Our live coverage of the Dubai World Cup, as it happened
11.27pm
Sia pleases crowd with hits
After Titanium, Chandelier and The Greatest, that's a wrap on #DubaiWorldCup and @Sia.
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 25, 2017
10.45pm
Watch: Sia sings Titanium in Dubai
10.35pm
Video: @HamdanMohammed & Hamdan bin Rashid present the winning trophy of #DubaiWorldCup to #Arrogate pic.twitter.com/PRt5lYMQQk
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
10.28pm
Dubai World Cup: It's a wrap!
By Leslie Wilson Jr., Racing & Special Features Writer
Dubai: He came, he saw, he conquered. Arrogate, the highest rated horse in the world overcame a shocking start to win the 22nd running of the $10 million Dubai World Cup (Group 1), sending a crowd of over 40,000 fans into a frenzy at the iconic Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
After missing the break at the start of the 2,000 metre contest, which left him trailing his 13 rivals, the imposing grey son of Unbridled steadily worked his way back into the race under a super confident Mike Smith, before pulling away in the final furlong to win in glorious fashion.
Fellow American-trained Gun Runner, ridden by Frenchman Florent Geroux for trainer Steve Asmussen, best remembered for training Curlin to victory in the 2008 Dubai World Cup, finished 2 ¼ lengths behind the Arrogate while the Todd Pletcher-trained Neolithic, with John Velazquez in the irons, was third, a further five lengths further back.
South African-trained Mubtaahij, second in this race last year behind California Chrome, finished fourth for Christophe Soumillon.
Mike Smith, Arrogate’s 51-year-old rider and one of the leading jockeys in US thoroughbred racing since the early 1990s, was ecstatic and said: "When I missed the break I immediately thought of Zenyatta. I thought 'I've got so much confidence in this horse I'm going to ride him like Zenyatta' and it paid off.
"I missed the break completely because he's used to having a man in the gate with him, but things happen for a reason and thank the Lord we got the job done.”
Smith rode Zenyatta, who was trained by John Shirreffs, to 14 of his 16 victories between 2008 and 2010.
"This horse can do anything, he can win in the lead, he can come from dead last, he hasn't even taken a breath,” he added.
"I get a lot of the glory, but there's a big team who deserve a lot of credit."
Baffert admitted to being mortified after Arrogate was sluggish out of the stalls but said: "When he missed the break, I gave him no chance at all.
"I was so mad at myself thinking I shouldn't have brought him - that's the greatest horse I've ever seen run, it's unbelievable, I can't believe he won. That is a great horse.
"Mike did a great job, he didn't panic. When he turned for home I said 'If he wins he's the greatest since Secretariat'."
Arrogate has been unbeatable in the United States since finishing third in his debut. He has now has won four straight Grade 1 or Group 1 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Pegasus Cup earlier this year.
His victory on Saturday has driven his career earning past the $17 million mark making him the highest earning horse in American racing history.
Baffert, who trained the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, previously won the Dubai World Cup with Silver Charm in 1998 and Captain Steve in 2001.
Arrogate races in the colours of Prince Khalid Abdullah, the first cousin and brother-in-law of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabi, who also owned the great Frankel.
He has amassed over $80 million in career prize money.
Abdullah has won more than 150 Group 1 races worldwide with more than 125 by homebreds such as Flintshire, Emollient, Seek Again, Empire Maker, Banks Hill, Dancing Brave, and Frankel.
He also owns the outstanding Juddmote Farm breeding operation. In 2016, Arrogate gave Juddmonte its fifth career Breeders' Cup win when he outfinished California Chrome to win the $6 million Classic. After the 2016 season, Juddmonte Farms was named the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding owner.
10.07pm
Rain can't stop Sia
Good news, @Sia fans! The show has begun at #DubaiWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/k6h5djwrnv
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 25, 2017
Come rain or wind, @Sia's shining bright like a diamond at the #DubaiWorldCup (Apologies for the bad quality). pic.twitter.com/frpgg7Wvoz
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 25, 2017
9.51pm
Shaikh Mohammad: 'Another sports milestone'
Today at the Dubai World Cup, the UAE achieved another sports milestone; we were proud to host the world’s most prestigious equestrian event
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 25, 2017
Congratulations for prince khalid bin Abdulla for the great win of Arrogate of the world’s richest horse race. pic.twitter.com/5PCM2v6X5H
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 25, 2017
9.49pm
Arrogate now the highest-earning racehorse ever
By AP
Dubai: Arrogate showed his class again in the Dubai World Cup as he came from last place after a delay out of the stalls to win by an impressive 2 1/4 lengths on Saturday.
With the win, four-year-old Arrogate became the highest-earning racehorse ever, surpassing California Chrome, winner of the same race last year. Arrogate has grossed $17,084,600 for winning seven races out of eight in his career.
In the second richest horse race in the world at $10 million, run over dirt and 2,000 meters at Meydan Racecourse, Arrogate produced a powerful finish under jockey Mike Smith to beat Gun Runner and Neolithic in a 1-2-3 for the US.
The winning time was 2 minutes, 2.15 seconds — slower than the course record set by Chrome last year — but understandable given the soft conditions after a second straight day of rain and thunderstorms in Dubai.
Arrogate gave trainer Bob Baffert his third Dubai World Cup after Silver Charm (1998), and Captain Steve (2001).
Vivlos of Japan, trained by Yasuo Tomomichi and ridden by Joao Moreira, won the Dubai Turf over 1,800 meters, one of the two races on the card offering $6 million prize money. Moreira left it late to break from the outside and catch Heshem and Godolphin's Ribchester over the last 100 meters.
Ribchester, under William Buick, looked solid until caught by Heshem with less than 100 meters to go. Both were outsprinted by Vivlos to give Japan a second win in the race in two years. Real Steel, who was a non-runner this year, had won in 2016.
The other $6 million race, the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic over 2,410 meters, was claimed comfortably by Godolphin-owned and John Gosden-trained Jack Hobbs.
In a race in which only seven went to the post, Jack Hobbs was bunched up with three others but jockey William Buick forced a powerful finish in which Jack Hobbs surged from 300 meters out to beat Seventh Heaven and Postponed, the defending champion.
Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon was a back-to-back winner, making a very late charge on Vazirabad to win the 3,200-meter Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, followed by a photo-finish in the UAE Derby when he powered Godolphin's Thunder Snow to finish ahead by a nose over Epicharis.
9.39pm
Watch the fireworks at the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony
9.33pm
Arrogate wins Dubai World Cup thriller
By AFP
Dubai: Overwhelming favourite Arrogate won the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, overcoming a poor start to claim the $10 million race.
The Bob Baffert trained horse and with Mike Smith in the saddle came home ahead of Gun Runner in second and Neolithic who took third place.
Four-year-old Arrogate went into the race as the odds-on favourite after an impressive win in the Breeders' Cup Classic but after a slow start out of the stalls, Smith had to weave his way through the field.
Gun Runner was ahead at the turn but Smith and Arrogate stepped up their final push down the straight at Meydan as Baffert claimed a third win in the race.
Baffert admitted that he feared the worst for his horse after the sloppy start.
“That was 'Plan F'!," said Baffert. "But that's the best I've ever seen in my life, it's unbelievable
“I guess he knew where he was but it just goes to show you how great this horse is, he's just a great horse. Mike did a great job, he didn't panic."
9:00pm
8.58pm
'That’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life'
Bob Baffert, trainer of Dubai World Cup winning horse Arrogate:
“That was plan F. I just can’t believe it, Mike Smith did a tremendous job, he didn’t panic, I guess he knew where he was but it goes to show you how great this horse is.
“He’s just a great horse, that horse, what he did, that’s all class you know. That’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Watch: Arrogate wins the #DubaiWorldCup!
Watch: Arrogate wins #DubaiWorldCup!
8.55pm
Classification RACE 9 - DUBAI WORLD CUP
|
|
|
RACE 9 - DUBAI WORLD CUP | TRAINER |
|
|
|
ARROGATE (USA) | B Baffert |
|
|
|
GUN RUNNER (USA) | S Asmussen |
|
|
|
NEOLITHIC (USA) | T Pletcher |
|
|
|
MUBTAAHIJ (IRE) | M de Kock |
|
|
|
AWARDEE (USA) | M Matsunaga |
|
|
|
HOPPERTUNITY (USA) | B Baffert |
|
|
|
KEEN ICE (USA) | T Pletcher |
|
|
|
LANI (USA) | M Matsunaga |
|
|
|
APOLLO KENTUCKY (USA) | K Yamauchi |
|
|
|
MOVE UP (GB) | S bin Suroor |
|
|
|
LONG RIVER (USA) | S bin Ghadayer |
|
|
|
SPECIAL FIGHTER (IRE) | M Ritchie |
|
|
|
FURIA CRUZADA (CHI) | E Charpy |
|
|
|
GOLD DREAM (JPN) | O Hirata |
8.49pm
Arrogate, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, wins the $10-million Dubai World Cup.
Watch: Arrogate wins the #DubaiWorldCup and becomes the highest earning horse in history. More on the race with Leslie Wilson, special features writer.
8.41pm
Next up is the 8.45pm Group One 2000m Dubai World Cup on dirt, prize money US$10 million
| RACE 9 - DUBAI WORLD CUP | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | APOLLO KENTUCKY (USA) | K Yamauchi |
| 2 | LONG RIVER (USA) | S bin Ghadayer |
| 3 | GOLD DREAM (JPN) | O Hirata |
| 4 | LANI (USA) | M Matsunaga |
| 5 | GUN RUNNER (USA) | S Asmussen |
| 6 | MOVE UP (GB) | S bin Suroor |
| 7 | AWARDEE (USA) | M Matsunaga |
| 8 | FURIA CRUZADA (CHI) | E Charpy |
| 9 | ARROGATE (USA) | B Baffert |
| 10 | KEEN ICE (USA) | T Pletcher |
| 11 | NEOLITHIC (USA) | T Pletcher |
| 12 | HOPPERTUNITY (USA) | B Baffert |
| 13 | SPECIAL FIGHTER (IRE) | M Ritchie |
| 14 | MUBTAAHIJ (IRE) | M de Kock |
8.40pm
'It’s been a thrilling occasion'
Rachel Gosden, wife of the trainer John Gosden for Dubai Sheema Classic winner Jack Hobbs said:
“He just ran the most fantastic race, and William [Buick] rode a beautiful race and we are all overjoyed to see him, the horse, really show his worth, because we’ve always believed he’s a really good horse and he showed it today and that’s thrilling.”
Regarding the head gear, she added: “We just wanted to make sure he could do himself justice in this fabulous arena on this wonderful night and I think Shaikh Mohammad and John probably talked about it and we are really just along to watch from scenes and enjoy. It’s been a thrilling occasion and we couldn’t have asked from Jack, William, my husband as the trainer our partners and the wonderful people who look after Jack on a day to day basis, so it’s a tremendous nights for us all.”
8.25pm
8.20pm
Classification RACE 8 - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC
|
|
|
RACE 8 - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC | TRAINER |
|
|
|
JACK HOBBS (GB) | J Gosden |
|
|
|
SEVENTH HEAVEN (IRE) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
POSTPONED (IRE) | R Varian |
|
|
|
PRIZE MONEY (GB) | S bin Suroor |
|
|
|
EARNSHAW (USA) | S bin Ghadayer |
|
|
|
SOUNDS OF EARTH (JPN) | K Fujioka |
|
|
|
HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) | A O'Brien |
8.10pm
Jack Hobbs ridden by William Buick wins the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic.
William Buick celebrate as he rode Jack Hobbs trained by John Gosden to win the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic race. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Video: Jack Hobbs wins the $6m Dubai Sheema Classic for @godolphin #dubaiworldcup pic.twitter.com/R8CC3YZMhM
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
8.00pm
. @HHShkMohd with Trainer Bob Baffert at #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7enWU62U5S
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
7.56pm
Next up is the 8.05pm, Group One, 2410m, Dubai Sheema Classic on turf, prize money US$6,000,000
| RACE 8 - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EARNSHAW (USA) | S bin Ghadayer |
| 2 | JACK HOBBS (GB) | J Gosden |
| 3 | HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 4 | SOUNDS OF EARTH (JPN) | K Fujioka |
| 5 | PRIZE MONEY (GB) | S bin Suroor |
| 6 | SEVENTH HEAVEN (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 7 | POSTPONED (IRE) | R Varian |
7.52pm
'Very, very special'
Joao Moreira, the jockey of Dubai Turf winner Vivlos, said: “As I say once again: good horses make a jockey’s life easier. Look, it’s one of the biggest races in the world, if not the biggest it’s one of at least, just being part of it is a pleasure, getting a winner makes it become very, very special.”
Watch: Race 7 - The Dubai Turf just ended! What were the results.
7.39pm
Classification RACE 7 - DUBAI TURF
|
|
|
RACE 7 - DUBAI TURF | TRAINER |
|
|
|
VIVLOS (JPN) | Y Tomomichi |
|
|
|
HESHEM (IRE) | C Ferland |
|
|
|
RIBCHESTER (IRE) | R Fahey |
|
|
|
ZARAK (FR) | A De Royer-Dupré |
|
|
|
MUTAKAYYEF (GB) | W Haggas |
|
|
|
DECORATED KNIGHT (GB) | R Charlton |
|
|
|
DEAUVILLE (IRE) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
COUGAR MOUNTAIN (IRE) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
DEBT COLLECTOR (NZ) | C Brown |
|
|
|
VERY SPECIAL (IRE) | S bin Suroor |
|
|
|
MONDIALISTE (IRE) | D O'Meara |
|
|
|
LONG ISLAND SOUND (USA) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
OPAL TIARA (IRE) | M Channon |
7.33pm
Vivlos ridden by Joao Moreira wins the $6-million Dubai Turf race.
Joao Moreira delivered a masterclass aboard Vivlos, rallying his horse from the back of the 13-horse field to prise out a halflength victory over French challenger Heshem, the mount of Gregory Benoit. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
7:20pm
Next race is the 7.30pm Group One, 1,800m, Dubai Turf on turf, prize money US6,000,000
| RACE 7 - DUBAI TURF | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RIBCHESTER (IRE) | R Fahey |
| 2 | ZARAK (FR) | A De Royer-Dupré |
| 3 | HESHEM (IRE) | C Ferland |
| 4 | DECORATED KNIGHT (GB) | R Charlton |
| 5 | OPAL TIARA (IRE) | M Channon |
| 6 | MUTAKAYYEF (GB) | W Haggas |
| 7 | MONDIALISTE (IRE) | D O'Meara |
| 8 | VERY SPECIAL (IRE) | S bin Suroor |
| 9 | VIVLOS (JPN) | Y Tomomichi |
| 10 | DEBT COLLECTOR (NZ) | C Brown |
| 11 | COUGAR MOUNTAIN (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 12 | DEAUVILLE (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 13 | LONG ISLAND SOUND (USA) | A O'Brien |
7.07pm
Full report: UAE Derby
By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
Soumillon relives tough race reining in three-year-old colt in UAE Derby
Dubai: Thunder Snow handed Godolphin their first win of the night with an exhilarating run and win by a nose from Japanese challenger Epicharis in the Group 2, $2 million UAE Derby at the Meydan racetrack on Saturday.
The win from the Dubai-based stable denied Epicharis the rare possibility of becoming the second Japanese horse following last year’s champion Lani in the 1, 3/16-mile dirt fixture for Northern Hemisphere 3-year-olds and Southern Hemisphere 4-year-olds.
Abdullah Mohammad Juma Al Naboodah, Chairman, Saeed & Mohammad Al Naboodah Holding LLC was joined by Hamad Abdullah Mohammad Juma Al Naboodah, Deputy General Manager, Al Naboodah Real Estate Investment LLC in presenting the trophies to the winning combination.
Saeed Bin Surour was convinced in the ability of this colt of Helmet and Eatern Joy. “He has shown it more than once in the past while winning a Group 1 in France followed by the Guineas and then in the UAE Derby. And this evening’s performance definitely shows that he is something special,” Bin Surour said.
“And to us it shows that he has a future as well. Look at that finish. It simply meant that he has a big heart and the rest was left to the jockey. He didn’t disappoint us or the horse,” he added.
It was a second Japanese challenger Adirato taking the early initiative with Epicharis and Cosmo Charlie in hot pursuit. Epicharis made a sudden move just past the halfway mark to lead by a couple of lengths even as Adirato tried to keep pace. With 900 metres gone and the left rail approaching it was Brazilian runner Vettori Kin and Mike de Kock’s three-year-old American colt Fawree pushing towards a likely tight finish.
It was then that Godolphin jockey Christophe Soumillon made his move on the outside egging his ride towards the Kiyoshi Hagiwara-trained Epicharis and win by the barest margin of a nose.
Jockey Soumillon went through the motions of the race when he narrated how he had managed to pull his ride back on track midway through the race. “And all along I was confident even though he showed signs of getting scared a couple of times. But I managed to rein him in each time. And then, as he came into the last turn he put his nose completely on the left and didn’t turn well,” Soumillon said.
“But once I came onto the straight he was just waiting for that sprint. I was trying to get him concentrate and come close from the near horse. But unfortunately when we arrived at the 200-metre mark he got scared and changed legs and hung. I told myself that I needed to concentrate, and that’s exactly what I did while bringing him home,” the jockey added.
Watch: Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammad at the #DubaiWorldCup.
6.45pm
Classification RACE 6 - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN
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|
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RACE 6 - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN | TRAINER |
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|
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MIND YOUR BISCUITS (USA) | C Summers |
|
|
|
COMICAS (USA) | C Appleby |
|
|
|
MORAWIJ (GB) | D Selvaratnam |
|
|
|
ST JOE BAY (USA) | P Miller |
|
|
|
COOL COWBOY (USA) | D Watson |
|
|
|
STALLWALKIN' DUDE (USA) | D Jacobson |
|
|
|
NOT LISTENIN'TOME (AUS) | J Moore |
|
|
|
REYNALDOTHEWIZARD (USA) | S Seemar |
|
|
|
DUNDONNELL (USA) | C Fownes |
|
|
|
MY CATCH (IRE) | D Watson |
|
|
|
DIOS CORRIDA (JPN) | Y Takahashi |
|
|
|
HIGH ON LIFE (GB) | S bin Ghadayer |
|
|
|
WILD DUDE (USA) | M Halford |
|
|
|
MUARRAB (GB) | A Al Rayhi |
6.38pm
Mind Your Biscuits wins the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen.
Mind Your Biscuits ridden by Joel Rosario on his way to win Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News. Photo: Atiq ur Rehman/Gulf News
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief, and Executive Director, Publications, Al Nisr Publishing, handing over the trophy to the trainer Chad Summers, after MIND YOUR BISCUITS (USA) ridden by the Joel Rosario wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen race, sponsored by Gulf News at Meydan Racecourse, during the Dubai World Cup 2017 in Dubai. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News and Executive Director Publications of Al Nisr Publishing, hands over the trophy to the jockey Joel Rosario, after MIND YOUR BISCUITS (USA) ridden by the Joel Rosario wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen race, sponsored by Gulf News at Meydan Racecourse, during the Dubai World Cup 2017 in Dubai. Photo: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
Video: Mind Your Biscuits wins $2m Dubai Golden Shaheen #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Hlal9p5TaG
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
6.25
Next up at 6.35pm is the Group 1, 1,200m, Dubai Golden Shaheen on dirt, prize money US$2,000,000
| RACE 6 - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STALLWALKIN' DUDE (USA) | D Jacobson |
| 2 | MORAWIJ (GB) | D Selvaratnam |
| 3 | WILD DUDE (USA) | M Halford |
| 4 | DUNDONNELL (USA) | C Fownes |
| 5 | COOL COWBOY (USA) | D Watson |
| 6 | MUARRAB (GB) | A Al Rayhi |
| 7 | DIOS CORRIDA (JPN) | Y Takahashi |
| 8 | MY CATCH (IRE) | D Watson |
| 9 | HIGH ON LIFE (GB) | S bin Ghadayer |
| 10 | NOT LISTENIN'TOME (AUS) | J Moore |
| 11 | ST JOE BAY (USA) | P Miller |
| 12 | REYNALDOTHEWIZARD (USA) | S Seemar |
| 13 | COMICAS (USA) | C Appleby |
| 14 | MIND YOUR BISCUITS (USA) | C Summers |
6.13pm
Classification RACE 5 - AL QOUZ SPRINT
|
|
|
RACE 5 - AL QOUZ SPRINT | TRAINER |
|
|
|
THE RIGHT MAN (GB) | D Guillemin |
|
|
|
LONG ON VALUE (USA) | W Mott |
|
|
|
ERTIJAAL (IRE) | A Al Rayhi |
|
|
|
JUNGLE CAT (IRE) | C Appleby |
|
|
|
RICHARD'S BOY (USA) | P Miller |
|
|
|
AMAZING KIDS (NZ) | J Size |
|
|
|
WASHINGTON DC (IRE) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
FINAL VENTURE (GB) | P Midgley |
|
|
|
MEDICEAN MAN (GB) | J Gask |
|
|
|
LIMATO (IRE) | H Candy |
|
|
|
BACCARAT (IRE) | C Appleby |
|
|
|
FINSBURY SQUARE (IRE) | F Chappet |
6.08pm
The Right Man ridden by Francois-Xavier Bertras wins the $1-million Al Quoz Sprint race.
The Right Man, ridden by jockey Francois Xavier Bertas and trained by Didier Guillemin wins the Al Quoz Sprint race. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
The Right Man wins the 1,200m $1 m Al Quoz Sprint #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/FHUxpvHNx9
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
5.54pm
It's not just about the racing...
Nader Tearab gets emotional after being named Best Dressed Man at #MeydanStyleStakes - his 2nd win in just as many years! #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/JYGF3I7FSI
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 25, 2017
At the sidelines of #DubaiWorldCup: It's all about the statement suit, especially when the statement has to do with Pac-Man. 👻 pic.twitter.com/eIDX26BJAU
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) March 25, 2017
5.50pm
Next up is the 6pm, Group One, 1,200m, Al Quoz Sprint on turf, prize money US$1,000,000
| RACE 5 - AL QUOZ SPRINT | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMAZING KIDS (NZ) | J Size |
| 2 | MEDICEAN MAN (GB) | J Gask |
| 3 | THE RIGHT MAN (GB) | D Guillemin |
| 4 | FINAL VENTURE (GB) | P Midgley |
| 5 | JUNGLE CAT (IRE) | C Appleby |
| 6 | ERTIJAAL (IRE) | A Al Rayhi |
| 7 | LONG ON VALUE (USA) | W Mott |
| 8 | FINSBURY SQUARE (IRE) | F Chappet |
| 9 | RICHARD'S BOY (USA) | P Miller |
| 10 | WASHINGTON DC (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 11 | LIMATO (IRE) | H Candy |
| 12 | BACCARAT (IRE) | C Appleby |
5.47pm
John Ferguson, chief executive officer of Godolphin, which owns UAE Derby winner Thunder Snow, said:
“He’s an amazingly consistent horse, he won a group one in Europe, he was the top rated English trained horse two year old last year, he’s come out here and he’s been admirably consistent, and well done to Saeed [Bin Suroor] and all his team.
"The horse that finished second is a top horse from Japan, so again another really good international race, I’m delighted for Saeed the team and all of Godolphin and Shaikh Mohammad that he got his head in front.”
On the possibility of competing in the Kentucky Derby next, he added: “Well, obviously, that’s something for Saeed Bin Suroor and the team to really think about, but it’s obviously an option.”
5.40pm
Classification RACE 4 - UAE DERBY
|
|
|
RACE 4 - UAE DERBY | TRAINER |
|
|
|
THUNDER SNOW (IRE) | S bin Suroor |
|
|
|
EPICHARIS (JPN) | K Hagiwara |
|
|
|
MASTER PLAN (USA) | T Pletcher |
|
|
|
LANCASTER BOMBER (USA) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
FLY AT DAWN (USA) | C Appleby |
|
|
|
QATAR MAN (IRE) | M Botti |
|
|
|
FAWREE (USA) | M de Kock |
|
|
|
SPIRIT OF VALOR (USA) | A O'Brien |
|
|
|
HE RUNS AWAY (ARG) | R Colombo |
|
|
|
VETTORI KIN (BRZ) | K McPeek |
|
|
|
TOP SCORE (GB) | S bin Suroor |
|
|
|
ADIRATO (JPN) | N Sugai |
|
|
|
COSMO CHARLIE (USA) | D Watson |
|
|
|
NOMORERICHBLONDES (USA) | A bin Harmash |
|
|
|
BEE JERSEY (USA) | D Watson |
|
|
|
MIDNIGHT CHICA (USA) | D Selvaratnam |
5.34pm
Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon wins the $2-million UAE Derby.
Thunder Snow, ridden by jockey Christophe Sumillon (in blue) and trained by Saeed Bin Surooor wins the UAE Derby race. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
. @godolphin's Thunder Snow wins 1,900 m $2m UAE Derby pic.twitter.com/q73Ns2oRzE
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
5.26pm
Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially announced the opening of the 2017 Dubai World Cup.
Video: #Dubai Crown Prince @HamdanMohammed officially announces the opening of the #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/irDdZS5Ak4
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
GALLERIES
Pictures: Racing fans flock to Meydan
Winning horses at Dubai World Cup 2017
5.12pm
Next up is the 5.25pm, Group 2, 1,900m, UAE Derby on dirt, prize money US$2,000,000
| RACE 4 - UAE DERBY | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | QATAR MAN (IRE) | M Botti |
| 2 | MASTER PLAN (USA) | T Pletcher |
| 3 | LANCASTER BOMBER (USA) | A O'Brien |
| 4 | MIDNIGHT CHICA (USA) | D Selvaratnam |
| 5 | TOP SCORE (GB) | S bin Suroor |
| 6 | FAWREE (USA) | M de Kock |
| 7 | BEE JERSEY (USA) | D Watson |
| 8 | VETTORI KIN (BRZ) | K McPeek |
| 9 | FLY AT DAWN (USA) | C Appleby |
| 10 | EPICHARIS (JPN) | K Hagiwara |
| 11 | HE RUNS AWAY (ARG) | R Colombo |
| 12 | SPIRIT OF VALOR (USA) | A O'Brien |
| 13 | THUNDER SNOW (IRE) | S bin Suroor |
| 14 | NOMORERICHBLONDES (USA) | A bin Harmash |
| 15 | COSMO CHARLIE (USA) | D Watson |
| 16 | ADIRATO (JPN) | N Sugai |
5.05pm
Georges Rimaud, racing manager to Aga Khan, owner of Vazirabad, winner of the Dubai Gold Cup, said:
“We’re here again and that’s great. We came a bit earlier this time and the horse acclimatised properly, he’s doing very well and Christophe (Soumillon) riding him is obviously a good thing and he knows the track well. He worried me a little bit on the outside but he has confidence in the horse and it worked out well, so we’re very pleased. He does have that [a very sharp turn of foot], he’s a great horse.”
5.00pm
Classification Race 3 - DUBAI GOLD CUP
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RACE 3 - DUBAI GOLD CUP | TRAINER |
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VAZIRABAD (FR) | A De Royer-Dupré |
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BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE (GB) | S bin Suroor |
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SHEIKHZAYEDROAD (GB | D Simcock |
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BIG ORANGE (GB) | M Bell |
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ZAMAAM (GB) | E Charpy |
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WALL OF FIRE (IRE) | H Palmer |
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REMBRANDT VAN RIJN (IRE) | S bin Ghadayer |
|
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BASATEEN (IRE) | D Watson |
|
|
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QUEST FOR MORE (IRE) | R Charlton |
|
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FAMOUS KID (USA) | S bin Suroor |
|
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HEARTBREAK CITY (FR) | T Martin |
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QUECHUA (ARG) | R Le Grange |
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TRIP TO PARIS (IRE) | E Dunlop |
|
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KINGFISHER (IRE) | A O'Brien |
4.55pm
Vazirabad wins the $1-million Dubai Gold Cup race.
Vazirabad wins the Dubai Gold Cup, Beautiful Romance second, third is Shaikh Zayed Road #DubaiWorldCup @DWC_Meydan
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) March 25, 2017
Vazirabad, left, ridden by jockey Christophe Soumillon and trained by Alain De Royer-Dupre wins the Dubai Gold Cup race. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Video: Vazirabad owned by HH Aga Khan wins Dubai Gold Cup. Amazing ride by Christophe Soumillon#DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ZYQ7AsfHkh
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
Video: @HHShkMohd arrives at Meydan along with @HamdanMohammed and Hamdan bin Rashid to attend #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7rseJgyINK
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
4.48pm
Godolphin Mile full report
By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
Jockey Dobbs runs calculated race to land G2 Godolphin Mile for Red Stable trainer
Dubai: It was a sweet second triumph in as many years as champion trainer Doug Watson opened the Dubai World Cup evening winning with Second Summer in the $1 million G2 Godolphin Mile on a cool and wet Meydan racetrack on Saturday.
The five-year-old son of Summer Bird and Greenstreet with Patrick Dobbs on board, eased in coyly past the post leaving German raider Ross and American hope Sharp Azteca in second and third respectively over the 1,600m distance on dirt.
PNC Menon, Co-Chairman, Meydan Sobha and Founder of Sobha Group presented the trophy to the winning combination of Watson and Dobbs.
Much was expected from local star North America who was expected to take on the extremely talented US raider Sharp Azteca.
And the Satish Seemar-trained North America lived up to expectation as it came to the fore early challenged by Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Heavy Metal and Hugo Palmer-ridden Gifted Master. Sharp Azteca was not going to be left behind as the Jorge Navarro-trained colt joined by Watson’s Etijaah.
Approaching the final furlong and a half, Edgard Zayas made his move and let his ride go, but Second Summer found a gap that helped him ease home by a neck ahead of Ross leaving Sharp Azteca in third.
Exactly 12 months back, Watson had never won a race on Dubai World Cup night. But all that had changed with the UAE champion trainer’s One Man Band under Sam Hitchcott leading a one-two-three finish for the Red Stables in the Godolphin Mile.
This time, an injured Watson, with his hand out of the sling, was thrilled and delighted with the unexpected win through Second Summer. “If you had asked me ten minutes back if he was going to win, I would have just smiled. I really didn’t expect this. I simply loved the way he came home so nicely,” Watson said.
“This is simply so fantastic for the entire team. During the course of the season we have not been the happiest lost after losing a few of our horses. But then it’s really so nice to have him bounce back and take a great win,” he added.
In fact, the Shaikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi-owned Second Summer was scheduled to run in the main Dubai World Cup race, but Watson decided to switch over to the Godolphin Mile. “He didn’t come out of the last race in very good shape. He wasn’t too bad but we knew that’s why he didn’t run his race. At the same time we were so confident going into third leg but didn’t run in. Once we saw him come out of it alright we knew he wouldn’t get into World Cup off a 1-11, and once we saw Arrogate was coming we decided to step back,” Watson explained.
Dobbs was pleased with the way his ride responded. “He’s a tough chap and was so very easy to handle. Going past the third furlong he felt so confident that I decided to just step back and allow him to go,” the jockey related.
“This win is fantastic for the horse and it is great to have him back into the game,” he added.
Style stakes fashionistas. Video: Clint Egbert/Gulf News
4.40pm
Next up is the 4.50pm, Group 2, 3,200m, Dubai Gold Cup on Turf, prize money US$1,000,000
| RACE 3 - DUBAI GOLD CUP |
TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SHEIKHZAYEDROAD (GB) | D Simcock |
| 2 | FAMOUS KID (USA) | S bin Suroor |
| 3 | VAZIRABAD (FR) | A De Royer-Dupré |
| 4 | WALL OF FIRE (IRE) | H Palmer |
| 5 | ZAMAAM (GB) | E Charpy |
| 6 | QUEST FOR MORE (IRE) | R Charlton |
| 7 | BIG ORANGE (GB) | M Bell |
| 8 | KINGFISHER (IRE) | A O'Brien |
| 9 | REMBRANDT VAN RIJN (IRE) | S bin Ghadayer |
| 10 | QUECHUA (ARG) | R Le Grange |
| 11 | BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE (GB) | S bin Suroor |
| 12 | HEARTBREAK CITY (FR) | T Martin |
| 13 | BASATEEN (IRE) | D Watson |
| 14 | TRIP TO PARIS (IRE) | E Dunlop |
4.37pm
The first two races are over. We catch up with Leslie Wilson Jr. And Jaquie Doyle for an update on the winners.
4.31pm
Julian Smart, trainer of Kahayla Classic winner Reda:
“Absolutely better late than never,” he said in reference to a late invite, which only came in last Saturday. “A phenonmenal performance and you know like I said I couldn’t really say before the race hwo he would run because he’s never run on a surface like this before.
"We ran him once over in Doha a couple of weeks ago on the sand to see how he’d handle it, he handled it well, we fitted the visors for the first time so I think that’s improved him but look to come from where he’s come from on this tracks, remnants of Jaffa my last winner and to be honest my first winner Nez D’Or did the same thing fell out of the stalls and came round the field. Harry’s given him a peach of a ride but Harry’s always liked him so glad to get that association back again so I’m ecstatic, I’m lost for words but I’m not really, I never am, am I?”
4.25pm
Classification RACE 2 - KAHAYLA CLASSIC
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RACE 2 - KAHAYLA CLASSIC | TRAINER |
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REDA (QA) | J Smart |
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RB BURN (US) | E Lemartinel |
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SNIPER DE MONLAU (FR) | H Al Alawi |
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HANDASSA (FR) | F Rohaut |
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TM THUNDER STRUCK (US) | A de Mieulle |
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FAUCON DU LOUP (FR) | E Jeanne |
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AF MAQAYES (AE) | A Al Rayhi |
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BON BAISER DE FAUST(FR) | D Watson |
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LORAA (FR) | J de Roüalle |
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AF MATHMOON (AE) | A Al Rayhi |
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RB MADYMOISELLE (US) | E Oertel |
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AF AL HAZER (AE) | E Oertel |
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RB DIXIE BURNING (US) | E Lemartinele |
4.19pm
Reda wins the Kahayla Classic, RB Burn second, Sniper de Monlau third.
Reda, ridden by Harry Bentley, wins the Kahayla Classic. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Video: Reda wins the Dubai Kahayla Classic #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/28SKWok4v3
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
4.15pm
Today’s dirt track will suit “closers”, which is unusual here, says our equestrian expert Jacqueline Doyle.
4.07pm
Next up is the 4.15pm Group 1 2,000m Kahayla Classic on dirt, prize money US$1,000,000
| RACE 2 - KAHAYLA CLASSIC | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FAUCON DU LOUP (FR) | E Jeanne |
| 2 | BON BAISER DE FAUST(FR) | D Watson |
| 3 | AF MAQAYES (AE) | A Al Rayhi |
| 4 | REDA (QA) | J Smart |
| 5 | TM THUNDER STRUCK (US) | A de Mieulle |
| 6 | RB MADYMOISELLE (US) | E Oertel |
| 7 | RB BURN (US) | E Lemartinel |
| 8 | AF MATHMOON (AE) | A Al Rayhi |
| 9 | RB DIXIE BURNING (US) | E Lemartinele |
| 10 | SNIPER DE MONLAU (FR) | H Al Alawi |
| 11 | LORAA (FR) | J de Roüalle |
| 12 | HANDASSA (FR) | F Rohaut |
| 13 | AF AL HAZER (AE) | E Oertel |
4.04pm
Second Summer was going to go for the Dubai World Cup but decided to switch to the Godolphin Mile, explains trainer Doug Watson:
“He didn’t come out of the last race in very good shape, he wasn’t too bad but we knew that’s why he didn’t run his race, we were so confident going into third leg but didn’t run in, but once we saw him come out of it alright we knew he wouldn’t get into World Cup off a 1-11 and once we saw Arrogate was coming we decided to step back.
"I’m very pleased for Shaikh Rashid Al Nuami, went out found horse for him purchased and its fantastic for him getting back in game and hopefully there’s more wins to come.”
Watch: Catch Second Summer winning the Godolphin Mile at #DubaiWorldCup!
3.49pm
Classification RACE 1 - GODOLPHIN MILE
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RACE 1 - Godolphin Mile | TRAINER |
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SECOND SUMMER (USA) | D Watson |
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ROSS (IRE) | P Schiergen |
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SHARP AZTECA (USA) | J Navarro |
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FITZGERALD (USA) | A bin Harmash |
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KAFUJI TAKE (JPN) | S Yukubo |
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FARRIER (USA) | S Seemar |
|
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ETIJAAH (USA) | D Watson |
|
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HEAVY METAL (GB) | S bin Ghadayer |
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GIFTED MASTER (IRE) | H Palmer |
|
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NORTH AMERICA (GB) | S Seemar |
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TRIPLE NINE (KOR) | Y Kim |
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LE BERNARDIN (USA) | A Al Rayhi |
3.48pm
Second Summer wins the Godolphin Mile, Ross comes second followed by Sharp Azteca, in the first race of the evening.
Second Summer, right, ridden by jockey Patrick Dobbs and trained by Doug Watson wins the Godolphin Mile race, the first one of Dubai World Cup. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Video: Second Summer wins the Godolphin Mile. #DubaiWorldCup #DWC17 pic.twitter.com/EkrjwPAYEG
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 25, 2017
Horses out for the first race
3.41pm
The first race is about to start, the 45pm Group Two 1600m Godolphin Mile on dirt, prize money US$1,000,000.
| RACE 1 - GODOLPHIN MILE | TRAINER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ROSS (IRE) | P Schiergen |
| 2 | FARRIER (USA) | S Seemar |
| 3 | LE BERNARDIN (USA) | A Al Rayhi |
| 4 | GIFTED MASTER (IRE) | H Palmer |
| 5 | SECOND SUMMER (USA) | D Watson |
| 6 | SHARP AZTECA (USA) | J Navarro |
| 7 | NORTH AMERICA (GB) | S Seemar |
| 8 | HEAVY METAL (GB) | S bin Ghadayer |
| 9 | STORMARDAL (IRE) | I Mohammed |
| 10 | ETIJAAH (USA) | D Watson |
| 11 | TRIPLE NINE (KOR) | Y Kim |
| 12 | FITZGERALD (USA) | A bin Harmash |
| 13 | KAFUJI TAKE (JPN) | S Yukubo |
The Dubai World Cup is about to begin! Features Writer Leslie Wilson Jr tells us what you can expect.
In Focus: Dubai World Cup 2017
4,000 taxis, 100 buses for visitors
The Roads and Transport Authority on Saturday urged people heading to Dubai World Cup to start early to avoid delays due to unstable weather.
The authority has arranged around 4,000 taxis for the racing event, it said.
A total of 6,400 parking slots have been reserved for people attending the racing event, the authority said in another tweet. The RTA has arranged 100 shuttle buses to take people from parking areas to the racing venue. Read more
Emergency Dubai Police number
The Dubai Police on Twitter informed the public that in case of an emergency during the Dubai World Cup, they can contact 04 3813516.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to miss Dubai World Cup
Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a regular at the Dubai World Cup, will not be attending this year, her representatives have confirmed. Rai, who is the ambassador for Longines, one of the sponsors of the races, was scheduled to attend an event and make a store appearance. Read more
Track inspections at 2pm
Dubai World Cup track inspections are scheduled at 2pm.
RTA warns of expected traffic delays
The Roads and Transport Authority issued an alert on Twitter urging motorists to head towards the Dubai World Cup before 3pm due to expected delays on roads towards Meydan Street.
Dubai resident Fiona Jackson is here for the races
Rain leaves Meydan crowd undeterred
It is still raining in Dubai, with the crowd at the Meydan Racecourse slowly but surely trickling in. The information desk is giving out umbrellas.
Crowd sparse as Meydan gates open
At noon on Saturday, gates opened at the Meydan Racecourse for the Dubai World Cup but the crowd has been sparse so far.
Meydan Style Stakes to move indoors
The Meydan Style Stakes, the annual Dubai World Cup style competition, will be moved inside Concourse C due to heavy rain at the Meydan Racecourse. It will be a "very simple affair" due to the change in location, a spokesperson said. The event is set to kick off at 3.50pm.
Dubai World Cup: rain or shine
Race to go on as scheduled
Dubai: The races for Dubai World Cup will go on as scheduled despite the rain, according to organisers.
Thundershowers continued across the UAE on Saturday, a day after heavy rain and hailstorm fell on parts of the emirates.
"It's all systems go for us," Frank Gabriel Jr, Chief Executive of Dubai Racing Club, told Gulf News.
The nine-race card, boasting of the world's richest payday in sport, opens with the Godolphin Mile Race at 3.45pm.
In Focus: Dubai World Cup 2017
Will it be Arrogate's Day?
Followers of racing form seem largely agreed that Arrogate is the most likely horse in the field of 14 to win the Cup race.
This will no doubt buoy his owner, Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who entrusts the horse’s care to California-based trainer Bob Baffert. Baffert has reportedly said that Arrogate has travelled well to Dubai. Read more
Ribchester can extend Godolphin reign
Ribchester, one of the leading milers in Europe last season, can continue Godolphin’s ascendancy in the $6 million (Dh22 million) Dubai turf (Group 1), the joint second richest turf race in the world and conceivably one of the most competitive events on the card. Read more
Dubai World Cup fashion guide
Meanwhile, in race fashion: Finding the best race dress can seem like mission impossible... but fear not, help is on hand. check out what makes for the most stylish race day look this season. Read more
