Latest news with #GuinnessWorldRecord-breaking
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.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bards become storytelling world record holders
Two bards have officially become world record holders after taking part in a marathon international storytelling event. Maxwell and Lisa Goodwin, both 54 from Glastonbury, were two of more than 100 storytellers to perform over the 80-hour effort in Marrakech at the end of January. As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, the pair - both of whom bring their talents to Glastonbury Festival each year - also travelled to schools around Morocco telling stories. "When you listen to a great story, whether it's ancient or brand new, it is a break from the norm," said Mr Goodwin. "You are transported for that moment into another world entirely which is the power of stories," he added. Mr Goodwin told BBC Radio Somerset he had come to storytelling through his love of the game Dungeons and Dragons, which involved creating your own interactive storyline. "You can take any mythology or any old story or new story or science fiction story and lay a very complicated or very simple story around it for other people to interact with," he said. Ms Goodwin, a keen poet, came to the practise through a different route. In 2013 she entered a competition in Glastonbury to become a 'chaired bard' of the town and - to her "surprise" - won. Both storytellers told the BBC how Marrakech and its surrounds as a rich source of inspiration, with Mr Goodwin describing the city as "full of magic". "You trip over history here," he said. "Marrakesh is exactly the same." The city plays host to a biannual international storytelling festival, which this year welcomed more than 100 performers from 33 countries. The Guinness World Record-breaking event featured stories in two languages native to the country, as well as a range of languages around the world which, in line with the strict rules of the attempt, could not be translated in real time. "You can listen to a story in another language and take a lot from it," said Mr Goodwin. "Storytellers are obviously quite expressive people as well, there's a lot of movement and theatrics going on alongside the actual words which is always fun." This was not the case in the storytelling sessions in schools around the Marrakech area, with translators allowing Mr and Ms Goodwin telling their stories directly to local children. "Story manages to affect the larger social structure," Ms Goodwin said. "You've got this huge diversity of people coming from around the world, but not only did we create this magnificent achievement between us of creating a world record, but we went into 200 schools and stories were told to 5,000 children. "That's where I found my inspiration." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Call to boycott self-checkouts to protect jobs Man 'humbled' by community help after house fire Marrakech International Storytelling Festival
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Glastonbury bards become storytelling Guinness World Record holders
Two bards have officially become world record holders after taking part in a marathon international storytelling event. Maxwell and Lisa Goodwin, both 54 from Glastonbury, were two of more than 100 storytellers to perform over the 80-hour effort in Marrakech at the end of January. As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, the pair - both of whom bring their talents to Glastonbury Festival each year - also travelled to schools around Morocco telling stories. "When you listen to a great story, whether it's ancient or brand new, it is a break from the norm," said Mr Goodwin. "You are transported for that moment into another world entirely which is the power of stories," he added. Mr Goodwin told BBC Radio Somerset he had come to storytelling through his love of the game Dungeons and Dragons, which involved creating your own interactive storyline. "You can take any mythology or any old story or new story or science fiction story and lay a very complicated or very simple story around it for other people to interact with," he said. Ms Goodwin, a keen poet, came to the practise through a different route. In 2013 she entered a competition in Glastonbury to become a 'chaired bard' of the town and - to her "surprise" - won. Both storytellers told the BBC how Marrakech and its surrounds as a rich source of inspiration, with Mr Goodwin describing the city as "full of magic"."You trip over history here," he said. "Marrakesh is exactly the same." 'Always fun' The city plays host to a biannual international storytelling festival, which this year welcomed more than 100 performers from 33 countries. The Guinness World Record-breaking event featured stories in two languages native to the country, as well as a range of languages around the world which, in line with the strict rules of the attempt, could not be translated in real time. "You can listen to a story in another language and take a lot from it," said Mr Goodwin. "Storytellers are obviously quite expressive people as well, there's a lot of movement and theatrics going on alongside the actual words which is always fun." This was not the case in the storytelling sessions in schools around the Marrakech area, with translators allowing Mr and Ms Goodwin telling their stories directly to local children. "Story manages to affect the larger social structure," Ms Goodwin said. "You've got this huge diversity of people coming from around the world, but not only did we create this magnificent achievement between us of creating a world record, but we went into 200 schools and stories were told to 5,000 children."That's where I found my inspiration."
