DOHA: A staggering 9.2m Euros will be dispersed among the winners at next month’s 93rd Qatar Pric de l’Arc de Triomphe, this was announced at a news conference where Total and Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) signed the deal as chief sponsor of the race weekend in Paris.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman, REC, signed the deal with Guillaume Chalmin, Managing Director of Total E&P Qatar and Group Representative, at a news conference held to announce the details of an event that draws more than 1 billion TV viewers annually.
“If you look at the sponsors, you can tell it is a popular race,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “If you look at the races last week, you will see the in-form horses that are preparing for Qatar Pric de l’Arc de Triomphe,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
“You can tell our event is very prestigious for the race fans around the world,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Around 230 horses from France and around the world will be competing at Longchamp Racecourse from October 2 to 5 in Paris.
A total of 17 races including 8 Group I races will feature at the race weekend in Paris where more than 60,000 fans will cram into Longchamp Racecourse. Chalmin said Total is delighted to partner with REC for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the most prestigious horse race in the world.
He added Total is also the proud partner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy for colts, Qatar Arabian Trophy for mares and the Prix Marcel Boussac as well as the
H H the Emir Sword Race in Qatar.
“Total has been involved with the REC since 2008 and this hugely popular event is part of Total’s commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030,” Chalmin said.
“Horse racing is important to our culture as is the case with Qatar. Both countries have a tradition of horse racing. For us, this is a sport that has lot of value for the supporters of the event,” he added.
“Supporting sports is a main part of Total’s corporate social responsibility programme; it is a major contribution to social development, as it values sports as one of the best tools to transcend cultural barriers and cultural integration,” Chalmin said.
“In addition, horse racing is a major tradition in the region and particularly in Qatar as horses are part of Qatar’s culture and history,” he explained.
Chalmin said: “Every sport has its showpiece event: Cycling has the Tour de France and football, rugby and basketball have their respective World Cups. The jewel, in the crown of the horse racing world, is the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”
He added: “The amazing victory of Treve, the fantastic horse of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last year in Paris, gives the opportunity to live a very entertaining and intense race. I would like also to thank H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of REC, and his team for providing Total with the opportunity of this valuable association.”
Chalmin pointed out: “We are delighted to establisha longstanding relationship with REC, an organisation that has profoundly raised the profile of horse racing in Qatar and abroad. Through its CSR activities, Total is bolstering Qatar’s international image while also supporting the local culture and its traditions. As horse racing is deeply entrenched in Qatari and French culture, it was logical for Total to commit to its development.”
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