DUBAI: Having worked on the Dubai World Cup for 16 years, I’m a bit biased and consider it brilliant. But here’s 10 reasons why you, yes you, should be visiting Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 26, if you can.
1. It’s the best racing in the world
With $30.5 million in prize money across the nine races, none of which are worth less than $1 million, you tend to get the best. There are 34 Group I winners in action; six of them clashing in the $12 million Dubai World Cup itself. The best horse in the world, Life Is Good, runs in the World Cup.
2. The best jockeys in the world
Yes, Frankie Dettori will be here, riding Country Grammer in the World Cup. We also get to see top US-based brothers Irad and Jose Ortiz, plus the best of our locally based riders, including William Buick, James Doyle, Antonio Fresu and nine-time UAE Champion Tadhg O’Shea.
3. Trainers, too
Kentucky Derby winner Todd Pletcher is a rare visitor to Dubai, but he’s here to put the final polish on Life Is Good and Colonel Liam, while Yoshito Yahagi, one of the best trainers in Japan, has also made the journey. And from the UK we have Derby winners John Gosden and William Haggas.
4. The crowds are back
The World Cup was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and the pandemic also forced it behind closed doors in 2021. This year the 60,000-capacity grandstand will be packed with people partying like it’s 2019 … because that’s the last time they did, at Meydan, anyway.
5. The fashion
Who doesn’t like a bit of color, some fabulous hats, some superb style and maybe a few fashion faux pas as well? The Dubai World Cup is all about seeing and being seen. There’s always a guy who gets it very wrong and goes full-on “Royal Ascot,” in top hat, tails and cane.
6. The Style Stakes
On the subject of fashion: You can use your sartorial sense to win prizes in the Style Stakes. Categories include Best Dressed Woman, Best Dressed Man, Best Couple, Best Hat and Most Creative Outfit. So get planning, making or buying.
7. It’s great value
You get all this for just $5.50 (AED20). That’s right, the cost of two chicken shawarmas is all it takes to get railside on the greatest day of racing. If you want to spend a little more, then the Apron Views’ enclosure costs $80 (AED295), or there’s a range of hospitality options starting at almost $410 (AED1,500).
8. You can win money
Betting is outlawed in the UAE, but Dubai Racing Club’s My Lucky Six competition costs just $5.50 (AED20) to enter, when you buy a bottle of water which is donated to charity. Pick six winners correctly and you could win $10,890 (AED40,000).
9. The closing ceremony
It’s always superb, spectacular and spellbinding. Last year gave us that moving drone tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, whose image was beamed into the night sky. What’s happening this year is being kept strictly under wraps, but we know it will be good.
10. The concert
Not one or two but THREE award-winning artists have flown in from the UK for the post-race concert. Becky Hill is headlining, backed up by Rudimental and Sigala. Any hospitality pass gets you admission, from Apron Views upwards, while Golden Circle tickets get you closer for AED495.
Convinced yet? You should be.
