A SPORTING OCCASION TO TEST THE LIMITS OF EXCELLENCE UAE TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN HOSTING THE WORLD’S GREATEST HORSES AT MEYDAN, MOHAMMAD SAYS

If the Melbourne Cup is referred to as a ‘race that stops a nation’, then the Dubai World Cup is a race that galvanises a nation. For the past 23 years, on the last Saturday in March, every horseracing enthusiast in the UAE has stopped to catch a breath and exult in the ultimate horse race — the Dubai World Cup.

For one, it has rightfully claimed its niche among the greatest horse races in the world — the Epsom Derby, Melbourne Cup, Prix de l’Arc de’Triomphe, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

But more importantly, the Dubai World Cup is the realisation of a sporting dream of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“We take great pride in being a sports-loving nation and in hosting the world’s greatest horses at Meydan today,” said Shaikh Mohammad in his welcome message. “We want to thank the owners, trainers, jockeys and fans who are here for their diligence, commitment and loyalty.

“The Dubai World Cup is much more than just a horse race. It is an occasion that gives us the chance to exult in the individuality that only sport can offer. A chance to test the limits of excellence and to celebrate accomplishment. A chance to play host to friends from the far corners of the world and to experience the camaraderie and pride.

“While the race presents the power and poetry of some of the fastest horses and skilled horsemen in the world, it also showcases the heritage and ambition of Dubai to the assembled crowds at Meydan and the fans watching from around the world.

“It is a celebration of greatness, forward thinking and dedication.”

All that the UAE stands for ...

WAM Shaikh Mohammad with the Dubai World Cup sponsors’ representatives during the Sponsor Appreciation Awards at Meydan on Thursday. With $30 million in prize money on offer, the Dubai World Cup meeting is by far the richest horse racing event anywhere on the planet.

WAM & Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Above: Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Horse Racing Excellence Awards ceremony. Left and below: Lastminute preparations under way at Meydan ahead of Dubai World Cup night.