Dubai The world’s two richest turf races, the $5million Dubai Duty Free (G1) and $5million Dubai Sheema Classic, just got richer.
In an announcement that took everyone by surprise, Saeed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, said that the prize money for both races will
be raised to $6million each.
“The number 20 has grown to become such a significant number for Dubai,” he said while addressing a gathering at the Post Position Draw for Saturday’s $27.5million Dubai World Cup meet.
“It is a number that represents our achievements - past and future, Dubai is proud to host Expo 2020 - an event that will further display to the world our achievement and vision for the future.
“Ladies and gentlemen, next year we celebrate the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup. To mark this most special anniversary we will increase the prize money for both the Dubai Duty Fre and Dubai Sheema Classic to six million dollars each,” he added.
“This further represents Meydan’s committment to international racing and the importance of the Dubai World Cup day to all the sporting world.”
With the increase in prize money for the two prestigious races the total purse for the nine-race meeting will be boosted to a staggering $29.5 million.
The Dubai Duty Free was first run in 1996 while the Dubai Sheema Classic was introduced to the card in 1998.
