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Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Business Event

Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason attends the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

On 3 October to mark the opening of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason hosted a major business event for the Irish-French equestrian sectors at the Irish Embassy in Paris supported by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Enterprise Ireland. 170 people from across the industries gathered for the reception to renew acquaintances and friendships as well as develop and enhance business links. Attendance at the event included His Highness The Aga Khan and his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Bertrand Bélinguier (President of the French Equestrian Body 'France Galop'), as well as many other high profile owners, trainers and breeders. In her speech, Ambassador Byrne Nason highlighted the fact that approximately 40% of the EU output and 11% of world output of thoroughbreds are produced in Ireland. She went on to describe the economic importance of the Industry, reminding the audience that it employs in the region of 14,000 people and has a value of almost €1.1bn per annum.