Meydan to host premier race meeting in Chengdu later this year

Dubai: Meydan Group LLC have entered into a strategic partnership with the City of Chengdu to host a race meeting in the Chinese city later this year.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the details in Meydan on Thursday, Saeed Al Tayer, Meydan Group chairman, said the racing programme is tentatively planned for some time in October while the details will be announced “in due course”. The programme will be an international day of racing featuring horses and jockeys that frequent the Meydan racing season.

“This is an exciting development that will further define the future of racing in China,” said Jingbao Zhan, Chinese Consulate General to the UAE. “It highlights the spirit of international cooperation that exists between Dubai, the UAE and China. We will continue to develop our strategy in China and hope that his initial step will nurture the growth and development of this sport in China and the UAE.”

Al Tayer added: “Information relating to quarantine, prize money, race conditions and other race specifics will be issued at a later date. As we are on the threshold of the 18th running of the Dubai World Cup, a world-famous contest that grew out of the vision and passion for racing that exists in this country, we are pleased to make this significant international announcement. It is from the passion for racing and major events that we wish to share with our counterparts in China as well as the wider racing world.”

Chengdu, located in Wenjiang district, has meanwhile hosted the China Equestrian Festival, which included equine sport and showjumping, in 2011 and 2012. This “is a reflection of Wenjiang’s ability to host equine sports and facilities, which are available there,” said Zhan.

“Dubai, as a window for Chinese enterprises to the Middle East region, has played an important role for the cooperation between China and the UAE. With the enhancement of this cooperation, more Chinese enterprises are welcome and encouraged to explore the Dubai market. And on the other hand, UAE enterprises are welcome to start business in China.”

Al Tayer said the proposed programme is a “win-win” scenario for the equine industry. “Is this a win for the breeders? Yes. Is this a win for people who have horses for racing? Yes. Is this a win for us? Absolutely.”

— Sarah Algethami is a trainee at Gulf News