Dubai: Even as the international flat-racing season speeds to a dramatic conclusion with the staging of two of the sport’s iconic meetings, the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and the Melbourne Cup, UAE’s leading horsemen are enthusiastically readying their charges for the launch of the 2015-2016 domestic season on Friday.
As always Jebel Ali Racecourse has been bequeathed with the honour of flagging off the action when it hosts the first of it’s 11 race meetings in an exhaustive 62-day calendar that encompasses Meyday Racecourse (20 meetings), Abu Dhabi (15), Al Ain (10) and Sharjah (6).
But more of that later.
All eyes will be focused on Keeneland, the cradle of America’s breeding industry, this weekend as another edition of the Thoroughbred Racing Championships are played out.
Get a load of this, 13 races worth a staggering $26 million (Dh95 million) in prize money, will cater to every class of horse - male, female, sprinter, stayer, turf or dirt specialist.
Traditionally American-trained horses are said to have an edge over the visiting raiders. However, this year Europe’s high-flying marauders could change that assessment.
With stars like Derby and Arc winner Golden Horn, dual Guineas scorer Gleneagles, Legatissimo and Esoterique comprising the contingent, it would be foolish to rely on history.
Perhaps the epic race of the two-day extravaganza will be the Grade 1 $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic where Gleneagles takes on America’s Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh. Both stars will be looking to atone for shock, last outing defeats.
However, perhaps Golden Horn represents Europe’s best chance of success, and will take all the beating in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Meanwhile, the excitement must be brewing Down Under as Australians get ready for their annual sporting attraction, the A$6 million (Dh16 million) Melbourne Cup on November 3.
Against this backdrop the UAE opens its door to another busy racing season which once more promises to serve as an ideal platform to showcase the best of local action which will lead to the international racing Carnival before it culminates in the 21st edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting on March 26.
Exciting times indeed.
