Latest news with #AlQuozSprint
Al Bawaba
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Developments sponsors 29th Dubai World Cup for 8th consecutive year
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, proudly marks its eighth consecutive year sponsoring the Dubai World Cup (DWC), now in its 29th edition. The $1.5 million, 1,200-meter G1 Al Quoz Sprint, which is the fourth race on the card, has been sponsored by the developer since 2017. The Al Quoz Sprint, introduced in 2007 and added to the Dubai World Cup card in 2010, has become one of the most thrilling international races, with past champions from Australia, South Africa, Ireland, the USA, UAE, and Hong Kong. In 2024, California Spangle, trained in Hong Kong, claimed victory, further adding to the race's illustrious history. Azizi's continued support of the DWC underscores its role in positioning the emirate as a premier destination for world-class sporting and cultural Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, presented the trophy to the winning connections of Believing—jockey William Buick, trainer George Boughey, and owners Mrs. Magnier, M. Tabor, D. Smith, and Excellency Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member, Dubai Racing Club, welcomed Azizi's ongoing involvement, saying: 'We look forward to welcoming our friends at Azizi back to Meydan Racecourse for our biggest day of the year, and we thank them for their sponsorship of one of our most prestigious races. The Al Quoz Sprint has an international role of honor and it is always one of the most popular contests on the Dubai World Cup card.'He added: 'Azizi has been a highly valued partner with Dubai Racing Club for several seasons, also sponsoring two meetings during the Dubai Racing Carnival. We wish their team and guests an enjoyable and memorable day of racing.' Mr. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of the Azizi group of companies, said: 'Our eight-year pillar partnership with the Dubai World Cup reflects our shared values of excellence, global unity, and meaningful experiences. This iconic event brings together the world's top equestrians, celebrating the UAE's rich cultural heritage and its deep connection to horse racing. It is a true display of passion and performance, aligning perfectly with our vision as a real estate developer in this marvelous emirate.' He added: 'As a company focused on creating landmark developments, supporting the Dubai World Cup feels like a natural fit. Just as the race brings together people from around the world, we strive to create spaces that inspire connection and enrich lives. The World Cup highlights Dubai's global prestige, and we're proud to contribute to its success, reaffirming our commitment to shaping both the city's future and unforgettable experiences.'Established in 1996 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup symbolizes Dubai's stature as a central hub for global sporting events. Being among the premier events on the global sporting calendar, the Dubai World Cup underscores the city's unwavering dedication to setting standards of excellence and pioneering innovation. Azizi's endorsement mirrors Dubai's renowned status as a premier destination for top-tier entertainment, thus reinforcing its standing on the global platform. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Cup: Believing wins $1 million Al Quoz Sprint
William Buick made the most of a late opportunity aboard the Irish-trained mare Believing to snatch victory in a heart-stopping renewal of the Group 1 $1 million Al Quoz Sprint over five furlongs at Meydan on Saturday. With regular jockey Ryan Moore committed to rides in Australia, Buick—Godolphin's retained rider—stepped in to partner the five-year-old mare trained by George Boughey. And he made the chance count, producing a masterclass in race-riding to secure a famous win in the colours of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Resolute Racing. Believing, a mare with plenty of potential, had to dig deep to overhaul long-time leader Win Carnelian from Japan, who looked to have the race at his mercy entering the final furlong. But Buick, riding with confidence and precision, drove his mount forward in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length. Callum Rodriguez and Regional finished strongly to take third, just a short head behind the runner-up. The victory was a landmark one for Buick, who became the first jockey to win the Al Quoz Sprint twice since its inception in 2007. He previously captured the prestigious sprint aboard Blue Point for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, highlighting his knack for delivering big performances on World Cup night. For Boughey, the win marks a significant breakthrough on the international stage, with Believing demonstrating not only her raw speed but her tenacity against a top-class field. 'By God she's tough She's a testament to all the hard work that everybody puts back home,' said Boughey. 'It's hugely special unbelievable. She's such an easy horse to deal with.'
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Speed vs. stamina: Which will dominate at Dubai World Cup 2025?
In horse racing, equine athletes are typically bred and trained to excel in either explosive speed or enduring stamina. However, advancements in modern breeding techniques have enabled development of horses that possess both qualities — a remarkable turn of foot in the final stages coupled with the cardiovascular endurance to sustain longer distances. By carefully selecting and cross-breeding sprinters and stayers, breeders have strived to balance fast-twitch muscle fibres, which contribute to speed, and slow-twitch muscle fibres, which support endurance. This strategic approach can make the difference between victory and defeat, as the demands of a 1,000-metre sprint, such as the Al Quoz Sprint (G1), differ vastly from those of a 3,200-metre contest, like the Dubai Gold Cup (G1). Winning these prestigious races requires a horse with exceptional breeding and training. Royal Ascot's Gold Cup (G1), run over a gruelling 4,014 metres (2 miles, 4 furlongs), is arguably one of the most challenging tests for both horse and jockey. The great Stradivarius exemplified this, having secured victories in the race three times between 2018 and 2020, showcasing extraordinary stamina and a decisive finishing kick. Closer to home, French-trained Vazirabad made history by winning the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) three times from 2016 to 2018, solidifying his status as the long-distance king at Meydan. Conversely, the Golden Shaheen (G1), a 1,200-metre sprint, has been dominated by horses bred for speed and the ability to handle dirt surfaces. Mastering speed and acceleration UAE champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri has mastered the art of preparing such speedsters, notably winning the race in 2016 with Muarrab, a horse bred to produce short bursts of acceleration. Al Mheiri remarked: 'He had raw power, just like his sire Oasis Dream, one of the best sprinters and winner of the prestigious July Cup (G1) at Royal Ascot.' 'Speed and stamina are developed differently from the start of a horse's career. Sprinters are conditioned through intense workouts, while stayers are put through strength drills and muscle conditioning.' The dichotomy between speed and stamina is all about physiology. Renowned French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré put it into context when he described Vazirabad as a horse with an 'extraordinary turn of foot and impressive finishing ability' — a blend of tactical speed and stamina. Vazirabad's unique mix of endurance and finishing speed set him apart from typical stayers, usually bred solely for stamina. His long stride allowed him to conserve energy over extended distances, ensuring strength in the crucial, final stages of a race. In truly-run races, his ability to quicken in the closing stages often gave him an edge over his rivals. Acceleration vs. sustained effort Similarly, in human athletics, some sprinters thrive on early acceleration and finishing power, akin to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. In contrast, stayers like Mo Farah are trained to produce a sustained effort, conserving energy throughout the race. This mirrors horse racing, where sprinters, such as those competing in the Golden Shaheen (G1), explode out of the gate with raw speed. At the same time, stayers, like those contesting the Dubai Gold Cup (G1), must sustain a rhythm over a gruelling trip before unleashing their finishing kick. Just as Bolt thrives on his powerful start and surge to the line, elite sprinters in horse racing are bred and trained for an electrifying burst of speed. Conversely, long-distance horses rely on endurance, tactical positioning, and a well-timed finishing effort to outlast their rivals just as Britain's greatest-ever distance runner did. Celebrated Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, known for preparing top-class middle-distance and staying horses, acknowledges the marked difference between sprinters and stayers, although he admits that, in rare cases, a horse can possess both qualities. He explains: 'Sprinters undergo training for short bursts of speed and power, while we focus on building strength and cardio for middle and long-distance horses, with muscle conditioning as a priority.' He emphasises the importance of balance, noting that jockeys must know when to push for speed and when to conserve energy for the final stretch, regardless of the race distance. Ultimately, success in racing isn't just about raw speed or sheer endurance — it's about striking the perfect balance between the two. Skilled trainers like Bin Suroor, Al Mheiri and de Royer-Dupré, who fine-tune this equilibrium can give their horse the winning edge, ensuring it has the strength and the speed to overcome their rivals when it matters most.
Al Bawaba
03-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Developments activates post-position draw for 2025 Dubai World Cup
As part of its established partnership with the Dubai Racing Club, Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, is sponsoring the G1 Al Quoz Sprint race at the Dubai World Cup on April 5th 2025. As a pillar sponsor of the event, Azizi activated the randomized draw at IMAX Gallery, Meydan Grandstand, to determine the stall number starting positions for each competing horse. The G1 Al Quoz Sprint is the 1200-meter turf race with a $ 1.5 million purse and the fourth race of the 2025 Dubai World Cup. In his comments, Mr. Ahmad Masoud, Deputy CEO of Azizi Developments, who pushed the draw button, said: 'It's a privilege to once again be part of this important moment in the Dubai World Cup. The post-position draw plays a critical role in shaping race dynamics, especially on a straight course, where even slight changes in conditions can influence outcomes. Our continued partnership with the Dubai Racing Club reflects our vision to support platforms that unite global communities and reinforce Dubai's position as a hub of excellence. Backing such iconic events is part of our long-standing contributions to the UAE's cultural and sporting landscape.'The Al Quoz Sprint was first run in 2007 as part of what was known as the Dubai International Racing Carnival before becoming part of the Dubai World Cup in 2010, to coincide with the opening of the Meydan Racecourse. Azizi Developments' Sales Gallery can be visited on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
South China Morning Post
03-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Connections hoping Howdeepisyourlove can channel globetrotter Cape Of Good Hope
Howdeepisyourlove is put through his paces at Meydan on Thursday morning. Photos: Kenneth Chan Honest speedster will chase his maiden Group One success in Saturday's Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) in Dubai Connections of Howdeepisyourlove hope their honest sprinter can channel Group One-winning globetrotter Cape Of Good Hope when he tackles Saturday's Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) in Dubai. Tired of living in the shadow of the great Silent Witness at home in Hong Kong, the David Oughton-trained Cape Of Good Hope hit the road – racing a remarkable 12 times overseas and bagging wins in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1,200m) in the United Kingdom and the Group One William Reid Stakes (1,200m) at Moonee Valley in 2005. A Group Three winner in Hong Kong, the John Size-trained Howdeepisyourlove has produced consecutive Group One third placings behind superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising and the classy Helios Express. 'Anyone who has been in Hong Kong for as long as I have remembers the Cape Of Good Hope story, where he got sick of chasing Silent Witness so they said 'let's go overseas' and they took him around the planet and started winning races,' said bloodstock agent David Price, who sourced both Silent Witness and Howdeepisyourlove. 'I'm not quite sure it'll be the same as that, but I know how much John likes this meeting and this just looked such a good target for him. 'You sit there and go 'do we want to keep chasing [Ka Ying Rising] or do we want a little bit of glory ourselves?'.' In chasing his first Group One success, Howdeepisyourlove will also be hunting a first overseas victory for trainer Size and a breakthrough Al Quoz Sprint win for Price's Price Bloodstock operation. It'll be the third year in a row Size and Price have had a presence in the Al Quoz Sprint, with Sight Success running fourth in 2023 and fifth behind fellow Hong Kong galloper California Spangle last year. 'We've had a couple of goes at it – it just fits. It's such good timing,' said Price, who also had the David Hall-trained Bundle Of Joy run fifth in the race in 2015. 'I feel like Howdeepisyourlove looks like a slightly upgraded model [compared to Sight Success] and it's hard not to be excited by what we're seeing on paper. 'I would say this is as good as one of ours has looked going into an overseas race out of most of the recent ones,' added Price, who tasted Group One glory abroad thanks to Silent Witness' victory in the 2005 Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) in Japan. A $3.20 favourite in fixed-odds markets, Howdeepisyourlove's closest market rival is British galloper Believing, who he beat home by seven lengths when running fifth in last April's Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize (1,200m). 'I'm really looking forward to his race,' said Howdeepisyourlove's jockey James McDonald. 'He's a really good horse who's really consistent, so I think that's a really good thing when travelling. 'He's competed against the best sprinter in the world at the moment in Ka Ying Rising. Obviously a fair way back behind him, but he's always second or third duelling it out with Helios Express. 'I think that formline is as good as any sprinting formline around. You could safely say if Ka Ying Rising was in this field he'd be a very short-priced favourite and probably winning by four or five lengths, so we're in the ballpark and I think he's a terrific hope.' Hong Kong has a strong record in the Al Quoz Sprint, winning it three times from 17 runners, and Price knows a fourth success would mean a lot to all involved, including Colin Lo Chor-cheong – who raced Bundle Of Joy and is part of the Lo Profile Syndicate that owns Howdeepisyourlove. 'I'm always happy when they win for other people, so it's a little bit unique,' he said. 'There's a couple of syndicate members who have been good friends for a long time and they can't believe we're on this ride. I'm very excited to be a part of it, that's for sure.'
