Dubai: Meydan will offer its first double-header of the New Year as the Dubai World Cup Carnival gets underway tomorrow with the third annual Meydan Masters International Jockeys' Challenge.
Twelve of the world's top jockeys are set to compete in a series of four races over two days. Tomorrow's and Friday's meetings will be sponsored by Longines, the official timekeeper for all equine events held by Meydan.
Tomorrow's seven-race meeting kicks off the 16 fixtures that will be contested during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, which concludes with the Dubai World Cup on March 31.
"This is always an exciting time of year with the start of the Carnival and the wonderful build-up to Dubai World Cup," said Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Meydan's Chairman of the Board and CEO.
"Thoroughbred racing has grown so much in Dubai since the first Dubai World Cup in 1996. It is through the generous support of partners such as Longines that appreciate the global appeal of racing and the brand alignment of Meydan, the Dubai World Cup Carnival and Dubai World Cup. Together we bring the best in racing to Dubai for these spectacular events."
Best finishes
The Meydan Masters International Jockeys' Challenge is an invitational event which sees points earned based on best finishes in the four nominated races.
The 2010 winner was Richard Hills of Britain, while last year's champion was Calvin Borel of the United States. Many of racing's most prominent horsemen will once again be represented at the Carnival, with a mix of new names also looking to claim some of the nearly $39 million (Dh143 million) in prize money to be offered during the 16 race meetings.
A total of 73 runners have already arrived in Dubai and represent racing interests from nine countries — the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Brazil, Singapore, Ireland, South Africa, Bahrain and Norway.
Some of the marquee runners already at Meydan include the reigning Dubai Duty Free champion Presvis, Singapore International Cup winner Gitano Hernando, Kings Stand Stakes winner Prohibit, Bold Silvano, Master Of Hounds and Musir, while those expected include Wigmore Hall, Margot Did, Green Destiny, Dubawi Gold, Better Be The One, Planteur and Overdose.
Al Tayer said: "We continue to work to further develop the success of Meydan and the Dubai World Cup."
