ENGLISH TEXTS
with the QREC , we hold working meetings to send invitations to the selected participants . The first invitations were sent on January 16 , and additional invitations are issued throughout the process as participants confirm their attendance . Most of the horses will arrive on February 7 . For each horse , seven people are invited , divided as follows : two lads , two owners , two trainers and the jockey . We ensure that everything goes smoothly for both the horse and their team . Two IRB representatives arrive before the horses to welcome them at the airport . My colleagues also assist the grooms in organizing morning training sessions . We also help the QREC and participants ’ teams during the draw for the starting gate positions . On-site , our role is to ensure everything runs smoothly , everyone has the correct badges and access , and that they have an enjoyable experience . Additionally , we assist the teams , jockeys and lads on race days , guiding them to the right locations , handling interviews , participating in the best-turned-out horse competitions and more . The horses typically leave the day after the festival , though some may stay a few extra days depending on flight availability .
G . How has the festival evolved ? A . B . Since the prize money has increased , the quality of races has significantly improved on the thoroughbred side . For Purebred Arabians , trainers and owners were already coming to Doha to race . For them , prestige matters more than the prize money . Incidentally , the only race that isn ’ t invitation-only is the Gr . 1-PA H . H The Amir Sword and Trophy , reserved for Purebred Arabians aged four and older . This year , we will once again welcome superstars such as Al Ghadeer , Dubai Honour and Rebel ’ s Romance . We are also delighted to welcome back the Japanese contender Satono Glanz
“ THIS YEAR , THERE WILL BE AROUND THIRTY INTERNATIONAL RUNNERS COMING FROM FRANCE , ENGLAND , DUBAI , BAHRAIN , AND JAPAN .”
Adrian Beaumont
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PUREBRED ARABIANS , A CULTURAL HERITAGE
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Qatar has an ancestral cultural attachment to horses , and the QREC works to establish the country as a key player on the international stage for horse racing and breeding of Purebred Arabians . It plays a fundamental role in their promotion , notably sponsoring the first Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians during a Classic day in France and contributing significantly to the creation of IFHAR in January 1999 in Paris . Sami Jassim Al Boenain , Technical Advisor to the President of QREC and Vice-President of IFHAR , highlights this support .
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SAMI JASSIM AL BOENAIN
IFHAR Vice-president
By Cécile Adonias
GALORAMA . When did you start working in horse racing and what roles have you held within the QREC ?
Sami Jassim Al Boenain . I began as a jockey in 1980 , a role I held for five years . I ’ ve always been fascinated by show jumping , and this passion quickly turned into a successful career as a member of Qatar ’ s national team . I represented my country through this team in many countries during international competitions and events . After retiring from sports , I joined the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club ( QREC ) in 1993 , initially as a handicapper , then as Director of Racing in 1995 . From 2006 to 2015 , I served as the Director and Secretary General of the QREC Steering Committee . I am currently the Technical Advisor to the President of the QREC . Under my leadership , the QREC has grown into a recognized center within the Gulf region and globally for horse racing and equestrian sports . I spearheaded numerous significant initiatives that continue to enhance Qatar ’ s reputation as a key player in the global horse racing and equestrian scene . This includes innovative sponsorships like the prestigious Qatar Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe , one of the richest turf races in the world , and the Qatar Arabian World Cup held during the same weekend . This race was the first Group 1 for purebred Arabians to be featured in a Classic weekend program in France .
G . What is your role within IFHAR ?
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