Dubai: The $1m Al Quoz Sprint, one of the highlights of the $23.4 million Dubai World Cup meeting on March 29, has a new sponsor,
The International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) has forged a two-year strategic agreement with Meydan Group that places IPIC as a Meydan Pillar Partner and title sponsor of the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint, run over 1,000m on turf.
The deal will also see IPIC sponsoring the Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting on February 6 and the Racing at Meydan meeting on March 13.
In addition, IPIC will sponsor the CISM World Military Endurance Championship, an event organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club, to be held in Dubai on March 6.
“IPIC’s portfolio of companies span the glob, whilst locally IPIC is a strong supporter of Emirati culture, tradition and heritage,” said Khadim Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of IPIC. “The Meydan events provide a great platform for IPIC to support and develop local interest in equestrian events as well as reaching a global audience through the Dubai World Cup.”
Saeed Al Tayer, CEO and Chairman of Meydan Group, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the International Petroleum Investment Company to our impressive list of Pillar Partners for the Meydan Group and Dubai World Cup race night. This is a wonderful partnership that further represents the appeal of the Dubai World Cup and horse racing here in the UAE and around the world.”
The Al Quoz Sprint is a highly regarded Group 1 thoroughbred turf contest held on Dubai World Cup day.
First staged in 2007 as part of the Dubai International Racing Carnival, it was given Group 3 status in 2009. The Al Quoz Sprint was moved to Dubai World Cup day in 2010 to coincide with the opening of Meydan Racecourse and in 2012 was promoted to a Group 1 event.
The race was first run over 1,200m before, in 2011, being shortened to a 1000m contest. Last year’s winner was the Mike de Kock-trained Shea Shea.
