NEWS
Meydan Group to sponsor 2010 Equestrian Games
Posted: Monday, September 28, 2009 7:35 PM
Dubai-based Meydan Group, developer of the opulent racing facility Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, has agreed to become a sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
The 2010 Games will feature eight world championships in equestrian sport at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10.
As part of its sponsorship of the 2010 Games, Meydan will be the presenting sponsor of the endurance competition, which is set for September 26, day two of the Games. Representatives from more than 30 nations in the equestrian discipline of endurance riding will complete a designated six-loop course spanning 100 miles.
The United Arab Emirates is expected to be represented by a team led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, founder and principal of the Maktoum family’s international Godolphin Racing stable, and owner of the Darley global racing and breeding operation. Sheikh Mohammed also is the impetus behind Meydan Racecourse, which is expected to open in January, site of the 2010 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 27.
Sheikh Mohammed’s wife Prince Haya is president of FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale).
“We are honored to be a sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and in particular, the endurance competition, a pivotal component of one of the most important equine tournaments in the world,” said Meydan Group Chairman Saeed Humaid Al Tayer. “Not only does this partnership allow us to further progress the increasing popularity of the sport, it also soundly underscores Meydan’s commitment to taking equine-related sports to an even higher level and into a new era.”
As part of the agreement, Meydan also will receive exposure throughout the venues across all competitions included in the 2010 Games.
“We are extremely excited and proud to announce this sponsorship with Meydan,” said Jamie Link, chief executive officer of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “This not only further illustrates their dedication to the growth of horse sport around the world but also to the global nature of the 2010 Games. We are honored to have Meydan as a partner.”
