Dubai: To celebrate the 15th renewal of the Dubai World Cup and opening of the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse on March 27, 2010, the Dubai Racing Club has announced an extension of the programme to eight races.

The new race will be the Group 3 Al Quoz Sprint, a 1200m turf race worth US$1,000,000.

The Meydan Racecourse features a left-handed 2400m turf circuit outside of a 1750m All Weather track. A 1200m turf straight course adjoining the outside track makes it ideal for a straight grass sprint, which will increase opportunities for the best horses from around the world to compete and win on.

Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, Mr. Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer said: “The Dubai World Cup is a highly-regarded fixture on the international racing circuit, and the new Meydan Racecourse is set to further enhance its global standing and appeal.

“This year’s 15th running of the Dubai World Cup will not only be a milestone for the sport in the UAE, but also for the rest of the world, as Meydan begins to fulfill its core mission - to be the thoroughbred destination of the world.”

Meydan Board Member Mr. Malih Lahij Al Basti concluded: “The highest rated sprinters in the world are predominantly turf horses and with the rich history of the Dubai Golden Shaheen attracting the best from the USA, we will now attract the best turf sprinters in the world with the addition of Al Quoz Sprint.”

“Al Quoz Sprint is positioned perfectly on the international calendar to enable horses to run in Dubai and then go on to international sprints either at Royal Ascot or Singapore.”

The Dubai World Cup is now an eight-race meeting, hosting four Group 1, two Group 2 and one Group 3 Thoroughbred races as well as one Group 1 Purebred Arabian race, worth a staggering US$26,25 million, making it one of the richest sporting events in the world.

Dubai World Cup Programme 2010

Dubai World Cup (Group 1)
US$10,000,000
2000m All Weather

Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1)
US$5,000,000
2400m Turf

Dubai Duty Free (Group 1)
US$5,000,000
1800m Turf

Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group 1)
US$2,000,000
1200m All Weather

UAE Derby (Group 2)
US$2,000,000
1900m All Weather

Godolphin Mile (Group 2)
US$1,000,000
1600m All Weather

Al Quoz Sprint (Group 3)
US$1,000,000
1200m Turf

Dubai Kahayla Classic (Group 1)
Purebred Arabians
US$250,000
2000m All Weather