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| Staff Writer |
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The Dubai Racing Carnival is set to ignite the desert night sky once again, promising a scintillating season of top-class international racing culminating in the prestigious Dubai World Cup. Kicking off on 8 November at the majestic Meydan Racecourse, the carnival will feature 16 action-packed race meetings, each a steppingstone towards the grand finale on 5 April 2025.
Dubai Racing Club's Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, is anticipating another stellar season. "We're expecting to see some of the world's finest thoroughbreds gracing our track this season," he remarked. "The carnival has always been a magnet for top international talent, and this year promises to be no exception."
The carnival, renowned for attracting a cosmopolitan mix of horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe, has been a launchpad for many future stars. The 2024 edition saw the emergence of Laurel River, trained by Bob Baffert, who dominated the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile, while Rebel's Romance, under the care of Charlie Appleby, claimed a thrilling victory in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf.
While every race night at Meydan offers its own thrills, three feature days stand out in the carnival calendar. The festive spirit will be in full swing on 20 December with Festive Friday, combining top-class racing with holiday cheer. Fashion aficionados will have their day in the sun on 24 January with Fashion Friday, where high fashion meets high-stakes racing. The carnival then builds to a crescendo on 1 March with Emirates Super Saturday, the official dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup, featuring several Gr.1 contests.
"These feature days add an extra layer of excitement to our already stellar programme," said Sheikh Rashid. "They're not just race days; they're experiences that showcase the very best of Dubai's hospitality and racing culture."
The carnival reaches its zenith with the Dubai World Cup, a Gr.1 spectacle carrying a staggering purse of US$12 million. This 2000m contest on dirt has been a defining moment for many equine superstars since its inception in 1996.
Ushba Tesoro, under the expert guidance of Japanese trainer Noboru Takagi, stormed to victory in 2023, continuing Japan's recent dominance in international racing. The 2024 edition saw Kabirkhan, trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka, claim the top prize, further cementing Japan's growing influence on the global racing stage.
The roll of honour for this race reads like a who's who of racing royalty. Dubai Millennium scorched the track in 2000, while the likes of Cigar, Singspiel, and Arrogate have all tasted glory under the Meydan lights. More recently, Thunder Snow made history by becoming the first dual winner of the race in 2018 and 2019.
The carnival isn't just about the World Cup, though. Throughout the season, Meydan plays host to a slew of Group races that attract top-tier talent from around the world.
The Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint has seen speedsters like Blue Point and Nature Strip blitz down the straight, with Duporth adding his name to the illustrious list of winners in 2024. The Gr.1 Dubai Turf, won by Rebel's Romance in 2024, has been a happy hunting ground for Godolphin in recent years.
On the dirt, the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen has been dominated by American sprinters, with Roy H and Imperial Hint leaving their mark in recent years. However, 2024 saw local hero Tuz, trained by Bhupat Seemar, clinch a memorable victory for the UAE.
As the countdown to the 2024-2025 Dubai Racing Carnival begins, the racing world turns its eyes to Meydan. With its state-of-the-art facilities, world-class racing, and the allure of Dubai's famed hospitality, it promises to be another unforgettable season under the desert stars.