Goodwood's ties with Qatar unaffected despite political unrest, states track

Goodwood on Monday made a firm and public commitment to its relationship with Qatar, with the course's general manager Alex Eade stating its partnership had not been affected by recent developments in the Middle East.

While a number of countries led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE have broken off diplomatic ties with Qatar, the development has yet to impact the racing world with Prince Khalid Abdullah and Godolphin both expected to be well represented at Goodwood's Qatar-backed festival next month.

And Eade sees no reason why the political dispute should affect Goodwood's ties with its Qatari sponsors.

"We're continuing to work with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club in the same way we were last year, and the year before. Our partnership is the same and will continue to be so," Eade said at a media event to launch this year's Glorious Goodwood.

"They're a fantastic sponsor to work with, I think everyone is aware of what we've been able to do with Glorious Goodwood since they came on board.

"As for the wider political situation, I'll leave that to Rex Tillerson [US Secretary of State] and Boris Johnson, as they'll do a better job than I will and I don't have anything more to say than you can read in the newspapers."