The United Arab Emirates is well placed on the world map of international sport by hosting some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. The infrastructure and facilities are world-class and has marked the UAE as the sporting capital of the Middle East.The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed was registered as owning the largest stock of Arabian horses in the world. He had established the first Emiri stable in 1969 with 12 horses. Today, his sons have taken it to full membership of the World Arabian Horses Organization. The Maktoum family of Dubai with their 1000 horses in training around the world have stormed the international racing scene.
Now under the direction of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice
President and Prime Minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Equestrian Club has been granted the responsibility of overseeing all affiliated equestrian events in Dubai in the future.
The 2006-2007 racing season will begin in November with the Winter Racing Challenge, the 2007 Dubai International Racing Carnival starts on 18th January and the season culminates with the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup (Gr.I), sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Major Races In Dubai
The UAE has 30 major races for Thoroughbreds and 21 major races for Purebred Arabians. These are classed Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Listed and Prestige, with Group 1 being the best.
Some beautiful fashions on the field at The Emirates Melbourne Cup. Fashion has become its own colourful sport during many Racing Carnivals around the world, with racegoers competing to make a good impression.
We have a list of all the major races of the Dubai Racing Carnival 2010, but remember there are other smaller races and if you are interested in Dubai horse racing all you really need to know is that every thursday from Thursday 28th Jan until Thursday 5th March will have high-stakes horse racing and Emirates have also some Friday races in this time period.
January
Thursday 28th
Group 3 - $ 200 000 - Rd 1 Al Makthoum Challenge - 1600 metres
February
Thursday 4th
Group 3 - $ 200 000 - Al Rashidiya - 1800 metres
Friday 5th
Group 3 - $ 200 000 - Cape Verdi - Fillies & Mares - 1600 metres
Thursday 11th
Dubai International Racing Carnival
Thursday 15th
Dubai International Racing Carnival
Thursday 22nd
Dubai International Racing Carnival
Friday 23rd
Dubai International Racing Carnival
March 2007
Thursday 1st
Dubai International Racing Carnival/ Super Thursday
Situated about 5 kms south east of Dubai, it is signed from the Abu Dhabi road at the Metropolitan Hotel junction, or from the Interchange on Al Ruwayyah Al Ain Road if approaching from the defence roundabout.
Brief History
Following instructions by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, the Nad Al Sheba track was laid down in 1986 with the construction of the original Maktoum Grandstand following two years later. The first racing meeting was staged in 1992 with the Maktoum Grandstand undergoing expansion and refurbishment in 1993, 1999 and again in 2000. The futuristic Millennium Grandstand, described as the best of its kind, offering unparalleled viewing and hospitality facilities was opened on Dubai World Cup day 2001.
Track Details
The left-handed Nad Al Sheba dirt track is 2,254 metres in circumference and 20 metres wide. It has three chutes to accommodate starting points for races scheduled over 2,000 metres, 1,600 metres and 1,200 metres. The 1,200 metres chute provides a straight course for races from 1,000 metres to 1,200 metres. The surface is comprised of a mixture of fine dune sand, silt and clay and 3 inches of cushion are harrowed up daily for training and racing alike. It is routinely harrowed, watered and graded to ensure the going remains constant. The left-handed Nad Al Sheba turf track is 2,121 metres in circumference and 20 metres wide. It has three chutes to accommodate starting points for races scheduled over 2,000 metres, 1,600 metres and 1,200 metres. The 1,200 metres chute is mainly used to start 2,800-3,200 metres races; all sprint races are started on the main. The grass is a Bermuda hybrid and is planted in local sand termed "sweet soil". It was top-dressed with an inch of peat moss in the summer of 1997 and again in 1998. The grass is kept at 6 inches during the racing season and is over-sown with rye in the autumn. It rides consistently good.
Dress Code
In public areas the dress code is casual. Dress code for race-goers requiring access to the hospitality areas or the private viewing boxes is smart casual. Modest dress is recommended for women.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Location
Situated in the embassy district, the Club is just five minutes from the city centre close to Al Mushrif Palace.
Brief History
Originally founded as a riding club by The President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1976. The grass surfaced racetrack was laid down in 1980 with open racing beginning in 1991.Prior to this the Club staged private meetings for Arabian horses to coincide with important occasions. In 1994, following instructions by His Highness The President , the club was completely modernised with the construction of a new fibreturf grass racetrack and the installation of floodlights to enable racing to take place after sunset. Other facilities have also been added to the club including new air conditioned stable blocks and equine swimming pool. A state of the art 5000 seater grandstand, which includes corporate hospitality boxes, VIP suites and administration offices, is available for the 2002/2003 season.
Track Details
2000 metres (10 furlongs) right handed grass track with a run in of 500 metres (2.5 furlongs). A fibresand training track is located inside the main track.
Dress Code
Public- smart casual
Members & VIP's- formal
Jebel Ali Racecourse
Location
Situated 15 minutes from the city of Dubai on the main Dubai to Abu Dhabi Road, beside the Emirates Golf Club.
Brief History
Following specifications laid down by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dhruba Selvaratnam, the track and grandstand were constructed in 1990. A further level was added to the grandstand in 1995 to accommodate corporate hospitality guests. There is currently seating for over 2000 people. The Jebel Ali Racecourse has become known for its 'Garden Party' like atmosphere.
Track Details
Right handed horseshoe shaped track of 2200 metres (racing distance) with a 900 metre run into the finish. It has a 1400 metre straight course. Surface is a mixture of sand and oil. Well known for its steep European style finish.
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club
Location
Situated approximately 15 kilometres from the centre of Sharjah on the main Sharjah Airport road.
Brief History
Originally costructed in 1982 under the supervision of His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Majid Al Qasimi. The first race took place in 1983. Following instructions by the ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a programme to renovate the track began in 1995 and has recently been completed. This has included the construction of a new grandstand and the redesigning of the racetrack.
Track Details
Left handed dirt/sand track of 1600 metres with a 1200 metre straight.
Dress Code
Casual
Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club
Location
Just 30 minutes from Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi by road.
Brief History
The club has completed its fifth official season through the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In addition to the impressive grandstand, which accommodates 2000 people, there is a Clubhouse with an Italian restaurant, and a swimming pool and sauna facilities. And now in use are 6 polo fields and 3 tennis courts.
Track Details
Left-handed fibreturf grass track of just over 1800 metres with a 400 metre runin. It includes a 1000 metre straight and two chutes for both 1600 metre and 1800 metre furlong races. The facility also includes two existing sand based training tracks, one on an incline and the other inside the grass track.
Open Sat-Thu 7am-1pm and 4pm-7pm.
Cost for one hour lesson Dhs 125 or Dhs 600 for a black of five. 45 minute lessons cost Dhs200 or Dhs950 for a block of five.
Jebel Ali Equestrian Club (04 8844585)
Location: Jebel Ali Village
Open Sat-Thu 8am-11am and 4am-7pm. The club requires an annual membership fee of Dhs120. Cost for 10 lessons packages Dhs500 for children, Dhs800 for adults.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa (04 8048058)
Location:
Jebel Ali Resort
Open Tue-Sun 7am-12noon, Cost for 30minute private lesson Dhs65, Dhs130 for one hour. Desert rides for competent riders are available.
Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Centre (04 3618111)
Location:
Arabian Ranches
Open Tue-Sun 7am-9am and 4pm-9pm. Cost for 5 lesson package Dhs450 for adults and Dhs250 for children. Individual lessons start from Dhs100 for 50minutes. Polo lessons, Dhs2000 for 5 lesson package, private one hour lesson Dhs550.
Al Ahli Horse Riding Club (04 2988408)
Location:
Right at the Al Mulla Plaza shopping mall and behind Al Ahli football club
Open Sat-Thu 8.30am-9.30pm, during the summer months 5.30am-9.30am and again at 17.30pm to 22.30pm. Cost 45 minute lessons start from Dhs65.
