We may already be familiar with the most famed horse races in the UK or the USA, such as the Grand National or the Kentucky Derby. Elsewhere, the Melbourne Cup in Australia is the most renowned in the southern hemisphere, while the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France is one of the most respected races in the world. But what about those held elsewhere around the globe?
Although equestrian activities have always formed a rich part of history and culture in the Middle East, it is only during the last couple of decades that Arabian countries have risen to the fore in the horse racing scene. However, the desire to be bigger and better has firmly placed the region at the forefront of the racing industry, offering some of the most prestigious events and the biggest purses.
This has inevitably led to massive investment, which goes far beyond the training and ownership of thoroughbred racing stock. Countries across the Middle East have pumped billions of dollars into infrastructure and facilities, ensuring they can offer some of the best racecourse venues in the world. The aim here is to put the Arabian horse racing scene firmly on the global map, providing truly unforgettable venues and inspiring events which capture the imagination.
Dubai World Cup
Keen to promote itself as a hub for major sporting events, the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has quickly risen to the fore internationally. Held annually since 1996, the Dubai World Cup has also become one of the most eagerly anticipated horse races of the annual calendar, attracting widespread interest amongst owners and trainers alike. Race fans are also drawn to the constantly growing fame and fortune surrounding this event.
Organised and managed by the Dubai Racing Club, and held at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup has quickly established itself as one of the richest thoroughbred horse races in the modern era. The 2022 running in March this year offered a purse of US$12 million, while Country Grammar was the winning horse over 10 furlongs, ridden by iconic Italian jockey Frankie Dettori.
Saudi Cup
As one of the newest major horse races on the scene, while the Saudi Cup was only inaugurated in 2020, it has quickly established itself as one of the most lucrative events in horse racing. This is underlined by the whopping US$20 million purse on offer for the headline race, with US$10 million going to the winner. As one might imagine, this has encouraged interest from the top stables and owners around the globe.
Promoted as The Saudi Cup – The World’s Most Valuable Race – this event is now held annually in February at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, named in honour of the monarch who also came up with the idea for this event. The huge sense of pride at hosting this race is keenly felt by local owners, highlighted by Emblem Road winning the 2022 edition, ridden by Wigberto S. Ramos and trained by Mitab Almulawah, while owned by none other than Prince Saud Bin Salman Abdulaziz.
Wagering on races in the Arabian region
Considering how popular betting on the horses has become throughout the Middle East, the expert guides published by Arabian Betting are the ideal place to start. When it comes to wagering options throughout the region, nobody has a better feel for the best horse racing betting sites in Arab countries. This is based upon sound advice focused on the safest and most secure betting options, accompanied by information covering where to find the best odds and promotions.
Likewise, before choosing where to wager it is just as important to know how to place bets. This is fully explained in detail by Arabian Betting, with step-by-steps looking at different kinds of bets, the variety of markets available, plus how to make the most of bonuses and free bets offered by the bookies. There has never been a greater array of horse racing betting options available, therefore it always pays to find out which suit your own preferences.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.