ENGLISH TEXTS
S . J . A . B . In 1999 , Qatar played a significant role in the creation of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities ( IFHAR ). Since its establishment , I have held key roles within IFHAR , initially as Director of the Committee for Rules and Race Development , then as Vice President , and eventually being elected President of IFHAR in 2008 , a position I held for three terms until 2017 . I currently serve as IFHAR ’ s Vice President .
G . What are the QREC ’ s upcoming goals ?
S . J . A . B . The QREC ’ s upcoming objectives are to improve the level of Group races dedicated to English thoroughbreds . Group 1 races for purebred Arabians are already well-established , but Group 1 races for Thoroughbreds need further development .
G . Thoroughbreds versus Purebred Arabians — what is your preference ?
S . J . A . B . I have a deep appreciation for Purebred Arabians , as they represent an important part of my heritage and culture . At the same time , I am an admirer and enthusiastic supporter of racehorses in general . As a result , I hold Thoroughbreds in high regard for their exceptional qualities and racing talents .
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RACING IN QATAR
Al Rayyan Racecourse , the venue for the H . H . The Amir Sword Festival , is Qatar ’ s primary racecourse , located about 7 kilometers north of Doha . It features a 1,800-meter turf track and a 1,400-meter dirt track , with a 1,400-seat grandstand . The facility includes a training and welfare center for horses , with recent upgrades to improve accommodations for horses , owners , trainers and jockeys . Qatar ’ s second racecourse , Al Uqda , also hosts meetings and training facilities . During the 2023-2024 season , 67 race days were held at Al Rayyan ( 45 between October 18 , 2023 , and April 25 , 2024 ) and Al Uqda ( 22 between November 18 , 2023 , and March 2 , 2024 ), encompassing a total of 560 races with over 7,800 entries , according to QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Al Kubaisi .
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JEAN-PIERRE DEROUBAIX
Agence FBA
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By Cécile Adonias
Galorama . How did you start working with the Qataris ?
Jean-Pierre Deroubaix . I set up my own business in the 1990s after working for Horse France . The CCI and UBI France organized a tour in the
Middle East : Kuwait , the Emirates , Bahrain , Oman , Qatar , etc . The goal was to introduce myself and offer my services as a bloodstock agent and consultant in the creation of stables , stud farms and racetracks . I met Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani during this trip and I presented the projects I had already worked on , such as in Abu Dhabi . Some time later , Alban de Mieulle contacted me to confirm their interest , especially since Qatar had to organize the Asian Games and needed to set up all the infrastructure . With the support of Louis Romanet and Dr . Devolz , we verified the identity of all the equines , as well as the studbooks , and established a quarantine , among other things . There was in-depth work to be done on the sanitary aspect . Regarding the infrastructure , I assisted the QREC , in partnership with Gregori International , in creating a riding arena , a veterinary clinic and a new racetrack . Everything was ready for 2006 and the Asian Games . I also worked with Al Shaqab on their private facilities .
G . What were the races like when you first started going to Qatar ?
J . P . D . There was one race meeting per weekend . Now , there are two to three race days per week and two racetracks : Al Rayyan in Doha and another in the north , Al Uqda .
G . How did you contribute to the development of horse racing in Qatar ?
J . P . D . I worked in tandem with Louis Romanet to secure the sponsorship of the Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe . Sheikh Abdullah wanted a Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians during the “ Arc “ weekend and to sponsor both races . The sponsorship contract for both events began in 2008 . At the same time , I continued working
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