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Sheikh Joaan and Khalifa Al Attiyah - entrusting me with a portion of their purchases , as I wasn ’ t the only bloodstock agent at the time ( three other Anglo-Irish bloodstock agent were also involved ) - allowed me , at the age of 29 , to significantly accelerate as a horse bloodstock agent . I traveled the world , met top trainers and learned every day from them , understanding their demands when selecting yearlings to be placed in their stables . I was also fortunate to remain independent and work alongside my wife , Méryl , to work with other owners . Today , this independence has enabled us to use our years of experience to serve new investors who trust our agency , Mandore International Agency .
G . How have horse racing and breeding evolved in Qatar in recent years ?
N . d . W . About ten years ago , Qatar made a major impact in the racing world with the creation of Al Shaqab Racing and the rise of stables owned by the Al Thani family ( Qatar Racing , Al Shahania , Umm Qarn , Al Wasmiyah Stud ). This expansion was accompanied by numerous sponsorships and a significant increase in the number of horses in training in Europe . At that time , global attention was focused on Doha , particularly during the prestigious H . H . The Amir Sword Festival . France , along with Ireland and Great Britain , greatly benefited from Qatari investments . Following this period of growth , Qatari moderated their purchasing activity , particularly during the Gulf diplomatic crisis in 2017 , which reduced the number of horses in Europe . Some stables shifted their focus to breeding or Purebred Arabians . This led to a notable decrease in European visitors at Al Rayyan Racecourse and a general decline in international activity . Since the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup , Qatar has increased its support for racing , with a spectacular rise in prize money , especially for the H . H . The Amir Sword International meeting , where every race now offers at least $ 100,000 in prize money . This strategy has attracted new ambitious owners and enabled the rise of Wathnan Racing , the stable owned by the Emir of Qatar , which could become a major player comparable to Godolphin . This new momentum has piqued the interest of international players , particularly from Anglo-Irish regions .
G . What are the current challenges for horse racing and breeding in Qatar ?
N . d . W . Horses have become a vector for international influence for Gulf countries . Sheikh Mohammed was the pioneer with the creation of Godolphin and the development of infrastructures like Meydan Racecourse . Horse racing in Qatar fits perfectly within the country ’ s cultural fabric . Horses hold a fundamental place in the heritage of Qatar and its neighboring countries . By sponsoring prestigious races like the Prix du Jockey Club , the Arc de Triomphe , Glorious Goodwood , and several Purebred Arabian races , Qatar pursues both an international influence strategy and the preservation of its equestrian heritage . This strategy also involves breeding and competition in France , further strengthening its presence and influence on the global racing scene . Locally , Qatar now faces competition from its neighbors , particularly Saudi Arabia , with the creation of the Saudi Cup in 2020 , which has become the richest horse race in the world and attracts top international competitors .
The challenge for Qatar is to remain competitive and ensure that the H . H . The Amir Sword meeting continues to offer attractive prize money to draw international participants and maintain high standards .
G . What are your best results for Al Shaqab Racing ’ s silks ?
N . d . W . Our agency specializes in buying yearlings . As part of our work for Al Shaqab Racing in France , a portion of the budget dedicated to this mission is allocated to supporting their stallions , which positively impacts French breeders who produce their progeny . We also acquire a few highpotential horses privately , often in partnerships , as was the case last year with Misunderstood and Sparkling Plenty . Each year , Al Shaqab Racing ’ s team selects horses based on their abilities to determine which ones will continue their racing careers in Qatar . Since 2012 , we have purchased the following Group 1 winners at yearling or Breeze- Up sales : Unquestionable , Place du Carrousel , Wooded , Qemah , Mekhtaal , Al Wukair , and Mshawish . Among the Group 2 , Group 3 , and Listed winners , we can mention Armor , Welwal , Duhail , Baitha Alga , Heshem , Al Jazi , Amy Eria , Afandem , Karar , Lucky , Lycra , Alwaab , Iltemas , Lbretha , Redbrooks , Samarham , Shamshon , and Wajnah . As for horses acquired privately , notable names include Misunderstood , Sparkling Plenty , Brametot , Toronado , Olympic Glory , Ectot , Sandiva , and Planteur .
PAGE 97 H . E . Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and Nicolas de Watrigant © APRH
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