(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi, General Manager of Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club sees the partnership with the Breeders' Cup as further evidence of Qatar's commitment to excelling at the sport. Speaking to Gulf Times at the press conference to announce the partnership in the Dorchester Hotel, London, he commented: 'The Breeders' Cup is a great brand in America and to have a joint venture is very important for us. It gives out the message that we are in the racing world to be one of the major competitors. Likewise, our association with Royal Ascot and Goodwood gives out the message that we are serious.
He said the partnerships would be for a long term. 'I think you will see us even more involved in racing at Royal Ascot and the Qatar Goodwood Festival in the years to come, al-Kaabi noted. 'The Emir's Sword Festival is attracting more and more international interest and hopefully we will reach our targets and goals, he added. When asked to name some of his favourite racecourses and events around the world, al-Kaabi said: 'Meydan and Royal Ascot are my favourites both for the structure and the event. Also, in America, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most important.
Asked about his own passion for the sport, he replied: 'I am an owner and I love watching horse racing. For me horse racing is the love of my life.
The QREC General Manager said he has a special commitment to Arabian horse racing. 'Arabian horses are in our heritage. Qatar is one of the best in the world in Arabian racing and we want to keep it that way. It is one thing to get to the top but it is difficult to stay there, but we want to stay at the top.
Al-Kaabi said building Qatar's reputation in racing went hand in hand with a desire to achieve sporting success in many other fields and to raise the profile of the country internationally.
Craig Fravel, Breeders' Cup President and Ceo, is impressed with the impact Qatar has made to date. Speaking to Gulf Times, he said: 'They have had incredible success mostly in Europe and we have had the pleasure of having some runners in the US. We are very impressed with the speed with which they have gotten up to the highest levels of the game. They obviously know what they are doing and are doing it well.
He is looking forward to going to Doha for the Emir's Sword Festival next month and spoke about the bonds and shared love of the racing and horsemanship that make the relationship with Qatar so strong.
'For the Breeders' Cup, everything we do is about the quality of the thoroughbreds, and we also have a great deal of respect for Qatar's interest in the Arab horse. The Arab horse is the foundation of the entire thoroughbred breed so the connection is a very important one.
He concluded: 'Sometimes, I think history is a great teacher for the future, so the more we can learn about their culture and interests the better off we will be together.
Last updated: January 26 2017 12:24 AM
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