Breeders’ Cup and QREC announce new partnership

Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred horse racing’s most prestigious international events, and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), yesterday announced a new partnership. The first of its kind partnership for the QREC, the Thoroughbred horse racing brands will exchange presenting sponsor titles at their respective championship races – HH The Emir’s Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego, California.The partnership will launch next month when Breeders’ Cup is named a presenting sponsor of the Breeders’ Cup Dukhan Sprint at HH The Emir’s Sword Festival, a three-day horse racing festival on February 23, 24 and 25, 2017. Following the race, Breeders’ Cup will present the trophy to the race winner.“We are thrilled to take this next step in expanding our relationship with the renowned Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club,” said Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel. “As we look to ways to elevate our international presence with thoroughbred racing leaders of similar calibre around the world, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is a natural fit. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship and encouraging the international Thoroughbred community to support and race in Qatar.”At the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, QREC will be the sponsor of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Juvenile Turf Sprint Stakes on November 4. Additionally, a QREC representative will present the trophy for the race.“The Breeders’ Cup World Championship is one of the most iconic international race meetings in the World and the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club is very proud to have formed this prestigious partnership,” said QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi. “HH The Emir’s Sword Festival is Qatar’s flagship international race meeting of the year and we look forward to running the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Dukhan Sprint on Saturday, February 25, 2017.”