21 May 2021
France Galop and Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club are pleased to announce a partnership agreement for the Prix du Jockey Club in 2021 and 2022. Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, already the partner of the weekend of Qatar Prix de l Arc de Triomphe since 2008, will now also be associated to the French Derby, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, which will be run on Sunday 6th June at Chantilly racecourse.
The Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, with a distance of 2,100 meters, is the culmination of a selection process, but also a springboard to the biggest events on the international calendar, as evidenced by the latest renewals’ winners Mishriff and Sottsass. With € 1.5 million in allowances (including € 857,000 for the winner), the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is the most richly endowed event in the French program after the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The Prix du Jockey Club (1st edition in 1834) is also a proven stallion making race. Whether they are called Darshaan (winner in 1984), Montjeu (1999), Dalakhani (2003), Shamardal (2005), Le Havre (2009) or Lope de Vega (2010), the winners of the French Derby, have very often become particularly sought-after stallions which have left a lasting mark on the Stud Book. Sons and grandsons of Prix du Jockey Club winners subsequently distinguished themselves such as Darshaan, Dalakhani and Reliable Man.
His Excellency Mr Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, chairman of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) hailed this new development in the partnership between QREC and France Galop. “We are delighted to be the partner of the Prix du Jockey Club”, he said, “It is one of the most important races in Europe with an amazing history and an impressive record of winners.
“To add our name to this prestigious race, confirms our willingness of productive cooperation. We have already expressed and shown our interest in the French racing with the sponsoring of the most prestigious racing event in France, the Qatar Prix de l Arc de Triomphe as well as many other associated races, since 2008. We have built a very strong long-standing relationship with France Galop over the years and we are further reinforcing this partnership to include France’s most prestigious race for the three year olds, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.”
Edouard de Rothschild, President of France Galop, declared: “France Galop is particularly pleased to sign this agreement with the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), a leading partner since 2008, the year it became involved in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This new sponsorship of the next two renewals of the Prix du Jockey Club (2021 and 2022), one of the most important events within the selection process of thoroughbred Flat racing, shows once more the QREC’s involvement and dedication to the French racing industry and is a recognition of the high level of its sporting program.”
About QREC
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) was established in the early 1960s and was officially made public in 1975. QREC is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, QREC is dedicated on promoting Qatar as a world-class hub for horse racing and a leader in the pure Arabian breed.
QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulating and developing Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices.
By harnessing innovation and excellence and driven by professionalism and integrity, QREC hopes to bring the joy of racing and breeding to the wider public.
Website https://qrec.gov.qa/