The development in some countries knows only one direction, all the way up. Dubai, the fast-growing emirate on the Persian Gulf, is one of them. Racing there has also become an integral part of the international scene. Now it is taking the next step.
In line with Dubai`s rapid development and innovation and accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed`s vision, the Dubai Racing Club has unveiled a new structure for the 2023-24 racing season.
The season has been transformed into a comprehensive racing spectacle and renamed the Dubai Racing Carnival. The move, which follows two decades of international racing in the emirate, is marked by a significant increase in prize money aimed at attracting high-profile participants.
The restructured Dubai Racing Carnival is a reward for the rapidly improving quality of local horses, while Dubai`s world-class facilities for international horses provide a perfect base for racing to flourish in the region. A good example of the benefits of wintering under the Dubai sun is Mawj, a Saeed Bin Suroor-trained mare who claimed two victories at Meydan Racecourse before returning to the UK to win the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, said, "The new shape and identity of the Dubai Racing Carnival has the potential to strengthen Dubai`s strategic position as a regional centre for horse racing and a popular racing destination. This is thanks to the rich racing offering and the expertise, services and facilities provided by Meydan Racecourse. We have a proud history of racing in Dubai, but we are also known for our innovation. We are delighted to increase prize money and welcome international competitors for the entire season."
The Dubai Racing Carnival will span the entire season at Meydan, from November to March, giving international trainers, jockeys and horses the opportunity to compete in Dubai for much longer than before.
Prize money for the 2023-2024 Dubai Racing Carnival will be increased by 11 million dirhams - 27% more than the 2022-23 season. There will be three particularly valuable race nights, starting in December (AED 4.7 million), then January (AED 10 million) and Super Saturday in March (AED 10 million), bringing the total prize money for the three events to AED 24.7 million. The flagship event, the Dubai World Cup, marks the end of the season in Dubai and retains its huge prize money of US$30.5 million (AED 112 million).
The Dubai Racing Carnival comprises 14 events (excluding the Dubai World Cup), each of which features seven to nine races. The races are held on Fridays, with the exception of Super Saturday and the Dubai World Cup, which are held on Saturdays.
