February 21, 2014, Doha ~ The opening ceremonies of the HH The Emir 23rd International Sword Festival Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) Thursday evening (20th) literally lit up the night. The star attraction was world-renowned equestrian showman and movie stuntman Mario Luraschi, who kept the audience spellbound with his haut école equestrian show, pyrotechnics, and the stunt riding talents of his traveling group. His solo performance of “Singing In the Rain” on his Spanish stallion was a crowd pleaser. 
QREC General Manager Sami Jassim Al Boenain was introduced by co-hosts, announcer Derek Thompson (Tommo), and Rihab Mrizek. The Organizing Committee including Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al-Thani, were delighted with the ceremony and the stands and all available seats were filled at the outdoor arena at QREC.
photo Juhaim
The show was a prelude to the eight-day festival which includes five days of horse shows and three days of racing, ending with the Group 1 races of the HH The Emir Trophies and Sword Day on February 27. QR 25 million(€5M) is on offer as prize money to the winners as well as Range Rover cars. ~end