Le Djebel pour French Fifteen...et le Qatar : l'histoire en détails...

Original names from Reboursière

Some famous breeding, including H.H. Aga Khan, Wildenstein, Haras du Quesnay or even some from Germany, have decided to name their foals using the first letter of their dams' names.

Indeed, the letter « F » was chosen for 2009. Some of the foals aimed for the sales are not named so their new owners can do it as they are pleased.

Let's take for example the matron Rotina's progeny. Her first foal born in 1993 was called Priolina. This was not a name given accidentally for the future «black-type» racehorses just like : Valentino (1999), Whortleberry (2000), Ysoldina (2002), Appel au Maitre (2004), Belle et Célèbre (2005), Causa Proxima (2006) and even, Etendard d’Or (2008), who actually went through the ring at Arqana.

The emotion was at its highest level on Thursday for his connection, particularly for the trainer. And what about his new owner Cheik Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani (maroon, white spots, striped sleeves) and his Qatar adviser, Alban de Mieulle who came over especially for the occasion? As for the jockey Olivier Peslier, now retained by the owner, was not much better...

Olivier Peslier was already successful with French Fifteen's sire, Turtle Bowl in the Prix Monténica (same track as Prix Djebel) before winning the Prix Jean Prat (Gr.1) in July at Chantilly.

The qatari team was looking for another "turnkey" horse able to compete in 2012 classics following their worthy purchase at the Arc Sales 2010 of Lancelot who  succeeded recently at high level in Doha in the Emir Trophy. Last October 30th, Cheikh Abdullah was watching French Fifteen's performance and was excited with what he had just seen. He then asked Alban de Mieulle to contact the horse's connection to find out if he would be "for sale". After few conversations, it did not take too long to convince his londoner owner.

One of his sons, Fahad, launched Pearl Bloodstock Ltd in 2010, directed by David Redvers.
Beside Dunaden, Pearl Bloodstock Ltd owns more than 60 racehorses (according to their website), including the 2012 classic Marju filly Lightening Pearl, bought at Goffs, winner of the Cheveley Park St. as a juvenile. He also owns Tweenhills Farm located in Gloucestershire where board around one hundred mares and foals and stand Makfi, winner of the 2,000 Guineas and Prix Jacques Le Marois 2010.

Hamad, the Emir, married, Mozah bin Nasser Al Missned (his 2nd wife), president of Qatar Foundation, partner of the Barcelona soccer team.

Their 31yo son Tamim, future heir, is the main shareholder of PSG (his brother Jassim already tried to buy the parisian club in 2006). He is also chairman of the Olympic Committee of Qatar and member of the International Olympic Committee. In other words, the sport man of the family. 

The sponsor QIPCO Holding, created in 1999 (Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding Company) is the property of 6 brothers of the royal family. The company is involved in many services like estate agency, construction, oil, gas, finances and health.
 
Beside the guineas and 35 other flat races across England, the group sponsors the British Champions Series. On October 15th 2011, QIPCO was partner to Ascot's first racing day where Cirrus des Aigles won the featuring event : the Champion Stakes.
 
I also nearly forgot (but you would have known) that Qatar partners France Galop during many big thoroughbred and arabian contests in the autumn and all year round. The main man is Cheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, president of the Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) (and Qatar Tennis Federation), son of Faleh bin Jasim bin Jabor Al Thani (his grandfather passed away in 1999).