QIPCO unveiled as Prix du Jockey Club sponsor

QIPCO has further extended its sponsorship portfolio by signing an agreement to partner with the Gr. 1 Prix du Jockey Club from 2017 onwards. It will be the first time QIPCO has supported a major event in France.

The 2017 QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club will be run on June 4 at Chantilly and is one of the highlights of the French and the international racing calendar.

The distance of the race was changed from a mile and a half to 10 and a half furlongs in 2005 and is not only the most prestigious prize for a three-year-olds in France, it is also a stepping stone to other major races such as the Gr. 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown and the Gr. 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot. Both of those events are also sponsored by QIPCO and were won last year by the Prix du Jockey club winner Almanzor (pictured).

Edouard de Rothschild, President of France Galop, said:

‚"This partnership with QIPCO recognises the importance of the French racing programme and of the Prix du Jockey Club. It is in QIPCO's and France Galop's DNA to improve the breed and to develop sporting excellence. It is my wish that this partnership will boost the attractiveness of this great race with the best three-year-old French horses and more international runners so that the Prix du Jockey Club becomes the Derby that produces tomorrow's stallions.‚"

Sheikh Fahad, Director of QIPCO and Chairman of Qatar Racing and Qatar Bloodstock, said:

‚"We are delighted to be the title partner of the Prix du Jockey Club. It is one of the most important races in Europe with an amazing history and an impressive record of winners, including the likes of Montjeu and Shamardal, who have been a major influence on the breed.

‚"Among the benefits of our partnership with France Galop is the opportunity to increase the international profile of QIPCO through an association with such a prestigious and renowned event, also it provides a platform from which to advertise the stallions owned by Qatar Bloodstock, which is part of QIPCO, and finally, we consider European racing to be the best in the world and we want to help promote the popularity and prosperity of racing here because Europe is the base for our bloodstock interests.‚"

Further announcements of initiatives as a result of the QIPCO and France Galop partnership will be made soon.