Qatar’s royal al-Thani family officially will announce its largest sponsorship deal ever for British horseracing, at million-plus over a 10-year period. The series of races will be linked to the Royal Ascot schedule. The move is the latest in the royal family’s support for British racing, part a far-reaching sporting portfolio that includes the al-Thani’s controversial hosting of the 2022 world soccer cup and the 2019 world athletic championship.
Qatar currently has a 10-year sponsorship at Goodwood and another with the British Champions series. Still, its investment does not match that of Dubai’s Godolphin Racing.
Harry Herbert, a leading British breeder, and Qipco, an investment group owned by six brothers who are members of the royal family, handle the al-Thani’s extensive horseracing interests.
The Qatari royal family also is considering possible introduction of the horseracing equivalent of Formula 1, although talks among the international community are stalled because of differing rules, in particular usage of whips.
With increasing foreign support, the British Horseracing Authority is moving forward with a major program to stimulate growth, gain greater control over betting income, extend the sport’s appeal and boost racehorse ownership. BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust said, “We are at the crossroads.”
