Dubai World Cup Draw Set to Finalize Race Lineup and Gate Positions
The Dubai Racing Club has confirmed that the draw for the main round and four additional races of the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place today at Meydan Racecourse. This crucial event will determine the starting gate positions for competing horses and finalize the race lineup for the highly anticipated event on Saturday, April 5.
The four additional races alongside the main event include:
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Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1) – 1200m
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Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group 1) – 1200m
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Dubai Turf (Group 1) – 1800m
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Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) – 2410m
Owners and trainers will be present at the draw, which is a key step in setting up one of the biggest horse racing events in the world. The Dubai World Cup features nine races in total, offering an impressive prize pool of $30.5 million, including $12 million for the main race, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Eleven of the world’s top racehorses are set to compete for the prestigious title.
Weather-Driven Changes to the Schedule
The Dubai Racing Club has also announced adjustments to the Dubai World Cup schedule to accommodate expected weather changes and ensure optimal safety and comfort for both riders and spectators.
On April 1, the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) conducted the draw for four additional races:
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Dubai Kahayla Classic (Group 1) – 2000m (Purebred Arabians)
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Dubai Gold Cup (Group 2) – 3200m
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Godolphin Mile (Group 2) – 1600m
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UAE Derby (Group 2) – 1900m
Gates at Meydan Racecourse will open at 2:30 PM on race day, with the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Group 1) kicking off the evening at 4:35 PM. The headline event, the Dubai World Cup, is scheduled for 9:30 PM, followed by a grand closing ceremony.
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, emphasized the commitment to rider and horse safety, stating, “The safety and well-being of horses, jockeys, and attendees remain our top priority. Adjusting the race schedule ensures an exceptional evening of excitement while maintaining the event’s high standards.”
Ali Al Ali, Board Member and Executive Director of the Dubai Racing Club, reiterated the club’s dedication to implementing world-class organizational practices, further solidifying the Dubai World Cup’s global status as one of the premier events in international horse racing.
