Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani to ride in Ascot charity race

Sheikh Fahad bin Abdullah Al Thani is set to make his British debut in the saddle in the inaugural running of The Prince's Countryside Fund Charity Race at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 3rd April 2016.

No stranger to challenging himself, in 2014 Sheikh Fahad led an eight strong Qatar Racing team to complete the London Marathon and in 2015 rode in his first charity race at Limerick in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys.

Through QIPCO, the company owned by Sheikh Fahad and his brothers, Sheikh Fahad is a major sponsor and investor in British Racing. The company is an official partner of Ascot Racecourse and also the title sponsor of British Champions Series.

Having had a taste of race riding at Limerick last year, the opportunity to ride in a race at Ascot was not something Sheikh Fahad wanted to miss out on.

Sheikh Fahad said: "I am really looking forward to riding at Ascot. I have been training hard, riding out regularly and trying to follow the advice of Qatar Racing's resident jockey coach, Kevin Darley.

"It will be a real thrill to ride the track and it's for an excellent cause in the Prince's Countryside Fund."

Clare Salmon, who was recently appointed as the new CEO of the British Equestrian Federation, takes up her post in June and is also included in the eight strong field.  

Competition is fierce with all riders looking forward to taking on the 1m 2 f course and each other. Former JLS singer JB Gill, will be on hand on the day seeking inspiration from the budding jockeys. The PCF ambassador has recently confirmed his place for the 2017 charity race!

The Prince's Countryside Fund Raceday boasts a full day of exciting jump racing alongside a wide range of countryside inspired activities. 

Helen Aldis, Manager of The Prince's Countryside Fund, said "Horseracing and the countryside are very much intertwined and this charity raceday provides a wonderful opportunity for families and racegoers to find out more about the work of The Prince's Countryside Fund.

"Last year the inaugural Prince's Countryside Fund raceday was a huge success, raising over £380,000 which has already helped support a number of innovative projects across the UK helping to secure a brighter future for the British countryside."

There will be plenty of action both on and off the track, making it a fun day out that the whole family can get involved in.

In the main arena there are interactive and educational demonstrations between races, including a magnificent falconry display, the hilarious duck herding 'Quack Pack', and the annual 'Lamb National'. 

Watch in amazement as Herdwick sheep negotiate a specially designed course and leap over hurdles in an attempt to earn their place in the Winners' Enclosure. Fame and glory awaits the winner, it is a race that cannot be missed!

Children gain free entry and will be spoilt for choice with the number of fun events and performances on the day.  The lovable but mischievous bunny Peter Rabbit will be dropping in to meet the children and read some stories and Colts and Fillies Mascot Scotty will also be out and about to meet everyone on the day. 

A Full Petting Farm allows the children to get up close with the animals and they will be able to be transformed by the team of face painters.

If that's not enough visitors will also have the chance to marvel at the skills of the craftsman demonstrating Sheep Shearing, Live Willow Fencing and Drystone walling.

For the keen shoppers there will be many traditional countryside stalls located around the racecourse as Ascot plays host to some of the best suppliers of British made produce.