Latest news with #DubaiRacingCarnival
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
29th Dubai World Cup breaks records and paves way for the future of horse racing
The 29th Dubai World Cup marked a new milestone in international horse racing, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 65,000 spectators and offering an impressive $30.5 million in prize money across nine world-class races. Capping off a thrilling season, the event showcased Dubai Racing Club's commitment to delivering an exceptional racing experience on a truly global stage. A spectacular closing ceremony featuring a triple Guinness World Record-breaking drone and fireworks display lit up Meydan Racecourse, reinforcing Dubai's reputation for combining sport, innovation, and entertainment. One of the most anticipated events on the international racing calendar, the Dubai World Cup welcomed a record 170 global broadcasters and nearly 500 accredited media professionals, bringing the excitement from the track to screens globally. From thrilling races to exclusive hospitality, the energy was palpable both on-site and worldwide. The season's success extended beyond the main event. The Dubai Racing Carnival, which runs from November to March, saw a 34 percent rise in attendance, a testament to Dubai's growing appeal in the sport. Highlights included the much-anticipated Fashion Friday on Jan. 24, where Romantic Warrior secured his 10th Group 1 win in Jebel Hatta. International winners from the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Norway further underlined the carnival's global competitiveness. This season showcased strong infrastructure and global reach, largely due to Dubai's strategic location and its advanced equine transport and quarantine facilities. These factors position Dubai as a premier hub for international horse racing. Each year, the Dubai Racing Club's International Department imports and quarantines around 3,000 horses. This process facilitates smooth participation for competitors from around the world and strengthens the city's reputation as a leading destination for racing events. As in previous seasons, innovation was crucial, featuring new technologies such as drone-based coverage and advanced analytics through Total Performance Data. These improvements enhanced the viewing experience and offered valuable insights for fans, trainers, and analysts, all while maintaining the highest safety standards for horses, jockeys, and spectators. One of the most spectacular viral moments was the drone and fireworks display during the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony. This event not only broke three Guinness World Records but also showcased a commitment to innovation. 'These moments captivate our guests and project Dubai's excellence on a global stage, showcasing what's possible when cutting-edge technology and visionary event design come together,' said Sophie Ryan, head of corporate communications, marketing and brand at Dubai Racing Club. Beyond the racing, Meydan Racecourse evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle destination. The venue offered luxury suites, exclusive balconies, and high-end culinary experiences from restaurants including The MAINE, Beau, and Cipriani Dolce. Popular events like Ladies' Nights and the Style Stakes fashion competition added flair to the festivities, underscoring Dubai's blend of tradition and modern luxury. As for fashion, it remains a core part of the racing culture in Dubai. This season's Style Stakes, sponsored by Emaar, elevated the glamor with bold self-expression and cultural flair. From the elegance of Fashion Friday to Emirates Super Saturday, racegoers embraced the spirit of individuality. For the first time, Dubai Racing Club also introduced a Millinery Exhibition, celebrating the artistry of hat-making and offering a new opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to shop one of the most essential elements of the horse racing outfit. What can we anticipate for the upcoming seasons? As preparations begin for the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, Dubai Racing Club is deepening global partnerships with organizations like Churchill Downs and The Jockey Club. With new hospitality collaborations on the horizon, the future promises an even more immersive and world-class experience for racing fans. 'The 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026 will deliver the most memorable celebration, setting a new benchmark for the sport,' added Ryan. As the curtain falls on an unforgettable season, one thing is clear — Dubai Racing Club is not just hosting the future of horse racing; it is defining it.
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
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Cup 2025: What does it take to breed winners
Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has grown into one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, drawing the sport's finest talent with its rich prize purse and global stature. Its influence stretches far beyond the races themselves. It significantly impacts the global bloodstock industry, shapes breeding trends, and elevates the stature of elite thoroughbreds. The event has solidified its reputation as a key benchmark in determining the future of the sport. Horse racing is built on speed, stamina, and pedigree, and the Dubai World Cup meeting exemplifies this like no other. A victory here can significantly enhance a horse's value as a stallion or broodmare. Year after year, the event draws the world's finest equine athletes to Meydan, along with discerning breeders and investors eager to spot the next generation of champions. The Dubai Racing Carnival, the lead-up to the main event, serves as a crucial testing ground for international runners aiming to qualify for the big race and prove themselves on an elite stage. Many of the horses that shine at Meydan later achieve significant success both on the track and in the breeding barns, underscoring the event's influence on the broader thoroughbred ecosystem. Legendary winners-turned-elite-sires One of the most remarkable stories is that of Dubai Millennium, the 2000 Dubai World Cup winner. His performance remains one of the most dominant in the race's history, and his legacy has lived on through his offspring, Dubawi. Though Dubai Millennium's life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to equine grass sickness in 2001, his impact on the bloodstock world has been immense, thanks to Dubawi who has become one of the most sought-after sires in the world. In 2021, he made history as the first British-based stallion to sire 200 stakes winners, with his offspring dominating major races globally. With over 430 flat stakes performers to his name, Dubawi has sired 191 Group winners and 104 additional Stakes winners, producing champions like Rebel's Romance, Modern Games, Benbatl, and Ghaiyyath, among many others. Saeed bin Suroor, whose expert training played a pivotal role in shaping Dubawi's legacy, commented on the influence of Dubai racing: 'A horse that proves itself in Dubai earns global respect. We've seen countless Dubai World Cup winners go on to sire elite racehorses. The climate, the track, and the competition here prepare them for top-class racing, making them highly sought after when they retire to stud. It's a cycle of excellence that strengthens the entire industry.' Another legendary horse is Street Cry, the 2002 Dubai World Cup champion. If his racing career was impressive, his influence as a sire was even more remarkable. Street Cry sired Zenyatta, one of North America's most beloved and dominant racehorses, and Street Sense, the first horse to win both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Kentucky Derby. His bloodlines continue to shape the sport even today. More recent Dubai World Cup winners have also left their mark on the breeding world. Curlin, the 2008 winner, became an elite sire, producing Kentucky Derby contenders like Exaggerator and Good Magic. Similarly, Thunder Snow, the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice (2018 and 2019), is now standing at Darley Japan Stallion Complex Hokkaido, in Japan. Known for his resilience, Thunder Snow won Group 1 races every year from two to five, on both dirt and turf, cementing his place as one of the sport's most durable and accomplished horses. Dubai's impact on bloodstock industry The success of the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup has made the UAE a key player in the global bloodstock market. With Godolphin leading the charge, Dubai has become synonymous with top-tier breeding and ownership. International bloodstock agents and buyers flock to the UAE, seeking to acquire yearlings and stallion prospects linked to Dubai racing where the Carnival has elevated Meydan's prestige and encouraged a cross-continental exchange of talent that further strengthens the global racing industry. Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, the pioneering first CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, underscores Dubai's pivotal role in shaping the global bloodstock industry. 'A win in Dubai signals that a horse has the speed, class, and durability to succeed anywhere. It's no surprise that so many of our champions go on to become elite sires,' said Al Jaflehi. In essence, Dubai and the Dubai World Cup continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of horse racing. By attracting some of the world's top thoroughbreds year after year, the emirate has established itself as a benchmark for elite competition while helping to preserve and strengthen the sport's most coveted bloodlines. Every champion crowned at Meydan leaves a lasting mark — not just in the record books, but in the generations of racehorses that follow.
Arab News
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Jamie Osborne targeting a 2nd UAE Derby triumph with Heart Of Honor on Dubai World Cup night
LONDON: British trainer Jamie Osborne is eying another victory in the Group 2 UAE Derby as he prepares Heart Of Honor for the prestigious $1,000,000 race on Dubai World Cup night on Saturday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Lambourn-based handler, who memorably won the contest with Toast Of New York in 2014, is hoping his latest contender can emulate that success. Osborne's charge has been a regular feature at Meydan throughout the Dubai Racing Carnival, notching two victories before narrowly missing out in his last two outings. The David Redvers-bred colt, from Tweenhills in Gloucestershire, will head into the race with a tactical change — he will wear blinkers for the first time in a bid to sharpen his performance. Adding to the family affair, Heart Of Honor will be partnered by Osborne's daughter, Saffie Osborne, in the high-profile event. Speaking to Great British Racing International, Osborne detailed his hopes for Heart Of Honor's performance. 'Heart Of Honor won his first two races in Dubai and was not disgraced in defeat in his last two races. I think there were factors involved in his last defeat and I don't think he was at his best. We learned a lot about him,' he said. 'I think he just needs to be sharper through the gate and sharper through the first half of his races, and the application of blinkers is to help him with that. We have got him in a better place now than we got him before the Al-Bastakiya. We are hopeful that he will run his best race next Saturday. 'It's great for the owners, who have trusted me to do this. The plan when we bought him was always to bring him to Dubai for a Middle Eastern winter campaign with the hope that he would make it to the derby. Thankfully this plan has worked out so far, but we have got one more mission to accomplish,' Osborne added. Osborne remains the only British trainer to have won the UAE Derby, and he reflected on Toast Of New York's success a decade ago. '(That) win is something that I look back on with pride, and getting the opportunity to do it again this year with Heart Of Honor is special. It's even more special to get to do it with Saffie on board,' he said. 'When Toast Of New York won it, she was 11 years old and was screaming at the television at home. When we arrived home from Dubai, she had made all the banners for his stable and was very excited, so it's thrilling to get the chance to do it again with her,' he added. Osborne has been a regular competitor in Dubai in recent years, sending a steady stream of runners to the Middle East and picking up notable victories with horses such as Cliffs Of Capri and Ouzo. He also landed the Dukhan Sprint in Qatar in 2023 with Emaraaty Ana, placed fourth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup in 2022 with Alignak and finished runner-up on Saudi Cup night in 2020 with Mekong. Osborne said he was enthusiastic about competing in the region. 'Personally, I enjoy coming to race in Dubai and the Middle East during the British off-season, and my clients enjoy racing their horses here, too,' he said. 'We've had a good year this year in Dubai, and my horses have won plenty of prize money finishing placed in big races. We look forward to coming back again next year as it works well before our racing starts here in the UK.'
Arab News
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Horse racing is in UAE's DNA, says Dubai Racing Club CEO
DUBAI: With less than three weeks left before the Dubai World Cup, Ali Al-Ali can look back with more than a measure of satisfaction on another successful racing season calendar at Meydan. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport On Saturday, April 5, the racing world's attention will again turn to the emirate as the globe's best horses, jockeys and trainers take part in the 29th edition of the thoroughbred race. However, for the CEO of Dubai Racing Club, as well as many racing enthusiasts, the Dubai Racing Carnival has been up and running since November and concluded its last pre-World Cup event on Friday. 'The Carnival was restructured last year, season 2023-2024, and this is the second iteration of it,' said Al-Ali. 'We have had a lot of feedback from both the racing side and the guest side, great feedback coming from both of those, talking about how the Carnival has created a whole new experience for the people that are coming to the course and enjoying a time out on a Friday night, as well as creating a very competitive atmosphere for international horses coming from all over the world.' One of the highlights of the calendar took place on Saturday, March 1, and for some of the participants provided a path to the main card of the Dubai World Cup. 'Emirates Super Saturday has always been a great night,' said Al-Ali. 'It's a mini rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup. It was the first time that Emirates Super Saturday falls under Ramadan, and I think we created a beautiful mix of Ramadan vibes, culture, horse racing, hospitality and entertainment on that night.' The Dubai Racing Club was established in 1992, and the Dubai World Cup had its first run four years later. From its origins at Nad Al-Sheba Racecourse to its current home of Meydan, it has become one of the world's most famous racing events, featuring a total prize of $30.5 million for nine races, of which $12 million is set aside for the showpiece race. 'Well, horse racing has always been in the DNA of Dubai and the UAE as well,' said Al-Ali. 'The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum was to bring the horses back to their original home. 'From there began the mission of His Highness to create a hub and to create a racing environment that suits everyone coming into the region,' he added. 'And (he also wanted) to prove that these horses entering here in Dubai do always have a better chance of winning outside as well. Going back to how it has evolved, I believe with His Highness' directions and continuous support, we are at a pinnacle at the moment and we're only pushing forward.' Having the right facilities and talent is what helped Dubai become a regional and global racing hub, according to Al-Ali. 'I see Dubai as a great hub due to the infrastructure, and most importantly, the know-how of flying in international horses and providing them with the right atmosphere, the right facilities, the right supplies, the right support to race in a very safe and enjoyable racecourse.' The 2025 Dubai World Cup will take place only days after Eid Al-Fitr, but Al-Ali says that preparations have been going on for some time now. 'We've been preparing since almost a year now. That's how we do it and that's always what we try to achieve. We always try to achieve absolute excellence when it comes to the Dubai World Cup,' he said. The CEO says that technology is increasingly playing a major part in maintaining that excellence. 'From a technological perspective, we see that the Dubai Racing Club is going to be one of the pioneering jurisdictions in implementing both artificial intelligence within our operations, as well as enhancing the technology that is helping and aiding horse racing around the region.' Al-Ali is now looking forward to the start of this year's festivities on April 1. 'The Dubai World Cup Week is full of activities and entertainment, and we've got the Post-Position Draw, the Post-Position Gala, the Dubai World Cup Gala, and the breakfast of the stars as well, which is now called the Morning Gallop.' Horses and trainers are already making the move to Dubai ahead of the big week. 'We have received some of the horses that are going to be running on the Dubai World Cup night and we're expecting more of them to come throughout these weeks,' Al-Ali said.
