RICHEST NIGHT ROUND THE CORNER

The 23rd renewal of the Dubai World Cup, the richest night in the world of horse racing is just round the corner, and the event, the dream and vision of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has gathered a stellar field yet again.

The stature and standing of the Dubai World Cup on the horse racing landscape, is unparalleled. There can no better endorsement than Bob Baffert’s, the illustrious American trainer, who has three winners here and many others around the planet.

Baffert had said during the week that he brings horses that he thinks can win the Dubai World Cup. And that has been the case, with not just him, but the others also following his lead. It is not about quantity but about quality and horses come befitting the Dubai World Cup. Baffert has been a regular since the previous decade and has seen the historic Nad Al Sheba give way to the modernity that is the Meydan Racecourse. And as big and gigantic the venue is, so is the rich talent of horsemen and horses, on show, with each passing year. This year too, should be a cracker, across the nine-race card.

It is not just the generous prize purse on offer that draws everyone to the event. Horses, fillies, mares, owners, trainers, jockeys will be aiming for the bragging rights, that they have won on Dubai World Cup night. As is the case with each passing year, the evening begins with the Godolphin Mile, followed by the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the only Purebred Arabian race on the card.

The Dubai Gold Cup is next and then comes the UAE Derby. Things hot up with the Al Quoz Sprint, with all bolting towards the finish. The Dubai Golden Shaheen is up next followed by the Dubai Turf. The Dubai Sheema Classic then gives way for the biggest race of the night — the Dubai World Cup.

So, what are you waiting for. Get dressed to your nines and head to the biggest social event on Dubai’s calendar.