Horseracing in Dubai
Among the horses of the whole world, it is the Arabian horses that have a reputation for being the best in the world.
The Dubai World Cup is considered the most expensive event of its kind because the total amount of bets on it exceeds 100 million USD, despite betting in Dubai being illegal. It attracts not only horse owners and other people not indifferent to equestrian sports, but also members of the upper class from all countries, including stars of show business and the film industry, politicians, athletes and trendsetters. In addition, the races themselves are accompanied by a lot of fun and a lot of entertainment.
A bit of history
The horse races in Dubai were first organized in 1966 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and since then they have become an annual tradition. The Sheikh has made Dubai the racing capital of the world and for many years he has been working hard to justify this status.
The Sheikh has also built Meydan, a huge racecourse with several types of racetracks, built using the latest technology. Its stands can accommodate over 60 thousand horse racing fans, and the complex also includes a luxury hotel Meydan, race club, several restaurants, a gallery, and a museum. By the way, you can watch the races from the stands and from the hotel rooms.
What is interesting
The most interesting part, of course, is the horse races. There are 8 races in total, with the first one consisting only of Arabian horses and the rest consisting of thoroughbreds of other breeds. Each race has its own prize fund, which amounts to fabulous amounts.
Other events include Breakfast with the Stars, where attendees can talk to horse trainers, jockeys, and stable owners, and Arabian Night, which includes various demonstrations and horse shows, circus performers, and a gala dinner.
There are also contests for the owner of the best dress and headwear. The winner receives a cash prize. Curiously, in spite of the Shariah law, the presence of ladies in extravagant attire is welcome.
All betting is forbidden at the races in Dubai, but spectators can guess the winners and contestants and get cash prizes if the answers are correct.
The largest racecourse in the world: Meydan in Dubai
The stunning racecourse warm-up track, as well as the ultramodern 9-furlong racing track, can hardly leave any equestrian master indifferent.
The scale of the Dubai racecourse is astonishing in every way. The length of the track is 1,7 km, and its super-modern artificial turf imitates the ground, made in the USA. The outdoor grass track is 2.4 kilometres long and is the largest in the world. The total area of the Meydan Raceway is 6.2 million square meters, and its parking lot can accommodate up to 8600 cars. The construction of such a luxurious racetrack cost about $ 3 billion.
The conditions at the Dubai racecourse are ideal, both for participants of all kinds of competitions held at Meydan and for those who want to enjoy the exciting equestrian competitions. But to get there, you will need a car, and Toyota Land Cruiser would be a great option for Arabian deserts.
Some practical information
Date: Last Saturday of March.
Venue: Meydan Hippodrome, Dubai, Suite 206|Nad Al Sheba.
Admission to the Hippodrome is free, except for seats in the VIP stalls.
Tickets for Breakfast with the Stars: 295 AED for adults and 175 AED for children under 12; for Arabian Night: 1,000 and 500 AED, respectively.
The event has a strict dress code. No casual clothing (jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, etc.) is allowed. For more information on uniforms, visit the official site.
