A tribute extended to the Maktoum family estimates that racing worldwide would be poorer by one-quarter without their involvement. This analysis was made a few years ago. That fraction has since increased by quite a few decimals.
While some would argue that this logic is purely mathematical, the purists and history will state that the world of horse racing would have been less privileged without the generous support, patronage and guidance of the Maktoums and in particular, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Some of the most famous horse races in history have been born simply out of a moment of inspiration, or eccentricity. The creation of the event at Ascot Heath was a result of the indulgence of Queen Anne: she wanted to entertain the subjects in her court.
The birth of the Derby and the Oaks was the result of tomfoolery between Lord Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury. And what of the Dubai World Cup, to be hosted today - in what will be its 12th running - at Nad Al Sheba? Well, we all know that it is the brainchild of a visionary leader - Shaikh Mohammad.
And that folks, to put it simply, is its story.
The Dubai World Cup was not a knee-jerk reaction. Rather, it was the result of a burning ambition - to put the emirate on the world map of horse racing. In hindsight, its effects can be likened to setting off a fixed timer to a keg of dynamite and counting the seconds before the explosion. The blast took place in 1996, announcing its arrival. Till date, its reverberations are being felt all over the world. If it's March, then it must be Dubai.
For many owners, trainers and jockeys, the Dubai World Cup is seen as the final frontier of horse racing. Yes, there are the Derbys, Oaks and Arcs but firmly ensconced in their midst is the world's richest race meeting which offers, in a time span of four-and-a-half hours of electric racing, a total purse of $21 million (Dh77.175 million). The purse for the Dubai World Cup race alone is $6 million (Dh22.05 million).
The progress made by this meeting - from 1996 till 2007 - has been rapid. In this, the march forward has been coupled with the dramatic development of Dubai. The dynamism of the event is related to the pulse and heart beat of the city - it is rapid, full of energy and it mirrors the ambitions of its people who are constantly striving hard to push forward whatever the cost.
Here, there is the beautiful synergy between sport and life.
