LEOPARDSTOWN Racecourse is already fielding some expressions of interest from potential sponsors of the Irish Champion Stakes following the news that Qipco has ended its involvement with the Group 1 race after six years.

The Qatar-based fund has also pulled out of its sponsorship of the Prix du Jockey Club but will continue to sponsor major races in England. Qipco is a Qatar-based, privately-held investment company, led by the Al Thani family

According to The Irish Times, the decision was reportedly made six weeks ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.

David Redvers, racing manager for Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Racing operation and spokesperson for Qipco, told The Guardian: “This year, seeing the way the world is going, everybody has got to be much more frugal and efficient in the manner in which they spend their money. What we are absolutely determined to do is to ensure that the money which Qipco puts into racing achieves the maximum effect for the sport.”

Tim Husbands, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, commented: “I would like to thank Qipco and Sheikh Fahad for their incredible support of the Irish Champion Stakes for the past six years. They are fantastic supporters of racing and we were honoured to be part of that.”

Husbands told The Irish Field: “Over many years they have been good to us and the meeting has been particularly good for them. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone to come forward with a passion for racing and with a Group 1 of such calibre to support.

“These are difficult times of course but we are casting the net wide for sponsors to back a race with such an international reputation.”

The Irish Champion Stakes is the most valuable race on Irish Champions Weekend card and was worth €1.25 million last year.

David Redvers said: “Qipco enjoyed a highly successful partnership with Leopardstown through sponsorship of the Irish Champion Stakes and it is a race that perfectly fitted Qipco’s aspiration to be associated with the very best horseraces in the world.

“An absolute highlight for Sheikh Fahad and his brothers was Roaring Lion’s victory over Saxon Warrior in 2018. The Irish Champion Stakes provides a great opportunity to be involved in one of the leading global events in the racing calendar and be part of a piece of elite sporting history.”