Nad al Sheba racecourse in Dubai, home of the world's richest race, the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), kicked off its 2001-'02 racing season on Wednesday.The track will host 29 nights of racing during bi-weekly meets through April 13.

The Dubai World Cup program of six Thoroughbred races with purses totaling $15-million, is scheduled to take place on March 23. In addition to the World Cup, which last year was won by Captain Steve, the program includes the $2-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1), $2-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1), $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1), the $2-million UAE Derby (UAE-G2) and the $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2).

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum, son of Godolphin Racing principal Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, was the meet's leading owner last year and is back with a full string of runners to defend the title this year.

Trainer Satish Seemar and jockey Ted Durcan each won their respective categories last year and are also back.

Sheikh Rashid had two winners from 14 starters on the opening-day eight-race card, which also featured two races for purebred Arabians.

Quito, who was bred in Ireland by Sheikh Mohammed, handed Sheikh Rashid his first win of the meeting with a maiden-breaking victory in his second career start and first since 1999. The four-year-old son of Machiavellian had not raced since finishing third in his debut as a two-year-old at Nottingham in England.