NEWS
$1-million turf sprint added to World Cup card
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009 3:54 PM
The world’s richest day of racing—the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) card—has been expanded to eight races for this year’s renewal on March 27 with the addition of a $1-million turf sprint.
Named the Al Quoz Sprint, the 1,200-meter (5.97-furlong) race will be a Group 3 event in the United Arab Emirates and coincides with the 15th running of the Dubai World Cup as well as the opening of the opulent Meydan Racecourse, which features a straight 1,200-meter turf course.
Trainer Brian Koriner has indicated the Hi Card Ranch’s homebred Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag would be a candidate for the Al Quoz Sprint.
Meydan features a left-handed 2,400-meter (11.93-furong) turf circuit outside of a 1,750-meter (8.70-furlong) synthetic track. The turf straight course adjoins the outside track.
"The highest-rated sprinters in the world are predominantly turf horses, and with the rich history of the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) attracting the best from the USA, we will now attract the best turf sprinters in the world with the addition of Al Quoz Sprint," said Malih Lahij Al Basti, a member of the Meydan board.
"Al Quoz Sprint is positioned perfectly on the international calendar to enable horses to run in Dubai and then go on to international sprints either at Royal Ascot or Singapore."
The $26.25-million Dubai World Cup card features four Group 1 races, anchored by the $10-million Dubai World Cup, which will be run for the first time on the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface at Meydan. The card also includes the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) and $5-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1), both on turf; and the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen, $2-million United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2), $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2), and $1-million Dubai Kahayla Classic for Arabians, all on the synthetic surface.
"The Dubai World Cup is a highly regarded fixture on the international racing circuit, and the new Meydan Racecourse is set to further enhance its global standing and appeal,” said Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Meydan.
"This year's 15th running of the Dubai World Cup will not only be a milestone for the sport in the [United Arab Emirates], but also for the rest of the world, as Meydan begins to fulfill its core mission: to be the Thoroughbred destination of the world."
