THE WORLD RACES IN DUBAI

25th March will see the world’s finest horses, jockeys and trainers descend on Dubai for the annual Dubai World Cup.

Since its inception in 1996, the stellar event has welcomed legendary horses and jockeys. Image courtesy Time Out Dubai.

The Dubai World Cup is all set to enthrall once again. Come Saturday, 25th March, the landmark event on the global racing calendar will welcome the world’s most renowned horses, jockeys and trainers to the 80,000-capacity Meydan Racecourse for a nine-race sporting spectacle. Taking place during Ramadan for the first time ever, it will culminate in the coveted Dubai World Cup race (at 8:35PM local time), worth a whopping US$12 million (approximately AED 44 million).

Established in 1996, the festival has come to define Dubai’s sporting calendar, with a total prize money of US$30 million (approximately AED 110 million), and is synonymous with the city’s rise as a worldwide hub for the sport. Dubai’s unparalleled racing infrastructure, combined with its trademark, world-class hospitality, makes it an unmatched host.

Of course, this dazzling celebration is fuelled by the region’s deeply rich heritage and culture of horse riding. Aside from the Dubai World Cup itself, the tradition continues most visibly via the Emirate’s Godolphin stable, the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. The stable’s horses have gone on to win over 5000 races worldwide.

Frankie Dettori image

Frankie Dettori, winner of the 2022 Dubai World Cup Image courtesy The Guardian.

“We are delighted to welcome the equestrian community to the 27th Dubai World Cup meeting,” said Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club. “The atmosphere will be absolutely electric. The quality of the horses, trainers, owners and jockeys who have assembled is better than ever, and we are looking forward to a superb day of racing with our guests from around the world.”

Though the Longines Dubai Sheena Classic, worth US$6 million (approximately AED 22 million), and the DP World-sponsored Dubai Turf, worth US$5 million (approximately AED 18.36 million), are expected to be stellar draws, all eyes will be on the Dubai World Cup race itself.

The 2000m test on dirt, sponsored by Emirates, is set to feature a mouthwatering line-up that includes the Godolphin-owned defending champion Country Grammer, ridden by the iconic Frankie Dettori; the Italian is attempting a record fifth win at the event. Challenging his horse will be the likes of Panthalassa, as well as local hope Algiers.

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