Sheikh Fahad attends statue unveiling of Newmarket founder

Sheikh Fahad joined HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Newmarket's Rowley Mile racecourse yesterday for the unveiling of a statue of King Charles II.

The King (1630 1685) was pivotal to the establishment and evolution of Newmarket as the Home of Horseracing, and the specially commissioned statue was created to mark and honour his contribution. Sheikh Fahad was invited to join the unveiling for he rode Almagest to win the 2016 running of the historic Newmarket Town Plate in its 350th year it was first run one year after the King founded the course in 1665.

In addition, the Al Thani family's QIPCO business is a major sponsor of horse racing, its support including backing of the first two Classics of the British season, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and QIPCO 2000 Guineas, which are run over the Rowley Mile at the QIPCO Guineas Festival in May.

Some 200 guests from the local community and racing fraternity witnessed the occasion, with the ceremony also including two Mounted Dutymen from the Household Cavalry, as well as a fanfare from two trumpeters of the Regiment. Their presence was again to honour King Charles II, who founded the Household Cavalry in 1660.

Amy Starkey, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses East Region, said: ‚"We are very honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to Newmarket Racecourses for the unveiling of the King Charles II statue in his new, and rather apt, permanent home.

‚"It really was special to have Sheikh Fahad in attendance too. Not only as an extremely valued partner for Newmarket Racecourses and British Racing, but for him to be received by the Duchess as the winning jockey of the 2016 Newmarket Town Plate.

‚"Newmarket is so lucky to have such a rich history and heritage associated with the town, and it is fantastic to be able to share and celebrate this with Her Royal Highness on this special occasion.‚"

*The statue is a larger-than-life-size replica of an original marble statue of King Charles II which is part of the Parliamentary Art Collection at the House of Lords and is displayed at the Old Bailey in London it was created by Victorian sculptor Henry Weekes. A cast was commissioned following a generous donation from racehorse owner Dr Cyrus Poonawalla and through the efforts of Frances Stanley, who raised an exceptional amount of money through fundraising.

Photograph shows The Duchess of Cornwall standing alongside Sheikh Fahad and Newmarket Racecourses chairman Julian Richmond-Watson, with Justin Wadham on right