Ex-Curragh boss Paul Hensey joins Al Shaqab team as chief operating officer

Former Curragh racecourse boss Paul Hensey has been appointed as chief operating officer of Al Shaqab Racing.

Hensey has worked for Rifa Mustang Europe as chief executive for the last three years, having run the Curragh racecourse and training grounds for the 15 years prior to that.

His appointment to Al Shaqab Racing, Breeding and Arabian Worldwide, to give the group its full title, comes amid a restructure and could be seen as a sign of intent that Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's organisation aims to re-establish itself within the powerhouse owner-breeder community after a couple of leaner years on the racecourse.

Hensey said: “Al Shaqab Racing is one of the foremost racing and breeding operations in the world and I am delighted to be joining the company at this exciting time in its development.

"I look forward to meeting the extended Al Shaqab team and to working with them to achieve further success for Al Shaqab Racing.”

Al Shaqab general manager Khalifa Al Attiya said: “Paul has a wealth of experience within the industry and we are looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow Al Shaqab’s racing and breeding operation worldwide.”

Al Shaqab is Sheikh Joaan’s private thoroughbred racing, breeding and Arabian operation, which has bases in France, Qatar and Britain.

Haras de Bouquetot stands star stallions such as Toronado, Shalaa and Olympic Glory in France, with Mehmas and Galileo Gold standing at Tally Ho Stud in Ireland.

Mehmas has made an exciting start with his first runners this season, while Galileo Gold gave Al Shaqab Racing its first Classic victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in 2016.

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