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The remarkable ascent of UAE horseracing took centre stage at the recent 40th Asian Horse Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan. This prestigious gathering of equine experts and industry specialists provided the perfect platform for His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) and Vice-Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, to trumpet the nation's racing achievements.
Al Shehhi, accompanied by Ali Al Ali, Executive Director and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, painted a vivid picture of the UAE's burgeoning racing landscape. He emphasised the pivotal role of visionary leadership in creating an environment ripe for expansion.
"We've witnessed a staggering 16% increase in owners and trainers from 2019 to 2024," Al Shehhi revealed to Emirates News Agency (WAM). "This growth is complemented by a 6% rise in prize money, a testament to our sector's robust development while other regions grapple with challenges."
The ERA chief underscored the UAE's commitment to racing integrity, boasting a cutting-edge legislative framework that adheres to the highest international standards. This dedication has solidified the nation's position as the region's premier horse transport hub.
"Last year alone, we facilitated the import and export of over 5,500 horses, marking a 9% increase from the previous year," Al Shehhi stated proudly. "This cements our status as a pivotal centre for equine movement."
The ARC, a melting pot of racing's brightest minds, tackled the industry's pressing challenges head-on. Discussions centred on sustainability efforts and strategies to bolster the sport's economic impact on a global scale.
The conference served as a reminder of the UAE's meteoric rise in the racing world. From the humble beginnings of organised racing in the 1980s, the nation now boasts world-class facilities like Meydan Racecourse, home to the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup. This US$12 million showpiece, first run in 1996, has been captured by equine legends such as Cigar, Dubai Millennium, and Arrogate.
The UAE's racing calendar now features a plethora of prestigious events, including the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the lucrative Dubai International Racing Carnival. These fixtures have become magnets for top-class international competitors, further cementing the nation's status as a global racing powerhouse.
Al Shehhi's presence at the ARC underscored the UAE's growing influence in shaping the future of global horseracing. As the sport continues to evolve, the Emirates stands poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and fostering international cooperation within the racing community.
With its blend of cutting-edge facilities, generous prize money, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE's racing industry shows no signs of slowing down. As the nation gallops towards an even brighter future, the global racing community will undoubtedly be watching with keen interest.