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| Staff Writer |
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The prestigious Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend is set to unfold at ParisLongchamp, showcasing the strength of Qatar's influence in international horse racing. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC)-sponsored event, a cornerstone of their partnership with France Galop extending to 2027, has played a pivotal role in elevating the Arc to its status as the world's best horse race on five occasions.
The weekend's racing action commences on Friday at Saint-Cloud with two Group One contests for Purebred Arabians, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of top-class racing.
A strong field of 20 fillies will contest the Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches over 2,000 metres. Chdia, an impressive debut winner for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle, headlines the entries. Al Shaqab Racing fields a formidable team, including Al Jori, trained by Jean de Mieulle, and the Thomas Fourcy-trained Hajmah.
Other notable contenders include dual winners Lambada du Croate, owned by Khalifa Hassan Al-Jehani and trained by Francois Rohaut, and Intisar de Monlau, owned by Mubarak Ali Al-Nuaimi and trained by Mrs Jean-Francois Bernard.
The colts' equivalent, the Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains, has attracted 13 high-class entries. Mureb, winner of the Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes and now running for Wathnan Racing, stands out among the contenders. Francois Rohaut sends out Mukatel Al Shahania, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, while Thomas Fourcy fields a strong trio for Al Shaqab Racing: Maarek, Mohtaram, and Moujaz.
While the Arabian races kickstart the weekend, Qatar's influence extends to the thoroughbred races at ParisLongchamp on Saturday and Sunday. The highlight of the weekend, the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, carries a staggering purse of US$5.6 million, cementing its position as Europe's richest middle-distance contest.
Nasser Al Ali, QREC General Manager, said: "Our longstanding partnership with France Galop has been instrumental in elevating the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to its current prestigious status. We're proud to showcase both Arabian and thoroughbred racing at the highest level on this world-class stage."
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, first run in 1920, has been won by some of the sport's greatest champions. Recent winners include dual victor Enable (2017, 2018), who also claimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Turf, and Treve (2013, 2014), who captured the Prix de Diane and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud during her illustrious career.
This year's renewal promises to be another thrilling contest, with a star-studded international field taking shape. Leading Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien is mounting a formidable challenge for his third Arc triumph, following the successes of Dylan Thomas (2007) and Found (2016). O'Brien's team is set to be spearheaded by Irish Derby victor Los Angeles, with Coronation Cup winner Luxembourg and last year's St Leger hero Continuous also primed for the big race.
Sunday's card features another highlight for Purebred Arabians with the Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup. This race, run over 2000 metres, attracts the cream of Arabian racing and serves as a fitting complement to the thoroughbred showpiece.
As the countdown to Arc weekend continues, the racing world's attention is firmly focused on Paris. The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend stands as a testament to Qatar's commitment to international horse racing, bringing together the best of both Arabian and thoroughbred racing in a spectacular showcase of equine excellence.