, staged on the final day of the weekend as the highlight immediately preceding the weekend’s centrepiece, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.Given this remarkable calendar showcasing a wide diversity of races, it is entirely fitting that Arqana’s Pure Arabian Horse Sale has earned such prominence both in France and on the global stage. This year’s auction catalogue features 97 lots, including 36 two-year-olds, two yearlings, 31 horses currently in training and 28 of breeding stock. Among the horses on offer, 13 are from Al Shaqab Racing, including seven horses in training and six horses of o breeding stock.Last year’s sale drew a significant international turnout of breeders, owners and trainers, achieving outstanding results. Of the 106 lots presented, 76 were sold, representing 71.7%, with total sales reaching €3,580,000.

In continuation of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) efforts to reinforce its global presence through sponsoring some of the most prestigious horse races on the international stage, the Group 2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes was staged at the Curragh in Ireland Saturday. The QREC-sponsored 1600m race for two-year-old thoroughbreds was landed by Hawk Mountain, which is trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Ronan Whelan and owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor. Ahmed AmanAlla al-Sheebani, Director of QREC Support Services Department, presented the trophies to the winners. With this victory under his belt Hawk Mountain confirmed his class and promising start. After breaking his maiden on his second start over this course and distance, he took the step up in class with authority and is now a Group 2 winner following just his third start. Facing four rivals in the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes, he dictated the pace from the start, showed a sharp turn of foot when it mattered and stamped his authority with a decisive victory, underlining his growing reputation on the juvenile scene. Breaking smartly from the gate, Hawk Mountain immediately assumed control at the head of affairs, with Shaihaan in second, Port of Spain in third, Geryon in fourth and Al Haarith last of the five. The pace was even to slow in the back straight, with positions unchanged. Rounding the final bend, Hawk Mountain began to increase the tempo, still going easily, while Shaihaan came under pressure and Port of Spain found himself trapped in a pocket. On the outside, Al Haarith began to quicken, but Hawk Mountain had already slipped away from his rivals. Inside the final 300m, he extended his advantage impressively, winning decisively by three and a quarter lengths. Geryon, owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd, trained by G M Lyons and ridden by Colin Keane, stayed on strongly to snatch second place, just a head ahead of Al Haarith, who was ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle for trainer Joseph Patrick O’Brien and owned by Al Wasmiyah Racing, Ballylinch and Umm Al Shukhout Farm. It is worth noting that the QREC’s sponsorship of the race comes as part of its long-term strategy to maintain a strong presence and promote the participation of Qatari owners’ horses in the biggest races at the top European and international racecourses. Over the past years, this strategy has brought numerous benefits, including victories in major international races, opportunities for Qatari owners to compete at the highest level and direct exposure for Qatari trainers and jockeys to the world’s finest equestrian talent, training methods, and racing standards.