Energy company Qatar Petroleum International has extended its contract as the exclusive sponsor of the world’s richest horse race for purebred Arabians, the Qatar Arabian World Cup, to take in the 2014 edition at Longchamp, Paris on October 5.
The Qatar Arabian World Cup shares the programme of the second and final day of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend with the world’s richest turf race for thoroughbreds, which has been supported by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club since 2008.
QPI has been associated with France’s most prestigious race meeting for the past six years and became the exclusive sponsor of the Qatar Arabian World Cup for the first time in 2013.
The Group 1 event was given a prize money boost of more than 40 per cent earlier this year to create the world’s first €1m ($1.29m) race for purebred Arabians.
Nasser AI Jaidah, chief executive of QPI, said: “As part of our global sponsorship portfolio, the Qatar Arabian World Cup exhibits our dedication to maintaining and promoting Qatar’s heritage and culture. We are proud of our role in bringing Qatar’s best horses to the international stage and showcasing one of our nation’s greatest strengths.”