On the last Saturday of March all roads in UAE leads to Meydan. It is the annual Dubai World Cup horse race at the iconic Meydan race course. This social event attracting over 50,000 spectators each year is organised by Emirates Horse Racing Authority. The first Dubai world cup was inaugurated by ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1996.
The World Cup Race
The World cup race is conducted on all weather purpose (tapeta) surface over a distance of 2000 meters at Meydan race course. Till 2009, the race was hosted at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on dirt. This is a Group 1 flat race of thorough bred horses were participation is strictly by invitation. With an overall prize money of 10 million US dollars, DWC has attracted the best teams across the world. With 6 million dollar for the winner sponsored by Emirates Airlines , it becomes the world's richest horse race and the 9th richest sporting event .
Other Races
Dubai World cup Night also witness 7 other races. With impressive race cards , these races are conducted at a very competitive environment. These races are run either on Turf or Tapeta surface with an overall price money of 16.25 million US Dollars. These races include four group1 races and three group2 races. They are Dubai Kahayla Classic (for pure bred Arabians), Dubai Golden Shaheen , Dubai Duty Free Stakes , Dubai Sheema Classic , Al Quoz Sprint , Godolphin Mile and UAE Derby.
Star studded race
The race attracts best horses and jockeys from all part of the world including US, Europe, South East Asia , South Africa and Australia besides UAE. World famous jockey like Gary Stevens , Lanfranco Dettori have made their records in DWC by their best strike rate and most wins. Jerry D. Bailey , Richard Hills etc are some of the other well known jockeys to compete in DWC.
The trainer Saeed Bin Suroor has been the most successful trainer in DWC . Bob Baffert, Yancey Carter Jr have been awarded best trainers with highest strike rate. Internationally competed and talented horses like Cigar from US, Moon Ballad from Ireland, Curlin from US, Irish bred Singspiel, Silver Charm from US have won races in this word cup also.
Results
Kindly click here to view the list of Dubai World Cup winners. For detailed race statistics of Dubai world cup festival, please download the media guide.
Style Stakes Competition
Other attraction of this world cup is style stake competition to reward the Best dressed Lady, Best dressed Couple, Best Hat and Best dressed Man among the racegoers above 21 years. To participate in this cut throat competition, please ensure to be in your best attire.
Infrastructure
Meydan race course built on 67 million sq ft, has a grand stand with over 60,000 seating capacity. The grand stand is 1.6 km long which integrates the worlds best horse racing facilities . The Grand Stand includes The Meydan, world's first 5-star hotel attached to race course. More than 95% of the rooms, provides unobstructed view of the race course. Imax theatre , The Apron (Space for Out door space functions), Meydan Marina( reception area for the racegoers sailing from Dubai creek ), horse racing museum, the restaurants like Sky bubble , Parade ring , Tiered restaurants etc are other attractions.
Rates
General Admission: is free of charge with limited number of seats for the viewers. Admission starts from 2 pm .The food and beverages can be ordered from the nearby outlets . Premium Seating: Providing stunning view of race, this outdoor area is situated opposite to the finishing line. The Price ranges from 1200 to 1400 AED per person depending on the level . Limited amount of refreshments are included in the package. Food can also be taken inside the air conditioned indoor area behind your seat. Dining packages: Special catering services are also offered by different restaurants in grandstand while you can enjoy the exhilarating horse race. The prize ranges from 1500 to 3000 AED per person. Elegant Rooms and Suites: If you are interested to follow the race privately with your business partner, family or friends, the racecourse provides hospitality suites, which extends across 3rd to 7th floor . Expansive suites for larger meeting and smaller suites for private gathering either have a balcony or a private terrace for the breathtaking view of stunning horse race action. For more details, please mail to hospitality@dubairacingclub.com or ring : +971 4 327 0077.
Ticket Sales
The ticket sales for DWC starts from November. The office is situated between the gates B and C of the Grand Stand. Timings: From Sunday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm. Weekends opened in case of race events. For online booking , please click here.
How to Reach
- If you are coming from Dubai, please take the 2nd interchange from the Sheikh Zayed Road, and turn left onto Al Meydan Road and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse
- If you are coming from Abu Dhabi, please take the 2nd interchange from the Sheikh Zayed Road and turn right onto Al Meydan Road, and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse .
So make sure to mark your calendar for the next Dubai World Cup and be part in the world's richest horse racing event .
PS: DWC is a pure horse racing event. Betting associated with the racing is prohibited by UAE government.
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