Dubai: The 2017 renewal of the Chengdu Dubai International Cup on April 2, 2017 is to feature the first International Jockeys’ Challenge, pitting five Chinese jockeys against five visiting internationals.
Now in its fourth year, the event represents a joint venture between Meydan Group, the Chengdu Municipal Government, the Chengdu Sports Bureau, the Wenjiang District Government and China Guangsha Group.
It takes place at the Jinma Lake Racecourse in the Wenjiang District of Chengdu and annually features horses, jockeys and trainers from Dubai Racing Club.
In a twist to the existing format two of the five races on the card will now be run as a jockeys’ challenge and in preparation for the challenge five Chinese jockeys are currently in training at Dubai Racing Club’s Millennium Stables and Green Stables under the watch of trainers Ismael Mohammed and Erwan Charpy.
The jockeys also visited Meydan Racecourse on Super Saturday.
Ma Liankai who leads the group of jockeys has achieved notable results internationally and locally. He was winner of the international race at the 2015 Hungarian National Gallop Equestrian Festival and more recently he was the runner-up in the 2016 Group 1 CHIA China Cup.
Liankai spoke about the experience of being in Dubai and watching world-class racing on Super Saturday.
“It is very impressive to be here. The day starts very early at 3am, and the facilities are excellent. The trainers and jockeys here are very professional and there is so much for us to learn.
“On Super Saturday we really liked the atmosphere, and the chance to see the Ruler of Dubai from up close. It is a rare opportunity to be able to witness competitions of such a high calibre. We are very honoured to have been given this opportunity.
“We are keen to showcase the best of our Chinese competitive spirit to the people of Dubai and the world, and we hope we can do that at the Chengdu Dubai International Cup.”
