Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) is offering an opportunity that a horse-loving connoisseur should nears by.  In 2008, under an invitation by QREC, the world-renowned equestrian showman and movie stuntman Mario Luraschi left Qatar spellbound with his pyrotechnics, leaving the audience wanting more.The six-year wait is finally coming to an end thanks to QREC.

The Frenchman is all set to mesmerise once again as Luraschi and his team will be the star attraction at the opening ceremony of the HH The Emir 23rd International Sword Festival at the outdoor arena at QREC on Thursday, February 20.

The much-awaited show is a prelude to the eight-day festival, which will cap off with the HH The Emir Trophies and Sword Day on February 27. A whopping QR 25 million is on offer as prize money to the winners.

But at first, its the Luraschi show that all eyes will be gazed upon as the master stuntman uses his rich 30 years of experience, which he has derived from producing horses acting in movies and performing stunts, an expertise that has contributed to about 400 films in France, in the United States and in many European countries.

"It will be an acrobatic and elegant display," says Luraschi, who will be showcasing the special training that goes into trick riding which is used during film making.

“This show will give a glimpse to the people about how the horses perform during film making. It will be an acrobatic and elegant display. I want to show the people of Qatar the relationship between a horse and man, the close cooperation between the two,” he explains.

Astonished by the development of the country, Luraschi keen to perform in Qatar. “I was here in 2008 and since then Qatar has developed vastly. To see such wonderful structures is like a dream and I am thrilled to see the growth that has taken place. This great country has unbelievably top class buildings,” said the French, who hails from Ermenonville near Paris.

Luraschi, who has trained French actor Jean Dujardin of Oscar-winning the Artist fame, also showered praise on the facilities on offer at the Racing and Equestarian Club. “It is absolutely fantastic. The condition for the show is perfect here and I am looking ahead to the performance. It is an enchanting place where there is a lot of love for horses. We are looking forward to the show on Thursday and hope to treat the audience to a great display,” Luraschi noted, as he added final touches for the show.

QREC General Manager Sami Jassim AlBoenain was looking ahead to the grand opening ceremony. “This will be one of the best ever opening ceremonies we have had. Luraschi is a well known personality in the Equestrian world. It will be a great to start the Festival with his performance.”

Naturally gifted, Luraschi is surely will be a treat to watch. His wholehearted passion and his swift and smooth handling of horses showcase his love for horses, and it is this love that has gained him the fame, he richly deserves today.

It is a show one should not miss. The show begins at 8pm and entry is free. Be the first to get a vantage point.