It's not oil but horses that put Dubai on the map
The Dubai World Cup is the defining sporting event of the year
The Dubai World Cup is the defining sporting event of the year
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By Eva Prabhakar
Published: Sun 18 Mar 2018, 9:22 AM
Last updated: Sun 18 Mar 2018, 3:32 PM
Who knew that a night spent sleeping at the beach, curled up with his horse, would lead a future ruler to create an empire that brings a fairy tale to life? HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, grew up racing horses with his friends at the Jumeirah Beach. For his very first race, he chose a horse that he tended back to form. The time spent around horses has led him to become an endurance racer to reckon with as well as create what is one of the richest horse races in the world with a prize pool of $30 million (Dh110 million). He won his first race with his filly Hatta at Brighton in 1977. He's been the captain of the national team, won European Championships in 1999, 2001, and 2003, and been instrumental in getting endurance racing to the Olympics. He's also won the 160 km European Endurance Race in Italy in 2012. In the time between his races and the running of a dynamic country, he took racing from a localised affair to a global one - the Dubai World Cup and the Godolphin team draw extremely large crowds annually - making Meydan an international icon.
Let's peek into this iconic journey:
Approximately 300 years ago: Three Arabian stallions - Godolphin Arabian, Darley Arabian, and Byerley Turk - formed the foundation lines.
About 40 years ago: HH Sheikh Mohammed caught the attention of the racing community with his equestrian knowledge and racing wins.
1992: The UAE established the Emirates Racing Authority, and the Godolphin stable, named after one of the stallions from which all modern thoroughbred horses are said to be descended.
1996: The 1st edition of the World Cup was won by the racehorse Cigar.
2000: HH Sheikh Mohammed's favourite horse Dubai Millennium claimed the World Cup.
2007: Meydan City was announced on the grounds of Nad Al Sheba.
Prominent celebrities and royals make their way to Dubai today - the true home of the Arabian thoroughbred horses that are revered the world over. It is only the vision of a leader that has brought a dream alive; as a boy, he rode along with his father on the white stallion Saglawi on the sand dunes of Arabia, and today, his wife and children share his love for horses along with the people who wait for the defining sporting event of the Dubai calendar every year.
Globalisation of a pastime
Horse racing was essentially a local sport - whether it was the UK, USA or the UAE. However, this changed drastically in 1996 with the Dubai World Cup. The best race horses from around the world were flown in to participate in what has become the richest horse race in the world. While this is instrumental in making the sport global, globalisation has affected other parts of this enterprise too. Whereas historically, the Arabian horses spread across the world through war, trade, and breeding activity; today, horses are kept in stables far apart from the owner's city of residence. For instance, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum owns Darley Stud in the UK (for breeding) and the Godolphin stable in the UAE (for racing). His horses even have their own passports with information about their family trees.
The 2018 world cup carnival
Wondering how to be part of all the fun during this racing season? Of course, you can attend the final race day on March 31, 2018 that ends with a celebration concert; but, you can also attend the 'Breakfast with the Stars' sessions. This includes a buffet breakfast, a stable tour, and exclusive access to the Jockeys' Room, the Saddling Paddock, and the Parade Ring at Meydan. You can also watch the horses exercise and swim. Upon entry at the gate on a racing night, you're entered in a complimentary lucky draw called Al Basti, which gives you the chance to win cash prizes. Alternately, you can participate in the 'Pick 6' competition (free entry; predict the race winners for the night) or the 'Triple Tri' competition (free entry; predict the winners for the three final races). Winners are announced on the same night.
Equine therapy: A stable effect
Horses are known to be quite sensitive. While racing is thrilling, spending time with horses otherwise too has shown positive effects on emotions and communication skills of human beings. Keeping this in mind, the UAE offers a variety of opportunities to get acquainted with the equestrian world.
Al Marmoom Initiative, Dubai
Through riding and stable management classes, you can work on concentration, muscle strength, confidence, and posture.
HoofbeatZ, Dubai
Enroll in a Confidence Class or Speak Horse session to build on empathy and empowerment.
Riding for the Disabled, Dubai
The classes are tailored to focus on 'ability, not disability'; so, you can enhance your emotional and physical
capacities at ease.
It's time to ride: Sign up for a class today
If riding a horse is your cup of tea, there is no dearth of learning opportunities in the UAE. Take your pick.
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah:
Lessons are available for beginners and children. There's an option to take a women's class by a female instructor. There's an exam to qualify for registration with the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation.
Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai: With 54 hectares of green fields, both private and group lessons are accommodated. There's also a family package.
Mushrif Equestrian Club, Dubai: Try a single lesson or sign up for a show jumping package. There's a stable management course for Dh900.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi: Both indoor and outdoor options, a full-size polo pitch, and an 800-seat arena allow for training at any skill level.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai: Start with a stable tour package with breakfast, a carriage ride on the weekend or a single private lesson. Sessions are available based on age and skills.
Mushrif Equestrian Club, Dubai: Try a single lesson or sign up for a show jumping package. There's a stable management course for Dh900.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi: Both indoor and outdoor options, a full-size polo pitch, and an 800-seat arena allow for training at any skill level.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai: Start with a stable tour package with breakfast, a carriage ride on the weekend or a single private lesson. Sessions are available based on age and skills.
Facts about horses
All thoroughbred horses share a birthday - January 1st - regardless of their actual birth date. (August 1st in the Southern Hemisphere.)
Thoroughbred horses exist due to human intervention.
The world's first horse was cloned in 2003 in Italy.
Horses can see 360 degrees at any given time.
The Jockey Club registers horse names in the US, and retires names once the horse becomes famous.
A royal fascination
Get to know the thoroughbreds
Thoroughbred is a breed of horses used primarily for racing. These horses are known for their stamina and agility, and can be traced back to three Arabian stallions - Godolphin Arabian, Darley Arabian, and Byerley Turk.
Colt: A male horse who's five years or younger in age.
Filly: A female horse who's five years or younger in age.
Stud: A male horse used for breeding.
Broodmare: A female horse used for breeding.
Gelding: A castrated male horse.
Stallion: A non-castrated male horse.
Sire: The father of a horse.
Dam: The mother of a horse.
Foal: A baby; the term is used until the first birthday.
Maiden: A horse that hasn't won a race yet.
Saddle up with a wise equestrian portfolio
We speak with Meiyappan Masilamani, Lead Auditor, ISO Certification Body in the UAE.
Q. Tell us about your interest in the equestrian world and how you got started with buying horses.
I have had pets ranging from dogs, rabbits, fish, and an owl to a snake and an eagle during my childhood. This has taught me the importance of inculcating a passion for pets in children. It brings a sense of respect for the environment and other living beings. Having said this, I didn't imagine being involved with horses, let alone own any, until I came to Dubai four years ago. I firmly believe in Mahatma Gandhi's words, "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."I've felt the passion and care towards horses among the equestrian community in the UAE. There are a number of horse-riding clubs here, and I found a suitable riding package at Al Ahli Horse Riding Club, where I enrolled as a student at the age of 37. I've completed approximately 200 sessions in two and a half years, and am at Level 4 now. This experience as well as the book Tajaarub by Sheikha Hissa Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum motivated me to delve deeper into the world of race horses.
At the Madras Race Club in India, I was offered the chance to own a horse in partnership with Mr. Irshad Ahmed. So, in 2015, I finally qualified as a race horse owner with Rajsamman. Since then, I've purchased two more horses from the Kunigal Stud Farm - Dubai Vincitor and Dubai Al Khail. When I was invited to attend the Dubai World Cup 2015, I was amazed by the systematic approach towards horse racing. I made up my mind to own a horse here too. Owning a horse is big game for an expat like me; so, I started looking for likeminded people to share the cost. Finally, in 2017, I invested in my first horse in Dubai at the Zabeel Racing Stables. Mr. Satish Sameer (a racehorse trainer), Mr. Rajesh Balakrishnan (who introduced me to the World Cup), and Touch Gold Racing (who helped to facilitate racehorse ownership through a syndication deal) made this dream come true for me.
Q. What's your advice for people who want to buy horses?
When you buy a horse, you'll come across plenty of personnel - trainer, groomer, jockey, veterinary doctor, and club manager - that make up a syndicated organisation around the horse. It requires team work to achieve a single goal per horse. My advice is to start small and not risk any investment that you cannot afford to lose. Do your research - check the stables, trainers, and the costs of maintaining a horse. Minimise your risk by building your portfolio with small shares in multiple horses. This is a dynamic industry to be involved in, and the sport brings many trophies, recognition, and prize money too. The idea is to maintain a sporting outlook and remain positive for the next run. The younger generation should be encouraged to be involved in the equestrian world - it will most definitely improve a sense of individual confidence.
Q. Are you involved with the Dubai World Cup and other races?
It's a matter of great pride when you ride horses and when the horses run for you. It's more important to me that my horses finish a race in good health than expecting a win each time. A few of my racehorses in India have won so far, and my horse in Dubai, Au Coeur, has run three times this season at the Jebel Ali Racecourse. He won first place in December, and we're looking into running him at Meydan before the end of the season. It's possibly every racehorse owner's dream to compete at the World Cup; so, maybe one day soon I'll be involved with a horse that can race against the best horses from across the world at the Dubai World Cup.