Meydan Heaven
Te world’s richest horse race is once again set to capture the attention of the sporting public. Jonathan Kearney looks ahead to the big day
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to the Kentucky Derby. With the first race having been held in 1996, it is a relative newcomer to the racing
W
ith a $10m purse, the prize money on offer for the Dubai World Cup eclipses all the other great races, from the
calendar. And though it can’t yet boast the prestige of the Epsom Derby, or match the soul of Te Grand National, it inevitably manages to attract some of the finest thoroughbreds the world has to offer. Te race symbolises the laissez-faire, money-no-object approach Dubai has to gaining recognition on the world stage. Te race, which this year takes place on
Saturday, 29th March, is to the Middle East what Royal Ascot is to Britain, attracting socialites, celebrities, sporting dignitaries and royalty from around the world. High fashion and conspicuous wealth is the order of the day. Meydan Racecourse, which has hosted the event since its completion in 2010, features the world’s first trackside five-star hotel, with 284 suites offering direct, unobstructed views of the racing action. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the course from the hotel’s rooftop swimming
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pool, unwind in the spa or take in a film in the IMAX cinema, with a screen half the size of a football field and large enough to show a life- size whale. Te Meydan Hotel does not have any
remaining availability for World Cup day, although a wide spectrum of tickets remain for admission to the racecourse, from around £5 (25 Arab Emirates Dirhams) for general admission, to the AED3750 (approximately £620) First Class Lounge, located on the third floor of the Grandstand. Te track, which cost an estimated $2bn to construct, can accommodate 60,000 spectators. Te Dubai World Cup is, of course, the venue’s marquee event and is the culmination of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Te Carnival of racing began on 9th January this year and will incorporate 11 race meetings in all. World
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