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The Dubai Racing Club is embarking on a significant expansion of its international partnerships, announcing collaborations with two of racing's most prestigious institutions - The Jockey Club and Churchill Downs.
A touch of British racing tradition arrives at Meydan Racecourse on January 3rd when the US$81,700 Jumeirah Stakes transforms into the Jumeirah Stakes Sponsored by The Jockey Club. The 1400m turf contest for three-year-olds marks the beginning of this strategic alliance with Britain's largest racecourse operator.
The partnership extends across the Atlantic with Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, sponsoring the US$81,700 UAE 2000 Guineas Trial on the same card. The 2024 edition saw Ma Yetal, trained by Michael Costa, emerge victorious, continuing the race's tradition of producing top-class performers.
Notable previous UAE Derby winners advancing to Churchill Downs include Forever Young, who achieved an impressive third place in this year's Kentucky Derby. The Gr.3 UAE Oaks serves as a key steppingstone to the Kentucky Oaks, with recent winners Shahama and Mimi Kakushi making their mark in America's premier fillies' classic.
The partnership with The Jockey Club, which operates under Royal Charter, encompasses 15 prestigious venues including Newmarket, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, and Aintree. The collaboration will see Dubai Racing Club sponsor the Dubai Racing Club Handicap Stakes during Newmarket's July Festival.
Erwan Charpy, Manager of Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club, emphasises the global vision: "Our leaders teach us always to look forward and in working with global partners to enhance the sport, we are embodying that. Racing, now more than ever, is an international sport and we are very happy to work with The Jockey Club in boosting relationships between the UAE and the UK."
Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director for The Jockey Club, highlights the natural synergy: "We are delighted to be partnering with Dubai Racing Club in 2025 and to be working together to promote each other's race programmes to our horsemen, existing racegoers, followers of the sport and to new fans."
Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated, shares the enthusiasm: "Churchill Downs is thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with the Dubai Racing Club through the Kentucky Derby's sponsorship of this prestigious race. We hope to see the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial winner competing in the UAE Derby and ultimately earning a spot in the starting gate of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby next May."