Prize fund of £200,000 down to sixth place
24 June 2020, UK ~ The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) have confirmed that the Qatar International Stakes will go ahead as part of the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2020 on the rescheduled date of Saturday, 1 August. Held over a mile on the historic Sussex Downs, the Group 1 PA contest forms the first stage of the Qatar Triple Crown.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) CEO Nasser Bin Sherida Al Kaabi commented: “Supporting and Promoting Arabian racing at this difficult time is an achievement which QREC has been able to realise through coordination with ARO and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and we do appreciate their cooperation. This year’s edition will be exceptional as it comes during the Covid-19 pandemic and the related new challenges. Therefore, racing at the Qatar Goodwood Festival will remain special as ever”.
For 2020, the race will be run for an agreed prize fund of £200,000 with prize money down to sixth place. This is in-line with the reduction of thoroughbred prize money across the board due to Covid19, but it is still the most valuable Purebred Arabian race in the UK.
ARO remains committed to updating all its’ participants and stakeholders with all relevant information throughout Covid19. ARO is also dedicated to supporting the entrants and their connections in order to enable their safe participation and a successful and competitive race for their sponsors.
ARO Finance and Commercial Director Genny Haynes commented: “We are most grateful for the continued support by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club of UK Arabian racing at this most challenging time. Though our season has been pushed back in the calendar due to the current circumstances, we are delighted to finally get underway a Group 1 PA race and look forward to announcing the remainder of the seasons’ races in due course.”
Following British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) Resumption Races run behind closed doors
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid. As government guidance changes, some of these procedures and requirements may change.Following the BHA Resumption of Racing update of 5 June, the race will be open to international runners, but all entrants must comply with the relevant UK government rules and the BHA’s guidelines and operating procedures for racing behind closed doors. The UK government guidelines for quarantine for international travel are due for review on 29 June and further revisions are anticipated.
…BHA Racing Resumption Update (22 June)
~ end ARO