April 30, 2014, Doha ~ The Qatar Arabian World Cup is to receive a prize money boost of more than 40% to create the world’s first €1 million race for Pure Bred Arabians.

Staged under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and promoted in conjunction with France Galop, the race is run on the same program as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on the first weekend in October.

Sami Jassim Al Boenain, QREC General Manager and Chairman of the International Federation of Arabian Horseracing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “We are very excited to be cementing the Qatar Arabian World Cup’s position as one of the most prestigious races in the world.

“This initiative will ensure that Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend will continue to stage the two most prestigious flat turf races in the world for thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians for a long time to come.”

The Qatar Arabian World Cup is one of eight European Group 1 races for Pure Bred Arabians backed by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and among more than 45 throughout the seven-month season which begins in the Netherlands in April and also includes races in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

France hold seven of the Group 1 events of which two are run at Deauville, Longchamp and Saint Cloud and one at Chantilly.  The remaining European Group 1, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Harwood International Stakes, is staged on the Classic St Leger card at Doncaster Racecourse, UK.

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