Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Al Shaqab, Omar Al Mannai, Al Shaqab Competition Manager, Fahad Al Hajri, Media Manager, and Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at a press conference yesterday.
DOHA: Qatar will host the second Chi Al Shaqab international equestrian competition between March 10 and 15, 2014 in Doha.
At a press conference, Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Al Shaqab, spoke of the importance of bringing a world-class event to Qatar.
“The inaugural Chi Al Shaqab was a spectacular success, and this year will be even better. Al Shaqab supports Qatar Foundation’s vision to promote the country’s heritage by showcasing its equestrian excellence,” Al Qahtani said.
Omar Al Mannai, Al Shaqab Competition Manager, said this year’s tournament will see around 170 riders and 200 horses from 30 countries compete for a total of €1,460,000 in prize money.
Besides jumping, dressage and endurance, the competition will feature vaulting for the first time.
Fahad Al Hajri, Media Manager, pointed out that Al Shaqab was working with the world’s media to achieve the highest standards in broadcast production in the history of equestrian sports.
Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, confirmed that his company was again proud to be the main sponsor of Chi Al Shaqab.
Chi Al Shaqab is also sponsored by Qatar Airways and organised under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani and H E Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.
The 2013 tournament was the first Chi event ever to take place in the Middle East and Asia.
The Al Shaqab equestrian center was founded in 1992 by the Father Emir, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to promote and enrich his nation’s traditional association with the Arabian horse. It is a member of Qatar Foundation and serves as the Gulf’s premier venue for equestrian education, breeding and events.
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