Royal Patronage as Al Shaqab to stage Longines Global Champions Tour Final 2015

16 November - It has been confirmed that the Longines Global Champions Tour final will for the third year running be staged at the exceptional Al Shaqab equestrian facility in Doha in November 2015.

 His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Father Emir, and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani attended Grand Prix day today as part of a high profile presence by members of the Qatari Royal Family.

Fahad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Administration and Director of Al Shaqab, announced the deepening of the “strategic” partnership with the Longines Global Champions Tour.

HH Sheikh Hamad, The Father Emir and HE Sheikh Joaan, whose champion horse Treve won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for second time this year, had earlier spoken with leading Qatari riders including Bassem Hassan Mohammed, who finished 5th in the Grand Prix and an impressive 4th in the overall championship.

The winning riders were also congratulated at the prize giving ceremony by Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation.

Speaking at the post-Grand Prix Press Conference Mr Al Qahtani said: “We are extending this strategic relationship with our colleagues at the Longines Global Champions Tour to host next year’s finals here. We are already starting some brainstorming sessions about how we can put a new theme into this and how we can showcase our culture and our legacy through this beautiful sport.”

As well as Royal Patronage at the spectacular final, Ambassadors from France and the Netherlands joined VIPs in the grand lounge overlooking the vast floodlit arena.

Photo credit: Stefano Grasso/LGCT