The Dubai World Cup was introduced in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed and is the highlight of World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse towards the end of March each year. The night’s action consists of eight thoroughbred races and one purebred Arabian race.
The Dubai World Cup was introduced in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed and is the highlight of World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse towards the end of March each year. The night’s action consists of eight thoroughbred races and one purebred Arabian race.
The Dubai World Cup has carried a massive purse of $10 million since 2010. It was the richest horserace in the world, until January 2017 when the lofty title was claimed by the of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup in America. The Dubai World Cup is a Group 1 race on dirt for three-year-olds and upwards over ten furlongs and regularly attracts a truly International field. In 2019 the Dubai World Cup the race will be held on March 30.
Other rich turf races include the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Arrogate started a strong favourite following his victory in the inaugural Pegasus World Cup in January. Bob Baffert’s grey gave his supporters a scare by completely missing the break at Meydan, losing several lengths in the process.
Jockey Mike Smith did not panic and began to close with half a mile to travel, eventually powering clear to beat fellow American raider Gun Runner by two and a quarter lengths. His victory took him past the $17million mark in career earnings, a new record for any racehorse.
Meydan Racecourse was designed to host the Dubai World Cup and opened in 2010. It was built on the existing Nad Al Sheba site and the entire complex is a staggering 7.5 million m2 in total. The estimated cost of the project was $1.25 billion.
The Grandstand is world’s largest integrated racing facility with seating capacity for more than 60,000 people. The Meydan Hotel has 285 luxurious rooms and suites while the development also features a Marina, an IMAX cinema and a racing museum.
Dubai World Cup night also features a live concert. Previous entertainers include Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Lopez. Australian Artist Sia performed in on the World Cup night 2017 as the artist for 2018 is still not announced.
Tickets sell fast for the richest night of racing in the world so don’t delay – reserve your Meydan tickets today!
Trainer Bob Baffert is seeking his fourth victory in the $10million Dubai World Cup when he saddles favourite West Coast on Saturday.
Bob Baffert trained Arrogate to win the race last year following the success of Silver Charm (1998) and Captain Steve (2001). West Coast finished second to Gun Runner in the Pegasus World Cup in January and looks a worthy favourite. A wide draw in barrier nine is not ideal and jockey Javier Castellano will want to keep him close to the pace.
Forever Unbridled won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and the mare will be retired to the paddocks following Saturday’s race. She has every chance of going out on a winning note and the lack of a recent outing is not a concern. She goes best when fresh and will be ridden by Mike Smith, successful last year on Arrogate
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The French-trained Talismanic was driven out to beat Beach Patrol and Highland Reel in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He was narrowly defeated by Highland Reel in the Hong Kong Vase but looked in good form when scoring at Chantilly earlier this month.
He made the running that day but is equally effective from off the pace. He has never raced on dirt but appeared to act well on the surface in a recent gallop. The best of the remainder looks to be North America, an impressive Group 1 winner at Meydan on his most recent start.
West Coast is the form horse but looks quite short in the betting at around even money. He may be worth opposing from his wide draw with each-way bets on Forever Unbridled and Talismanic
Dubai is the United Arab Emirates’ tourist hot spot with an awe-inspiring city skyline of high-rise buildings and shopping malls.
Dubai is famous for sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at almost 830m tall.
The shopping malls cater for all requirements while other attractions include aquariums and indoor ski slopes.
The ancient city of Dubai can be discovered in the Bastakia district with traditional houses and mosques.
There is the chance of cruise along the Dubai in a traditional dhow and a visit to the Palm Islands, man-made islands were constructed to accommodate the thriving tourism in Dubai.
Dubai Marina is another spectacular location with luxurious waterfront constructions along the Persian Gulf shoreline. The Dubai Fountain is a record breaking, musical fountain show located on the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake.
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The Meydan Hotel provides luxury 5-star accommodation and is designed in the shape of a wave in motion with a luminous green glass façade. The hotel enjoys an elevated position overlooking the Meydan racecourse but is within walking distance of Downtown Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road and provides a shuttle service to and from Dubai Airport.
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The Meydan Hotel is complemented by seven food and beverage outlets covering all ranges from casual to find dining. The Hotel boats a rooftop pool and has facilities for cycling, golf, tennis and other outdoor activities.
The Manzil Downtown provides 4-star accommodation and is just a ten-minute walk from Dubai Mall.
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The golden sands of Jumeirah Beach are 15 km from the Manzil Downtown while Dubai Airport is only a 20-minute drive away.
For those on a smaller budget, Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park provides spacious rooms at affordable prices.
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Book your accommodation for the 2017 Dubai World Cup now to avoid disappointment!
The Dubai World Cup is held at the stunning Meydan Racecourse which boasts an array of conference and banquet facilities.
Provides stunning views of the racetrack against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline, it is the perfect stage on which to entertain and impress your guests. There are extensive outdoor and indoor areas where groups of all sizes can be accommodated in style.
On Level 4 has a unique private area for groups of 300 to 500 guests, perfect for corporate dinners and networking events.
Is situated on Level 1 of the Meydan Grandstand and comprises of two sections. The lower level has an outdoor seating area whilst the upper level has a balcony.
Is beneath Meydan’s crescent roof with 360 degree views of Dubai’s skyline. It consists of three levels, ideal for any corporate event.
Is an ideal location within one mile of cafes, restaurants and fast food places to cater for all tastes.
Serves delicious food from around the world. There is a wide range of breakfasts, appetisers, pizzas and desserts to choose from. Main courses include “The Meydan” Sea Bass with sautéed vegetables, pickled jalapeno and onions with either steamed rice or vegetable fried rice. Alternatively, you may like to try the Wagyu sirloin steak with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables.
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Dubai international airport has flights coming in from nearly every part in the world and is considered one of the best airports. From the airport you have 5 different choices to reach Dubai centre:
Most hotels in Dubai have an organized shuttle service from the airport. Prices vary between the hotels.
The trip duration to the centre is around 40 minutes and the cost is around 1.6$. You should notice at night the metro service doesn’t operate.
Buses leave from the airport to the city centre nearly every 20 minutes and the fair is 2$. The ride duration is around an hour and 20 minutes, therefore the bus is not recommended.
Do you want to experience the area first hand? Hire a car with our search engine
There are many car rental agencies at the Dubai airport. With the roads easy to drive and the available sights around Dubai, this is a great option. You can find you ideal rental in the car hire tab above.
As almost every airport in the world, Dubai airport has a taxi service to the city centre. Most taxi fares cost around 36$ and durations is around 45 minutes, depending on the hour of departure.
Taxi service is by far the easiest way to reach Meydan Racecourse, especially at the busy Dubai World Cup meeting.
If you are driving from Dubai, take the second interchange from the Sheikh Zayed Road and turn left onto Al Meydan Road and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse and The Meydan Hotel.
If you are driving from Abu Dhabi, take the 2nd interchange from the Sheikh Zayed Road and turn right onto Al Meydan Road, and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse and The Meydan Hotel.
There are almost 8000 parking slots opposite to Meydan area for visitors. A shuttle bus service runs frequently to take you from the parking slots to the Meydan area. The taxi pick-up and drop-off points are located outside the main grandstand at Gate B.
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The first thoroughbred race meeting was held in the Emirate of Dubai in 1981.
In 1992 the Dubai Racing Club was established and Nad Al Sheba Racecourse was officially opened and hosted the inaugural Dubai International Jockeys’ Challenge the following year.
The success of that venture paved the way for the creation of the Dubai World Cup.
The Dubai World Cup was given a spectacular launch in 1996 when the leading American horse Cigar won in the colours of Allen R. Paulson. He was trained by William E. Mott and ridden by Jerry Bailey and retired as the leading money winner in Thoroughbred racing history. Cigar’s famous victory was followed by other notable American-trained winners including Silver Charm (1998), Pleasantly Perfect (2004) and Curlin (2008).
Bailey won again the following season aboard Singspiel, owned by Sheikh Mohammed and trained in the UK by Sir Michael Stoute. He would go on to score aboard Captain Steve (2001) and Street Cry (2002) and remains the winning-most jockey in the history of the race.
Sheikh Mohammed has gone on to enjoy considerable success in the race with his Godolphin operation, winning the race six times. Dubai Millennium produced a breath-taking display to fulfil his owners dream by winning the race in a record time in 2000.
Sadly his stud career was cut short when he died after contracting grass sickness at the age of five. His only crop of foals produced several winners, most notably Dubawi. He has gone on to prove a highly successful stallion with his progeny including 2 Dubai World Cup winners Prince Bishop and Monterosso.
Godolphin’s most recent Dubai World Cup success came when African Story set a new course record in 2014 and provided trainer Saeed bin Suroor with a record seventh-winner in the race. Gloria de Campeão won the race for Brazil in 2010 and Japan was successful for the first time in 2011 with Victoire Pisa. The USA continues to send over their finest thoroughbreds and California Chrome won the race in 2016 under Victor Espinoza.
Dubai World Cup betting has grown enormously in recent years and attracts massive business on the Internet worldwide. Check the latest prices with the online bookmakers and take advantage of their introductory offers and free bets!
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