Dubai Racing Club set for exciting new season

The 21-week extravaganza will attract the best jockeys, trainers and horses in the world

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Photos: KT File

By Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Thu 3 Nov 2022, 3:27 PM

Last updated: Thu 3 Nov 2022, 3:31 PM

The eyes of the racing world will turn to Meydan Racecourse on Friday when the UAE’s flagship sporting venue hosts its first meeting of 2022/2023. Ever since its epic launch in 2000, the racecourse has set the gold standard for flat racing in the UAE and Middle East region.

This is where some of the world’s best jockeys, owners, and horses, will compete over 21 high-quality race meets in a bid to enhance reputations and earn a share of the lucrative prize money on offer.

Administrated by the Dubai Racing Club (DRC), under the watch of its dynamic General Manager Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the racecourse separates itself from other major jurisdictions around the world in the fact that it stages races for both thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses.

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Another new chapter of UAE racing will be written this year with the addition of several new races, jockeys, and trainers adding to the overall spectacle of racing under Meydan’s brilliant lights.

Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the winner of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in 2018

Looking ahead to the new season Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said:  “We are delighted to announce an enhanced program for the 2022/23 racing season in Meydan. We are also grateful for the support of our local horsemen and women, as well as our loyal racegoers, and look forward to welcoming them back to our iconic Meydan Racecourse for the first of our ‘Racing In Dubai’ meetings on November 4.”

Sheikh Rashid highlighted the progress horse racing has achieved in the UAE since its early days in the nineties.

“Dubai continues to introduce initiatives to boost the sector and revitalise the global community of horse owners, trainers, and other equestrian professionals. With its deeply-rooted traditions in horse riding, racing, breeding, endurance, showing, and show jumping, Dubai continues to be the focal point for the global equestrian fraternity,” said Sheikh Rashid.

With race meetings being held during the winter months in Dubai, and with perhaps only Australia in the Southern Hemisphere staging races of significance, Meydan finds itself in a very privileged position and is attractive to connections who seek year-round involvement in the sport.

One of the highlights of the racing season in Dubai is the 20th edition of the Dubai World Cup Carnival which gets underway on Friday, January 6.

Fashionable attendees at the 2012 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai

An enhanced Carnival program, with prize money totaling more than $7.5million, will be culminating in ‘Super Saturday’ – the official dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup – on March 4.

Established in 2004, the 2023 Carnival will feature several new races, including the $150,000 Thunder Snow Challenge, a 2000-metre contest named after the Godolphin superstar who is the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice.

Another addition is the $150,000 Ipi Tombe Stakes, for fillies and mares on turf over 1400 metres, which honours the Zimbabwe-bred mare who won the $6m Dubai Turf (formerly Dubai Duty-Free Stakes) in 2003.

The 2023 Dubai World Cup Carnival will also offer attractive opportunities for horses competing in the handicap ranks to climb up the ladder and into the pattern races.

A total of 20 handicap races divided between dirt and turf and which are worth $75,000 each will complement the pattern race schedule.

Meanwhile, the popular Jumeirah Turf Series for three-year-olds returns for a second season. Last year’s Jumeirah Derby winner, Nations Pride, went on to run in the G1 Derby at Epsom.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RACING AT MEYDAN

How do I get to Meydan?

Meydan Racecourse is located on Meydan Road in Nad Al Sheba next to Mohammed bin Rashid City. It can be accessed by the public and private transport. Adequate parking slots are available.

Is the entrance free / can I get a season pass?

Entry to Meydan is open to the public. Guests can enter from Gate B and C in the Meydan Grandstand.

The seasonal pass will give you access to The Premium seating area for all 21 races of the season. For season tickets contact the Ticket Sales Office @ 04 – 327 2110 or via email on ticketoffice@dubairacingclub.com

Photo: Dubai Racing Club

Where can I watch the races from?

Fans can watch the action from a variety of places at Meydan Grandstand and enjoy a close-up view of the horses in the Parade Ring before and after the race, from the spacious apron area between the track and the Grandstand.

How many races are held at each meeting?

There are an average 6-7 races on regular nights with 35-40 minute intervals between races. In between races horses are paraded for public viewing before they head to the start.

A visitor at the 2019 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse

What should I wear for the races?

Casual attire is suggested for the general fans entering from Gate B. Smart or decent casual attire will get you into The Premium areas accessed from Gate A. Guests wearing shorts or flip-flops will not be permitted in any Hospitality Area.

Are there any competitions?

Guests can participate in the Pick 6 prediction competition, each race night and gain entry to the Lucky Draw raffle, for a chance to win a car. Free Pick 6 forms will be distributed, one to each visitor, at the gates.

Are children allowed to come to the races?

Children of all ages are welcome at Meydan, however tiny tots must be accompanied by an adult. There are no special prices for children’s tickets.

sports@khaleejtimes.com

Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Thu 3 Nov 2022, 3:27 PM

Last updated: Thu 3 Nov 2022, 3:31 PM

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