Qipco backs two famous races for fillies at Newmarket's July festival
One of the leading private investment companies in Qatar, QIPCO will back the Gr.1 Falmouth Stakes and the Gr.2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes, both run on Friday, July 11, Gentlemen's Day of the Moët and Chandon-supported Festival.
The races will be known as the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes and the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes sponsored by QIPCO.
As part of the sponsorship, the winning filly or mare of the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes will be given a free nomination in 2015 to Makfi. Together with Harbour Watch and Havana Gold, Makfi is owned by Qatar Bloodstock, a subsidiary of QIPCO Holding - he stands for a fee of £25,000 at Tweenhills Farm and Stud in Gloucestershire.
In addition, the breeder of the winner of the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes will receive a 50 per cent discount on one nomination to any Tweenhills stallion, while the winning owner of the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes sponsored by QIPCO will receive the same discount.
Elusive Kate beats Sky Lantern in last year's Gr.1 Falmouth Stakes - this year's winner will receive a free nomination to Makfi, who is owned by Qatar Bloodstock
In addition, the breeder of the winner of the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes will receive a 50 per cent discount on one nomination to any Tweenhills stallion, while the winning owner of the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes sponsored by QIPCO will receive the same discount.
The QIPCO Falmouth Stakes, which has an increased prize fund this year of £200,000, up £20,000 from 2013, is the first opportunity for the Classic generation of fillies to meet the older horses over a mile. Last year it led to a thrilling finish when Elusive Kate just held off Sky Lantern - other winners in recent years include great fillies such as Soviet Song and Goldikova.
The £80,000 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes Sponsored by QIPCO, known until last year as the Cherry Hinton Stakes, often has a bearing on the following year's QIPCO 1000 Guineas and has been won in the past by fillies of the calibre of Sayyedati and Attraction.
Last year's race resulted in victory for Lucky Kristale, who beat subsequent Group One winner Rizeena with Queen Catrine in third.
Speaking on behalf of QIPCO Holding, David Redvers, Managing Director of Tweenhills Farm and Stud, said: "It is a privilege to sponsor such quality races at the July Festival and we are delighted to be associated with both the Falmouth and Duchess of Cambridge Stakes. Both races have a fantastic heritage and play an integral part in the fillies' pattern.
"It is important to QIPCO to not only be associated with the best of British racing but to also showcase through its sponsorship the company's assets and commercial activities. We look forward to this year's winner of the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes taking up the offer of a free nomination to Makfi in 2015."
Amy Starkey, Regional Director for The Jockey Club East Region, said: "We are delighted that QIPCO, sponsor of the British Champions Series and, of course, our own 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas, is for the first time sponsoring at the Moët and Chandon July Festival, where its name will be put to two more of Newmarket's most famous races."