The escalating diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its neighbours is a subject of concern to many in British horse racing, as a result of that country’s enormous investment in the sport in recent years. From a position of almost no involvement less than a decade ago, Qatar rivals Dubai for significance in Flat racing, thanks in large part to the interest shown by two members of the ruling al-Thani family, Sheikh Fahad and Sheikh Joaan.
But Qatar’s situation appears perilous, following the news on Monday that nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain had severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of destabilising the region and supporting terrorist groups. The countries involved declared they would halt all land, air and sea traffic with Qatar, eject its diplomats and order Qatari citizens to leave within a fortnight.
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