 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The upcoming racing season in Dubai is set to be a thrilling one, with significant changes and exciting events on the horizon. The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) has decided to shake things up by doing away with the previously established international half of the season, known as the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Instead, the season will run from 10 November to 30 March, promising a whole new experience for racing enthusiasts.
The 2023/24 racing program will consist of 14 meetings, culminating on 8 March. The pinnacle of the season will be the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup card, offering a staggering US$30.5 million in prize money on 30 March. With such significant changes, the DRC aims to create a season filled with excitement and anticipation.
One notable alteration is the shift in the Dubai World Cup meeting, which will now take place four weeks later than in previous years. Traditionally held three weeks after Super Saturday, the UAE's second most significant racing event, the Dubai World Cup meeting will now have its own spotlight. This change allows for a more focused and independent showcase of the world-class racing action.
The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the upcoming racing season. Compared to the previous campaign in 2022-23, the prize money has been raised by an impressive 27 percent. This increase will translate into a minimum of AED165,000 being offered per race, making it an enticing prospect for participants.
In addition to the highly anticipated Super Saturday, there are two other nights of racing that promise to take the excitement up a notch. Festive Friday, scheduled for the 22nd of December, will feature six Pattern races, with the highlight being the Group Two Maktoum Mile. This prestigious race now boasts a staggering purse of AED1 million, making it an attractive proposition for top-class horses and trainers.
Another thrilling evening of racing, Fashion Friday, will take place on the 26th of January. This event will showcase nine Pattern races, including two Group Ones.
Super Saturday, a well-known social event, is set to take place on 2 March. The event will feature several exciting horse races including the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic, the upgraded Gr.3 Ras Al Khor, and the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas. Worth noting is that the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas was won in 2023 by Mawj, who later went on to become the Gr.1 Qipco 1000 Guineas heroine.
Commenting on the programme Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, said, “We are delighted to unveil the full programme for our exciting new-look season here in Dubai. The programme is diverse and caters to a wide range of horses, both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred. We hope that our excellent prize money and world class facilities will continue to attract the best in the sport to race here in Dubai.”