Attractive Road To UAE Derby: Increased Prize Fund

Last week, the buzz surrounding the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was at an all-time high. Those considering taking on the UAE Derby were especially interested after the Kentucky Derby organisers announced an increase of US$2 million, bringing the prize fund to US$5 million. The two races are closely linked and the increase in prize money has made the road to the Kentucky Derby even more attractive. The UAE Derby is the only leg of the primary Road to the Kentucky Derby series held outside North America.

The UAE Derby has a strong connection with Churchill Downs since its inception in 2000. Between 2000 and 2009, seven Kentucky Derby starters emerged from the UAE Derby. In 2010, Meydan opened and the UAE Derby shifted emphasis again and was run over 1900m on a synthetic surface. The UAE Derby still produced three Kentucky Derby runners in the next four years, including Master Of Hounds, who came fifth behind Animal Kingdom at Churchill Downs in 2011.

With three UAE Derby winners for Japan in the last eight years, there is an expectation that more of the same will follow. Only time will tell whether the increase in the prize purse will boost the number of high-quality horses attempting the UAE Derby.