Winners
Race 1: Mathmoon Race 2: One Man Band Race 3: Vazirabad Race 4: Lani Race 5: Buffering Race 6: Muarrab Race 7: Real Steel Race 8: Postponed Race 9: California Chrome
10pm
That's a wrap, folks. We hope you enjoyed the live blog. Stay with Gulf News for all the reports from tonight's races.
9.58pm
Read all about it! California Chrome is the world's richest horse.
9.45pm
Fireworks!
California Chrome becomes the world's richest earning racehorse with #DubaiWorldCup win run in course rec 2.01:83 pic.twitter.com/RaXr6B0U9F
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
9.37pm
A wealthy horse makes for happy people
Let the party begin, favourite California Chrome reigns supreme in 2016 #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/guAUpMh5c1
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
9.28pm
It's a record! California Chrome set a new Meydan course record on the way to victory with a time of 2:01.830.
9.24pm
Watch California Chrome, now the world's richest race-horse, march out.
Leading in the 2016 #DubaiWorldCup winner #CaliforniaChrome #Meydan pic.twitter.com/TPWPqOozPe
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
9.18pm
It's official
California Chrome ridden by Victor Espinoza trained by Art Sherman owned by California Chrome LLC wins the 2016 #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
9.16pm
Classification
RACE 9 - DUBAI WORLD CUP | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 11 | CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) | Art Sherman | USA |
2 | 4 | MUBTAAHIJ (IRE) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
3 | 10 | HOPPERTUNITY (USA) | Bob Baffert | USA |
4 | 5 | SPECIAL FIGHTER (IRE) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
9.14pm
Race winner: Numer 11, California Chrome!
9.10pm
Race 9, the Dubai World Cup... And they're off!
9.04pm
The tension... oh, the tension
9.01pm
The horses are making their way to the stalls for the last - and biggest - race of the night. So, that being the case, here's your last racecard.
This is the One! The #DubaiWorldCup up next 9.00pm a battle between California Chrome and Frosted say the experts pic.twitter.com/n8J48a8TXR
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.54pm
Watch Postponed do the business in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Postponed wins the #DubaiSheemaClassic #Meydan pic.twitter.com/luJTw6XjEU
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.50pm
There's only one race left, and it's the big one. The richest horse race in the world: the Dubai World Cup.
Here's the racecard.
RACE 9 - DUBAI WORLD CUP | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | KEEN ICE (USA) | Dale Romans | USA |
2 | MSHAWISH (USA) | Todd Pletcher | USA |
3 | GUN PIT (AUS) | Caspar Fownes | HKG |
4 | MUBTAAHIJ (IRE) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
5 | SPECIAL FIGHTER (IRE) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
6 | CANDY BOY (USA) | Doug Watson | UAE |
7 | VADAMOS (FR) | Andre Fabre | FRA |
8 | HOKKO TARUMAE (JPN) | Katsuichi Nishiura | JPN |
9 | FROSTED (USA) | Kiaran McLaughlin | USA |
10 | HOPPERTUNITY (USA) | Bob Baffert | USA |
11 | CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) | Art Sherman | USA |
12 | TELETEXT (USA) | Sami Al Harabi | KSA |
8.45pm
Classification
RACE 8 - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | POSTPONED (IRE) | Roger Varian | GBR |
2 | 4 | DURAMENTE (JPN) | Noriyuki Hori | JPN |
3 | 1 | LAST IMPACT (JPN) | Katsuhiko Sumii | JPN |
4 | 8 | HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) | Aidan O'Brien | IRE |
8.38pm
And here it is:
Postponed ridden by Andrea Atzeni, trained by Roger Varian owned by Shaikh Mohammad Obaid Al Maktoum wins the #SheemaClassic
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.35pm
Race winner: 7, Postponed
8.30pm
Race 8, Dubai Sheema Classic... And they're off!
8.19pm
Here's your racecard for Race 8, the Dubai Sheema Classic.
All set for the penultimate race of the night, here's the card for the #DubaiSheemaClassic 8.20pm #Meydan pic.twitter.com/XF0VEx0gqM
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.17pm
The horses for Race 8 are heading to the stalls.
8.16pm
Watch Real Steel win the Dubai Turf.
Real Steel wins the #DubaiTurf #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan pic.twitter.com/EdgSHEBUQq
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.14pm - Winner watch
Gallery time
8.10pm
Next up is Race 8, the Dubai Sheema Classic at 8.20pm. Here's the racecard:
RACE 8 - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | LAST IMPACT (JPN) | Katsuhiko Sumii | JPN |
2 | SHEIKHZAYEDROAD (GB) | David Simcock | GBR |
3 | THE BLUE EYE (GB) | Jassim Al Ghazali | QAT |
4 | DURAMENTE (JPN) | Noriyuki Hori | JPN |
5 | ONE AND ONLY (JPN) | Kojiro Hashiguchi | JPN |
6 | GAILO CHOP (FR) | Antoine de Watrigant | FRA |
7 | POSTPONED (IRE) | Roger Varian | GBR |
8 | HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) | Aidan O'Brien | IRE |
9 | DARIYAN (FR) | Alain de Royer-Dupre | FRA |
8.06pm
This poll is literally centimetres below.
What's your favourite Janet Jackson hit? That’s The Way Love Goes. What do you think? https://t.co/254QafZAxi
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
8.03pm
Classification
RACE 7 - DUBAI TURF | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 14 | REAL STEEL (JPN) | Yoshito Yahagi | JPN |
2 | 10 | EURO CHARLINE (GB) | Marco Botti | GBR |
3 | 2 | TRYSTER (IRE) | Charlie Appleby | UAE |
4 | 12 | ERTIJAAL (AUS) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
7.58pm
And it's official.
Real Steel ridden by Ryan Moore, trained by Yoshito Yahagi owned by Sunday Racing Co. wins the Dubai Turf
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.54pm
Dubai Turf won by number 14, Real Steel.
7.50pm
Race 7, Dubai Turf... And they're off!
7.45pm - Poll watch
7.42pm
Atmosphere alert: It all looks like good fun out there...
Atmosphere buzzing at #Meydan #DubaiWorldCup as we approach the final 3 races including the $10mill feature race pic.twitter.com/9JSzI7WNpO
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.37pm
Race 7, the Dubai Turf, is only a few minutes away. Here's the racecard.
Up next is the #DubaiTurf 7.45pm, @gulf_news experts had Tryster, Intilaaq and Forries Waltz done as ones to watch pic.twitter.com/1P5rWFVRYp
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.35pm
Dubai Kahayla Classic: Mathmoon hands Hamdan yet another Purebred honours.
7.30pm
You may be asking why we've been quiet for the last 10 minutes. Well, here's why.
A fantastic light and sound display has just wrapped up at #Meydan ahead of the #DubaiWorldCup's last 3 races pic.twitter.com/46C8JlwdUD
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.23pm
Race 7, the Dubai Turf, is next on the agenda. Here's a peek at the racecard. With 15 runners it's going to be a busy one.
RACE 7 - DUBAI TURF | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | FORRIES WALTZ (SAF) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
2 | TRYSTER (IRE) | Charlie Appleby | UAE |
3 | FORJATT (IRE) | Dhruba Selvaratnam | UAE |
4 | GHAAMER (USA) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
5 | FARRIER (USA) | Satish Seemar | UAE |
6 | FLAMBOYANT (FR) | Patrick Gallagher | USA |
7 | THE CORSICAN (IRE) | David Simcock | GBR |
8 | INTILAAQ (USA) | Roger Varian | GBR |
9 | HARRY'S SON (AUS) | Paul Lafferty | SAF |
10 | EURO CHARLINE (GB) | Marco Botti | GBR |
11 | VERY SPECIAL (IRE) | Saeed bin Suroor | UAE |
12 | ERTIJAAL (AUS) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
13 | BASATEEN (IRE) | Doug Watson | UAE |
14 | REAL STEEL (JPN) | Yoshito Yahagi | JPN |
15 | GABRIAL (IRE) | Richard Fahey | GBR |
7.21pm
Look who our man Alaric Gomes bumped into in the paddock - and he has a special message for Gulf News readers.
Famed #UAE singer Abdullah Bel Zahaid has a special message for Gulf News readers after the #GoldenShaheen #meydan pic.twitter.com/YrwquEQuxG
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.15pm
Job: Done.
.@ashleymhammond spoke to Paul Hanagan ahead of the #DubaiWorldCup where he targeted a 3rd win, mission complete https://t.co/P5kIXx2dZh
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
7.09pm
The next race on the agenda is the Dubai Turf, Race 7. Mercifully there's a short break before it kicks off. 7.45pm scheduled start.
The lights are out as soothing music and elegant lights entertain the revelers.
7.04pm - Hat watch
Words fail us.
Meet Farzana, the winner of the Most Creative Hat 👒 at the #JaguarStyleStakes at #DubaiWorldCup. @DRC_Meydan pic.twitter.com/j74TMKYKVi
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
7.01pm
Janet Jackson is performing after the final race tonight. And now she's tweeting.
Watch what I'm doin
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) March 12, 2016
Watch where I'm goin
Trying to get to #TheGreatForever. https://t.co/gsklLtE67P #DubaiWorldCuphttps://t.co/p8v7ZDjN7u
6.53pm
Muarrab ridden by Paul Hanagan trained by Musabah Al Muhairi owned by Shaikh Hamdan wins the Golden Shaheen #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
6.51pm
Provisional classification:
RACE 6 - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 7 | MUARRAB (GB) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
2 | 3 | X Y JET (USA) | Jorge Navarro | USA |
3 | 1 | RICH TAPESTRY (IRE) | Michael Chang | HKG |
4 | 9 | MORAWIJ (GB) | Dhruba Selvaratnam | UAE |
6.47pm
Number 7, Muarrab wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen.
6.45pm
Race 6, Dubai Golden Shaheen... And they're off!
6.40pm
Five minutes to go. Here's the racecard.
Race six out of nine, the Dubai Golden Shaheen starts at 6.45pm, X-Y Jet tipped by our experts #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Bas1RdwDqx
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
6.38pm - Quotes from the paddock
David Vedelago, owner, Aspariamo Racing, one of the owners of Buffering: This is one of the most memorable evenings for any of us. He has been a star and he has left us with such sensational memories for making this trip from Down Under. This is the best feeling any owner can have. What more can I ask of a horse? It is simply such an honour to have him with us.
His next stop will be Hong Kong. He leaves in another four weeks.
Joao Moreira, jockey, Peniaphobia (third place): I think he was unlucky after coming up with such a fantastic run. The pace of the race was hot indeed and for some time i thought he went a bit too fast. But i think there are so many other reasons why i can be happy with him.
6.37pm
The horses are heading to their stalls for Race 6, the Dubai Golden Shaheen.
6.35pm
Race 6, Dubai Golden Shaheen, starts at 6.45pm. Here's a peek at the racecard:
RACE 6 - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | RICH TAPESTRY (IRE) | Michael Chang | HKG |
2 | MASTER KOCHANGWONG (AUS) | David Hall | HKG |
3 | X Y JET (USA) | Jorge Navarro | USA |
4 | KIFAAH (GB) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
5 | DOMINEER (GB) | Caspar Fownes | HKG |
6 | SUPER JOCKEY (NZ) | Tony Millard | HKG |
7 | MUARRAB (GB) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
8 | CONFRONTATION (USA) | Kiaran McLaughlin | USA |
9 | MORAWIJ (GB) | Dhruba Selvaratnam | UAE |
10 | REYNALDOTHEWIZARD (USA) | Satish Seemar | UAE |
6.33pm - Hat watch
And the winner is...
And here's the Best Dressed Lady at the #JaguarStyleStakes #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ukjsKyFWbJ
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
6.29pm
Watch Buffering take the win in the Al Quoz Sprint.
Buffering wins the #AlQuozSprint #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan pic.twitter.com/ni3JTSDzsN
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
6.26pm - Leslie Wilson Jr.
Winner of the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Saint-Cloud, France in October Chirstophe Soumillon's mount demonstrated when he is regarded as one of the best stayers in Europe when delivering a breath-taking run in the closing stages of the race to score by a neck.
This was a sixth straight win for Vazirabad, a son of German stallion Monduro, and Royer-Dupre’s second big win at the Dubai World Cup meeting following Dolniya’s triumph in the $6million Dubai Sheema Classic 12 months ago.
Royer-Dupre said: "They went quick and I knew he would be at the back.
“But his main quality is that he has a really big turn of foot and we were not afraid to use it. He was a little bit tired at the end, perhaps he came too early, but I’m not sure.
"I don't know if we'll stay at long distances, perhaps we will drop him back to 2,400 metres. he could go for the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud (Group1, 2,440m) as I know he is very special."
Soumillon, who was doing the steering when Dolniya won last year, opted to sit a long way off the pace being made by 2014 shock Gold Cup winner Certerach.
Jamie Spencer went for home aboard Big Orange with two furlongs to run but Vazirabad was closing the gap with every stride under a confident Soumillon. The two fought out the final furlong and while Soumillon appeared to be gaining the upper hand Big Orange battled back for Spencer only to lose out in the final strides.
The Richard Fahey-trained Suegioo finished strongly only to be beaten in a photo-finish for third by Saeed Bin Surour’s Haafaguinea.
Michael Bell, has campaigned Big Orange in all the top staying races around the world, including the Group1 A$6million Melbourne Cup, was full of praise for his charge and said: "The winner is very good but he had to pull out all the stops to beat us.
“I’m really proud of him, it was a very good effort.
“We’ll make plans when we get back that set’s him up nicely for the rest of the year.
Spencer added: "I had a perfect trip and the horse has given us his all. No complaints, we were beaten by a good horse."
James Doyle was full of praise for Godolphin’s Haafaguinea.
"It was a monster effort. He had a smooth trip and I'm absolutely delighted with him."
Former British footballer Michael Owen, who took home the trophy twelve months ago, saw his wishes come true when he posted on his twitter account, @themichaelowen, ‘a year today since Brown Panther demolished the field in the Dubai Gold Cup. Let’s hope a European horse leads them home this time.’
Vazirabad was stretching to three wins Europe’s dominantion of the race following Certerach in 2014 and record-setting Brown Panther last season.
Owen’s stable flag-bearer set a course record of 03:18.84 seconds when landing the prize for Richard Kingscote aboard the Tom Dascombe-trained horse.
6.22pm
In case you missed it earlier, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wrote about the importance of horse racing in the UAE.
6.16pm
Buffering takes the spoils.
Buffering ridden by Damien Browne trained by Robert Heathcote owned by a syndication wins the Al Quoz Sprint #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
6.15pm
Provisional classification
RACE 5 - AL QUOZ SPRINT | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 9 | BUFFERING (AUS) | Robert Heathcote | AUS |
2 | 5 | PENIAPHOBIA (IRE) | Tony Cruz | HKG |
3 | 6 | ERTIJAAL (IRE) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
4 | 2 | JUNGLE CAT (IRE) | Charlie Appleby | UAE |
6.12pm
Race winner: 9, Buffering
6.10pm
Race 5, the Al Quoz Sprint... And they're off!
6.07pm - Couple watch
Beyond the furlongs...
#JaguarStyleStakes' Best Dressed Couple 👒🎩 walk the walk. #DubaiWorldCup🐎. pic.twitter.com/gnCF9xbT6t
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
6.02pm
The Al Quoz Sprint is minutes away as the horses head to the stalls. Race start time is 6.10pm.
Race 5 the Al Quoz Sprint gets underway from 6.10pm #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan pic.twitter.com/gMm1PBjV8s
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.57pm
We'll just leave this here...
5.50pm
GNTV captured the moment when Lani crossed the line to take the win in the UAE Derby. Watch for yourself...
Lani wins the UAE Derby #Meydan #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/x2gPilYq4D
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.47pm
Race 5, Al Quoz Sprint, starts at 6.10. Here's the full racecard:
RACE 5 - AL QUOZ SPRINT | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | NAADIRR (IRE) | Marco Botti | GBR |
2 | JUNGLE CAT (IRE) | Charlie Appleby | UAE |
3 | BEL CANTO (JPN) | Koichi Tsunoda | JPN |
4 | NOT LISTENIN'TOME (AUS) | John Moore | HKG |
5 | PENIAPHOBIA (IRE) | Tony Cruz | HKG |
6 | ERTIJAAL (IRE) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
7 | SOLE POWER (IRE) | Edward Lynam | IRE |
8 | GOLDREAM (IRE) | Robert Cowell | GBR |
9 | BUFFERING (AUS) | Robert Heathcote | AUS |
10 | MUTHMIR (IRE) | William Haggas | GBR |
11 | FITYAAN (GB) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
12 | SIR MAXIMILIAN (IRE) | Ian Williams | GBR |
13 | LADY SHIPMAN (USA) | Kiaran McLaughlin | USA |
5.46pm - Couple watch
The glamour continues...
Now the finalists for the Best Dressed Couple at the #JaguarStyleStakes 👒🎩 #DubaiWorldCup 🐎. pic.twitter.com/HDsplN9Rb4
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
5.43pm
Lani ridden by Yutaka Take trained by Mikio Matsunaga owned by Yoko Maeda wins the UAE Derby #Meydan #DubaiWorldCup
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.40pm
Lani wins the UAE Derby.
RACE 4 - UAE DERBY | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | LANI (USA) | Mikio Matsunaga | JPN |
2 | 2 | POLAR RIVER (USA) | Doug Watson | UAE |
3 | 4 | YU CHANGE (JPN) | Hideyuki Mori | JPN |
4 | 5 | VALE DORI (ARG) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
5.35pm
Race 4, UAE Derby... And they're off!
5.34pm
Race 4, the UAE Derby, starts in one minute. Here's the racecard.
Next up is the 5.35pm #UAEDerby with Polar River the one to watch in race four of the nine race card pic.twitter.com/dXlL9G9f5k
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.32pm
Race 3, Dubai Gold Cup official classification:
RACE 3 - DUBAI GOLD CUP | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | VAZIRABAD (FR) | Alain de Royer Dupre | FRA |
2 | 7 | BIG ORANGE (GB) | Michael Bell | GBR |
3 | 11 | HAAFAGUINEA (GB) | Saeed bin Suroor | UAE |
4 | 3 | SUEGIOO (FR) | Richard Fahey | GBR |
5.29pm
Our man on the ground has been snooping...
Keen eye from our man Alaric Gomes, he's spotted @VfL_Wolfsburg direc Klaus Allofs a Euro1980 winner #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uP4KSqa41h
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.25pm
The UAE Derby is next up, here's the racecard.
RACE 4 - UAE DERBY | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | FRANK CONVERSATION (USA) | Doug O'Neill | USA |
2 | POLAR RIVER (USA) | Doug Watson | UAE |
3 | LANI (USA) | Mikio Matsunaga | JPN |
4 | YU CHANGE (JPN) | Hideyuki Mori | JPN |
5 | VALE DORI (ARG) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
6 | ON THE ROCKS (JPN) | Hideyuki Mori | JPN |
7 | LAZZAM (GB) | Marco Botti | GBR |
5.20pm
Watch the climax of the Dubai Gold Cup. We're still waiting on the official classification.
Vazirabad wins race three #DubaiGoldCup #Meydan #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/jj5BBF0BJK
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
5.15pm
Now it's time for another gallery. There's horses in this one.
5.11pm - Man watch
Say hello to some of the dapper@men competing for Best Dressed Man 🎩 at the #JaguarStyleStakes #DubaiWorldCup 🐎. pic.twitter.com/jcIMczK1cG
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
5.07pm - Godolphin Mile, quotes from the paddock
Doug Watson, trainer, One Man Band: No, never I wasn't expecting such a clean sweep. It's such an amazing feeling when you consider that you've been waiting for this moment of winning only one. And now in one race we have all three. I was just expecting to get one of my horses out there in the front.
If you as me to describe the feeling, I would say it is unbelievable. This is such a great start to the evening and hopefully, there will be more winners from our side.
As far as the jockey goes, I didn't have to tell him anything before the race. He is such an experienced hand and he knew exactly what he had to do.
5.05pm - Godolphin Mile, quotes from the paddock
Sam Hitchcott jockey of One Man Band winner of the Godolphin Mile
“He travels so good and gets everyone up when it matters, and you can get him up at that point, and then he kicks off the turn and he just goes again…
“To be fair to this fella his most awkward part of the race is just jumping [starting] because he can rock in the stalls a little bit, but he was just brilliant today, like I say good team effort all round brilliant for Doug brilliant for the boys in the yard and we’ll enjoy it…
First world cup night for him and the team? “But we’ve got a few chances yet don’t worry.”
5.02pm
Photo finish for third place. Results not yet classified.
5pm
Vazirabad ridden by Christophe Soumillon, trained by Alain De Royer-Dupre, owned by Aga Khan wins the Dubai Gold Cup.
4.58pm
Race won by 1 Vazirabad
4.55pm
Race 3 Dubai Gold Cup... And they're off!
4.53pm - Hat watch
Here are the finalists for the Most Creative Hat 👒 at the #JaguarStyleStakes #DubaiWorldCup 🐎 pic.twitter.com/ubICLBYejy
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
4.50pm
The Dubai Gold Cup is five minutes away. Here's the racecard.
Getting ready now for the 4.55pm Dubai Gold Cup race three of the nine card #DubaiWorldCup at #Meydan Vazirabad fav pic.twitter.com/bDDzy7Hu8Z
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
4.44pm
Race 3, the Dubai Gold Cup, starts at 4.55pm. The horses are on their way to the stalls now.
4.42pm
It's time for another gallery! Our photographers are busy today.
4.40pm
The next race on the schedule is the Dubai Gold Cup. Here are your runners:
RACE 3 - DUBAI GOLD CUP | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | VAZIRABAD (FR) | Alain de Royer Dupre | FRA |
2 | PARADISE (GER) | Waldemar Hickst | GER |
3 | SUEGIOO (FR) | Richard Fahey | GBR |
4 | NEO BLACK DIA (JPN) | Yuichi Shikato | JPN |
5 | STAR EMPIRE (SAF) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
6 | CERTERACH (IRE) | Michael Halford | IRE |
7 | BIG ORANGE (GB) | Michael Bell | GBR |
8 | MANATEE (GB) | Andre Fabre | FRA |
9 | MEADOW CREEK (GB) | Doug Watson | UAE |
10 | TELLINA (SAF) | Mike de Kock | SAF |
11 | HAAFAGUINEA (GB) | Saeed bin Suroor | UAE |
4.35pm - Manjusha Radhakrishnan
It was an explosion of colours, prints, hemlines and styles as thousands of men and women put their best foot forward at the Dubai World Cup 2016, held at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday afternoon.
The focus wasn’t just on the horse racing tracks and which horse takes home the world’s richest prize, but it was also about how chic and quirky one can get on the styling front.
Alvina Gabdrashitova, 17, wore her passion on her hemlines as she wore a billowing golden gown that had wild horses printed over the train.
“I ride horses. It’s my biggest passion and I thought to myself why not combine my love for horses with fashion,” said Gabdrashitova. It’s her fourth year at the Dubai World Cup and she makes sure that she never misses this sporting extravaganza.
Jeanne Lindell, 45, from Sweden who was all set to participate for the Jaguar Style Stakes chose a pale blue strapless gown for the big day.
“I love the atmosphere now. There’s a fashion competition that I hope to win and a sporting event on the other side. What’s not to love?,” said Lindell, who took over a month to plan her outfit for this year’s races.
Meanwhile, the competition was heating up at the Jaguar Style Stakes 2016, a sartorial contest that’s held on the sidelines of the horse races.
Latoyah Asha has come all the way from Australia to attend the races and participate in the Jaguar Style Stakes.
“I ride horses for a living and it’s great to be a part of such a fun, fashionable event,” said Asha, who was being sized up for The Best Hat category.
It was a first for Poonam Rajpara from India. She’s Dubai-based, but has never gotten around to seeing the races.
“It’s such a glorious day and I can’t wait to experience the excitement at the races and see people from around the world enjoy a day in the sun,” said Rajpara.
4.31pm - Leslie Wilson Jr.
Purse: $1,000,000 (Purebred s 4yo+) 2000m Dirt 1. AF Mathmoon (trained by Musabah Al Muhairi) ridden by Dane O'Neil 2. TM Thunder Struck (Alban De Mieulle) Olivier Peslier 3. Thakif (Nacer Samiri) Silvestre de Sousa 4. Handasa (Francois Rouhat) Paul Hanagan.
Also ran:Versac PY, Shaheer, AF Lafeh, Arkan, Lares De Pine, Haajeb, Rasi, Nashmee, AF Tawaq, Mahess Du Soleil, Qassy.
Winning distances: Neck, 1.25lengths, 1.25.
Winning time: 02:15.45secs.
Winning owner: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
4.27pm - Hat watch
This Dubai Frame homage paints an interesting picture...
We declared best hat winner far too soon without mentioning this #DubaiFrame inspired effort #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/bxHV0Xa8Dv
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
4.24pm
One Man Band ridden by Sam Hitchcott, trained by Doug Watson and owned by Shaikh Saeed Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum wins the Godolphin Mile.
Here's the top four:
RACE 2 - GODOLPHIN MILE | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | ONE MAN BAND (IRE) | Doug Watson | UAE |
2 | 4 | FAULKNER (GB) | Doug Watson | UAE |
3 | 8 | COOL COWBOY (USA) | Doug Watson | UAE |
4 | 2 | MARKING (USA) | Kiaran McLaughlin | USA |
4.20pm
Godolphin Mile... And they're off!
4.19pm - Hat watch
Another entry for best hat #Meydan #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lFE3ytLuX1
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
4.16pm
Time for a gallery, we think. Here's how it all looks at the Meydan right now.
4.14pm
The horses are heading to the stalls for Race 2. Here's the racecard.
Here's the race card for race two the 4.20pm Godolphin Mile #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan starting in five minutes pic.twitter.com/BjHk3Hjrvg
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
4.09pm - Hat watch
Jeanne Lindell says she likes drama, and we say it reflects on her #JaguarStyleStakes outfit #DubaiWorldCup🐎🐎🐎 pic.twitter.com/Lag9KVSOi2
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 26, 2016
4.07pm
Here's the racecard for Race 2, the Godolphin mile.
RACE 2 - GODOLPHIN MILE | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | ONE MAN BAND (IRE) | Doug Watson | UAE |
2 | MARKING (USA) | Kiaran McLaughlin | USA |
3 | LE BERNARDIN (USA) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
4 | FAULKNER (GB) | Doug Watson | UAE |
5 | MAFTOOL (USA) | Musabah Al Muhairi | UAE |
6 | GOLD CITY (IRE) | Satish Seemar | UAE |
7 | GOD'S SPEED (IRE) | Hussain Al Shuwaib | KSA |
8 | COOL COWBOY (USA) | Doug Watson | UAE |
9 | SLOANE AVENUE (USA) | Jeremy Noseda | GBR |
10 | PRAYER FOR RELIEF (USA) | Mike de Kock | KSA |
4.05pm
Next on the schedule is the Godolphin Mile, which starts at 4.20pm
3.58pm
AF Mathmoon ridden by Dane O'Neill trained by Musabah Al Muhairi and owned by Shaikh Hamdan is first ever local bred to win Kahayla Classic
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.54pm
AF Mathmoon wins the Kahayla Classic ridden by Dane O’Neill, trained by Musabah Al Muhairi and owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
3.52pm
Kahayla Classic top 4
RACE 1- KAHALYA CLASSIC | TRAINER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 14 | MATHMOON (UAE) | M Al Muhairi | UAE |
2 | 1 | TM THUNDER STRUCK (US) | Alban de Mieulle | QAT |
3 | 12 | THAKIF (FR) | Nacer Samiri | UAE |
4 | 4 | HANDASSA (FR) | Francois Rohaut | FRA |
3.48pm
Winner: 14 Mathmoon
3.45pm
And they're off!
3.40pm
The horses are on their way to the stalls. Race start at 3.45pm.
3.35pm
So with 10 minutes to go until the Kahayla Classic, here's another glance at the racecard.
Here's the racecard for the 3.45pm Kahayla Classic #DubaiWorldCup, Handassa a firm favourite pic.twitter.com/GxHFxiTXBB
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.32pm
And more...
Excitement grows ahead of the opening race of the #DubaiWorldCup 15 mins to go #Meydan pic.twitter.com/SaI2Ysayyj
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.31pm
A sample of the atmosphere
All set for the 21st edition of the #DubaiWorldCup at #Meydan, parade ring simmering with excitement pic.twitter.com/Xly884duT3
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.30pm
Just 15 minutes to go until Race 1, the Kahayla Classic, takes off. Can you feel it?
3.18pm
Our Chief Sports Writer, Euan Reedie, recently wrote a piece about Laura King, there's a link to it somewhere in this tweet.
.@LauraKingDXB ready for #DubaiWorldCup TV coverage, read @EuanR1's piece on her here https://t.co/vsWLMSGmnq pic.twitter.com/oEkjfkTjst
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.15pm
There's 30 minutes to go until the first race leaves the stalls. Here's the racecard for the Kahayla Classic.
RACE 1- KAHALYA CLASSIC | TRAINER | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | TM THUNDER STRUCK (US) | Alban de Mieulle | QAT |
2 | AF LAFEH (AE) | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | UAE |
3 | HAAJEB (FR) | Nacer Samiri | UAE |
4 | HANDASSA (FR) | Francois Rohaut | FRA |
5 | VERSAC PY (FR) | Erwan Charpy | UAE |
6 | ARKAN (OM) | Hamood Al Raqadi | OMA |
7 | RASI (QA) | Jassim Al Ghazali | QAT |
8 | QASSY (QA) | Jassim Al Ghazali | QAT |
9 | MAHESS DU SOLEIL (GB) | Arnaud Chaille-Chaille | FRA |
10 | AF TAWAQ (AE) | Ernst Oertel | UAE |
11 | SHAHEER (AE) | Eric Lemartinel | UAE |
12 | THAKIF (FR) | Nacer Samiri | UAE |
13 | LARES DE PINE (ITY) | Stefano Meattini | ITA |
14 | MATHMOON (UAE) | M Al Muhairi | UAE |
15 | NASHMEE (FR) | Eric Lemartinel | UAE |
3.11pm - Hat watch
Look at this madness. Hats everywhere.
Hats at the ready, the ladies lineup outside #Meydan, 45 mins until the first #DubaiWorldCup race gets underway pic.twitter.com/sCna7xVzfZ
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
3.03pm - Manjusha Radhakrishnan
The narcissist in me wants to throw caution to the winds and just choose looks over practicality because as a reporter covering the fashion side of the racing extravaganza you are on your feet all afternoon. Any woman worth her Christian Louboutin will vouch that it's no mean feat to walk around in those beautiful, but high heeled creations.
Once again, the voice of reason wins! If you spot the only lady in bright yellow flats (something's gotta give) among the sea of impractical-yet-sexy heels, don't judge. Duty calls.
2.58pm
Two-time British champion jockey Paul Hanagan is targeting more glory on World Cup night for owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
2.53pm - Hat watch
They're coming thick and fast. Check out this fascinator...
Fans have travelled to the #DubaiWorldCup from far and wide, @gulf_news meets a few ahead of a big day at the races pic.twitter.com/TnLkcWL2m1
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
2.52pm - Hat watch
Gulf News has been talking to race fans in the paddock.
Race fans outside #Meydan gearing up for an unforgettable afternoon of #DubaiWorldCup action pic.twitter.com/m8PYrQA33D
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
2.49pm - Leslie Wilson Jr.
It's the turn of the Emirati 'stick dancers' to keep the crowd enthralled at Meydan.
Fascinating folk routine, also known at the 'Ayala' dance, I'm told.
Elsewhere in the jockey's weighing room, the 15 riders are gearing up for the Kahayla Classic, the first race of the day.
I'm outside this high-tension room and can almost feel the pressure rising. Glad it's them and not me getting on those majestic Arabians in less than an hour.
May the best man win!
2.43pm
Jacquie Doyle knows her horses, and she has a lifetime's worth of stories to share. She penned some thoughts exclusively for Gulf News.
2.39pm
The marching band looking majestic
#DubaiWorldCup the marching band are cracking on in front of the main grandstand pic.twitter.com/EM7DDySuR4
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
2.33pm - Leslie Wilson Jr.
Strike up the band!
The Dubai Police Band trumpeting the countdown to the first race with a medley of big band songs in front of the iconic main Grandstand at Meydan racecourse.
Great stuff!
2.30pm
Glitz, glamour, girls, and GGs... and much, much traffic. You'd better leave some extra time to get to the Meydan as the queues are building up.
#DubaiWorldCup Best leave some time to get to the Meydan. Traffic building up pic.twitter.com/VyMMLrJCHU
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
2.25pm
We're not sure who they are, but they have a helicopter.
#DubaiWorldCup The first of the VIPs are flying in... pic.twitter.com/w1hh55zAbN
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
2.21pm
Kiaran McLaughlin, who saddles Frosted tonight, has by now cemented his place in UAE racing history both as a multiple champion trainer and a winner of the $10 million (Dh36.73 million) Dubai World Cup.
He asserts that victory in Saturday’s 21st renewal of the world’s richest race will nonetheless be nothing short of ‘spectacular.’ Read the full article here.
2.13pm
Hats, or "fascinators" as they're known, are all part of the experience. The rules are there are no rules. We're looking forward to seeing what kinds of head adornments will be peppered around the Meydan today.
The Sports desk is keen for people to wear traffic cones on their heads, but we're told what the judges in the Jaguar Style Stakes are looking for. Read the full article here.
No traffic cones, sadly.
2.07pm
Poll time! The question kind of speaks for itself.
2.01pm
Asked by doctors to stay away from horses, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda today is the leading Emirati owner and breeder of Purebred Arabians.
He spoke to Gulf News about his passion. Read the full article here.
2pm
It's time for a flashback! Here's last year's Dubai World Cup, which was won by... no spoilers. We won't ruin it for you.
1.54pm
The masses are begin to flock in. There could be as many as 60,000 people at the Meydan this evening...
#DubaiWorldCup The crowds are starting to filter in. Time to go hat spotting pic.twitter.com/JdYuLrBJWQ
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
1.50pm
Goodness, that's a large trophy. Who will get their hooves on that later tonight?
#DubaiWorldCup Now that's a big trophy pic.twitter.com/d5gul0yc8O
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
1.43pm
Are you heading to the Meydan today? We don't want you to get lost, so show this map to the taxi driver. Better to be safe than sorry...
1.40pm
Have you seen Gulf News Sport's front cover today? We think it's quite striking...
All you need to know about #DubaiWorldCup in our special sport section today with @gulf_news pic.twitter.com/ZJledIhZVX
— Abdul Hamid Ahmad (@AbdulHamidAhmad) March 26, 2016
1.31pm
What's the hardest part about being a jockey? Well, aside from having to literally look up at most people, it take a lot more than you may think.
1.28pm - Leslie Wilson
The UAE's blue riband sporting event is finally here... It's Dubai World Cup day at a bright and sunny Meydan Racecourse in the heart of Nad Al Sheba.
Our enthusiastic team of writers are at the venue, which is absolutely buzzing with activity and anticipation as we countdown to the first of nine races on a glittering card worth $30 million in prize money.
We hope to take you through the day with on-the-spot updates, news, and reactions which culminate in the big race of the night, the $10million Dubai World Cup at 9pm UAE time.
I'm sure we're going to have a lot of fun together... let's go!
1.23pm
Calm before #DubaiWorldCup #Meydan, this is the parade ring where all the action will unfold this evening pic.twitter.com/S4A0dDHteE
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
1.19pm
If you're curious about form, which you almost certainly are, then fillies are looking like the ones to beat.
1.13pm
#Meydan all ready for the #DubaiWorldCup today from 3.45pm @GulfNewsSport @gulf_news pic.twitter.com/mFhmGISI08
— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) March 26, 2016
1.06pm
Gulf News' racing writer Leslie Wilson is getting organised ready for a long day in the office.
Good luck, Leslie.
12.59pm
The first race today is the Kahayla Classic, and it kicks off at 3.45pm local time. But who is running? Here's the racecard.
12.43pm
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai says that horse racing has come home.
12.32pm
Saleha Al Ghurair has etched her name in the history books as the first-ever Emirati female trainer and breeder for Pure Arabians.
However she thinks that more fairness is needed in handicapping. Read the full article here.
12.21pm
It's only a matter of time before the masses begin flocking through the gates. Naturally, before the horses start running we must tend to the business of fashion.
Certainly, @GulfNewsTabloid will be on the look out for some rather fetching hats.
12.01pm
Let's begin by looking at the schedule for today's meeting.
Race | Time | Race | Runners | Distance | Course | Purse |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3.45pm | Dubai Kahayla Classic | 15 | 2000m | Dirt | US $1-million |
2 | 4.20pm | Godolphin Mile | 10 | 1600m | Dirt | US $1-million |
3 | 4.55pm | Dubai Gold Cup | 11 | 3200m | Turf | US $1-million |
4 | 5.35pm | UAE Derby | 7 | 1900m | Dirt | US $2-million |
5 | 6.10pm | Al Quoz Sprint | 13 | 1000m | Turf | US $1-million |
6 | 6.45pm | Dubai Golden Shaheen | 10 | 1200m | Dirt | US $2-million |
7 | 7.45pm | Dubai Turf | 15 | 1800m | Turf | US $6-million |
8 | 8.20pm | Dubai Sheema Classic | 9 | 2410m | Turf | US $6-million |
9 | 9pm | Dubai World Cup | 12 | 2000m | Dirt | US $10-million |
12pm
Hello race fans and welcome to the Gulf News live blog for the 2016 Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race.
We'll be bringing you all the action from now until later tonight, from mad hats and avant garde fashion to racecards, runners and results.
Get involved with us by following us on Twitter @GulfNewsSport, and use the hashtag #DubaiWorldCup. Share your posts with us and who knows, you may end up here!
Happy horsing!