July 26, 2013, UK ~ The Group One Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Harwood International Stakes will become the first race for pure bred Arabians to be run on a Classic card in Britain when the £150,000 event joins Doncaster’s Ladbrokes St Leger programme on Saturday, 14 September.
Staged under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and promoted in conjunction with the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO), the race also has the distinction of being the most valuable contest for pure bred Arabians ever to be staged in the UK.
Sami Jassim Al Boenain, General Manager and Secretary General of QREC said, “We are pleased to be extending our partnership with the Arabian Racing Organization and establishing a greater presence in the UK.”
“We have worked with ARO to promote racing in the United Kindom and in Qatar since 2008 and we are delighted to have been able to take this opportunity to stage a feature event on such a prestigious card.”
The addition of a valuable Group One race to the Ladbrokes St Leger Day card has been welcomed by the Doncaster Racecourse Executive.
Mark Spincer, Managing Director said, “The appearance of Arabian races on high profile cards is becoming increasingly commonplace throughout Europe and the rest of the world and we are delighted to be able to support QREC in breaking new ground by providing the stage for this exciting international event.”
“We look forward to welcoming His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh and members of his Board to Doncaster Racecourse and introducing them to our excellent facilities and the unique atmosphere of Ladbrokes St Leger Day.”
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Harwood International Stakes is an important addition to the growing International Arabian Pattern Race Calendar.
Genny Haynes, a Director of the Arabian Racing Organization said, “We are thrilled that QREC have chosen to add their backing to this race and provide such a significant boost to the prize fund.
“The continued support of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani is very much appreciated and we are indebted to Sami Jassim Al Boenain, his colleagues and Doncaster Racecourse for the tremendous efforts they have made to make this event possible.”
About the Arabian Racing Organisation
The Arabian Racing Organization is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in the UK operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority and responsible for Regulation, Race Planning, Promotion, Administration and Publications.
In 2013 the Arabian Racing Organization will stage 11 dedicated fixtures at seven different courses including Hereford which it re-opened for racing in May, and will promote a further ten single races run on thoroughbred cards.
Its flagship event is the Dubai International Arabian Race Day run at The Racecourse Newbury, this year on Thursday, 15 August.
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