Latest news with #DubaiRacingCarnival
New Paper
9 hours ago
- Business
- New Paper
Anticipation builds as Meydan gears up for landmark season
DUBAI - The stage is set for another thrilling season of world-class racing at the iconic Meydan racecourse, as Dubai Racing Club announced the dates for the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival. Spanning 17 race meetings, the season kicks off on Nov 7, and reaches its spectacular conclusion on March 28, 2026, which will draw global attention with the 30th running of the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2,000m). While the Dubai World Cup meeting and the Emirates Super Saturday meeting are held on Saturdays, the remaining 15 meetings at Meydan will be run on Fridays. Known as the world's single richest race day, the Dubai World Cup meeting will mark a historic milestone in 2026, celebrating three decades since its inaugural race in 1996. The premier sporting event in the United Arab Emirates came about as part of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to position Dubai as a global hub for elite racing. It was initially held at Nad Al Sheba racecourse, but moved to the sprawling Meydan racecourse from 2010. The Dubai World Cup meeting - run annually bar a cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic - has since gained international traction, attracting top-class horses, trainers and jockeys across the globe with its rich prize purse. On April 5, the Wathnan Racing-owned US runner Hit Show landed the 29th edition of the highlight dirt race worth US$12 million (S$15.4 million), after he beat Japanese raider and race favourite Forever Young into third. The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival will still conclude with the Dubai World Cup meeting, where the Dubai World Cup takes centre stage. But, similar to the 2024-25 season, there will be three other feature race days that would anchor the new Dubai season. The Festive Friday meeting will kick off the holiday spirit on Dec 19, when fans and racing enthusiasts can look forward to the 1 million dirham (S$350,000) Group 2 Maktoum Mile (1,600m). Five weeks later on Jan 23, 2026, the Fashion Friday meeting will see the running of the 3.68 million dirham Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1,900m), which offers a coveted Bonus Scheme berth that gives the winner a guaranteed spot in the Dubai World Cup. Meanwhile, the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic (1,900m) slated for the Emirates Super Saturday meeting - a cornerstone of the Dubai Racing Carnival - on Feb 28, 2026, is also a qualifying race that grants the winner automatic entry into the Dubai World Cup. "The Dubai World Cup is firmly established as one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles," said Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Racing Club. "As we prepare for its 30th edition in 2026 - a milestone to be truly celebrated - we look forward to welcoming the finest horses, jockeys and connections from around the world. "The 16 lead-up meetings of the Dubai Racing Carnival promise exceptional competition and international flair. "Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Carnival continues to elevate Dubai's position on the global racing stage." Added CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club, Ali Al Ali: "We are extremely proud of the growth of both the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Racing Carnival over the past three decades. "Under the guidance of our leaders, we are working hard to ensure that we fulfil their visions and make the 30th Dubai World Cup a truly unforgettable experience for both horse racing professionals and fans." DUBAI RACING CLUB
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Calandagan storms to King George glory, reinforcing Dubai Racing Carnival form
The Dubai Racing Carnival has once again proven its global significance as a launchpad for elite racing success, with French favourite Calandagan storming from behind to capture the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) at Ascot on Saturday. Ridden confidently by Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan upstaged Juddmonte's Kalpana and Godolphin's Rebel's Romance inside the final furlong to seal a dramatic win in Britain's richest all-aged flat race worth £1.5 million. In doing so, he became the fourth French-trained winner of the race this century and delivered back-to-back victories in the King George for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, following Goliath's triumph last year. The victory also marked redemption for Calandagan, who had finished second to Japan's Danon Decile in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai earlier this year, further underlining the Dubai World Cup Carnival's reputation as a proving ground for global champions. Class and Timing The 11-10 favourite had also narrowly missed out on Group 1 success last month when edged by Jan Brueghel (who finished fourth on Saturday) in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. But this time, Calandagan's class and timing were undeniable. Barzalona, Godolphin's retained rider in France, tactically bided his time at the back of the five-horse field as Ryan Moore attempted to steal the race from the front aboard Jan Brueghel in a highly tactical renewal of the 2,400 metre contest. But with Rebel's Romance boxed in on the rail and William Buick desperately searching for daylight, and Kalpana forced wide, Barzalona found a perfect passage and capitalised on it for a maiden success in the contest. 'We know his quality, and though the ground was quicker, he's one of these top-class horses,' said Barzalona. 'Once I saw Continuous (5th) beside Jan Brueghel and Rebel's Romance trapped, I was happy where I was. I just followed Oisin [Murphy, on Kalpana] and waited for the right moment.' The victory also marked redemption for Calandagan, who had finished second to Japan's Danon Decile in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) earlier this year, further underlining the Dubai World Cup Carnival's role as a proving ground for global champions. Rebel's Romance: Unlucky in Defeat Despite the small field, the race was not without drama for Rebel's Romance, the Dubai-owned superstar and Godolphin's most successful horse in history. Hemmed in for much of the race on the running rail, the son of Dubawi was only able to find an opening in the final furlong. But even though he shifted gears readily, it was a case of too little, too late, and he could only manage a fast-closing third. Even in defeat, Rebel's Romance continues to stand tall, with 18 career victories, including 14 in Group races and seven at the top level. His elite wins span continents, from North America and Germany to Hong Kong and Dubai, where he claimed the 2023 Dubai Sheema Classic. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Rebel's Romance was attempting to become the fifth Godolphin-trained winner of the King George, following legends such as Swain (1997 & 1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004), and Adayar (2021). While Saturday didn't yield another title, his place in the stable's storied history is long secured. Meanwhile, Kalpana's gallant runner-up finish has seen her odds slashed for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, now sitting at 8-1 (from 16-1) with most major bookmakers. The Juddmonte-owned filly, trained by Andrew Balding, showed she belongs at the top level and is clearly on an upward trajectory. King George to become UK's richest race In a landmark announcement made on Saturday, it was confirmed that the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will become Britain's richest race in 2026, with a prize fund increased to £2 million. First run in 1951, the Midsummer Group 1 remains a highlight of the Flat season and has been won by greats including Nijinsky, Shergar, Dancing Brave, and Galileo.
Dubai Eye
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Dubai Eye
Dubai World Cup celebrates 30 years of racing excellence
The Dubai Racing Club has announced that the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 28, 2026, at Meydan Racecourse. The event marks a major milestone for what has become one of the world's most prestigious nights in horse racing. The upcoming 2025/26 Dubai Racing Carnival will feature 17 race meetings, kicking off on Friday, November 7, and building up to the grand finale on World Cup night. Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, called the Dubai World Cup "one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles" and said the 30th running will be a celebration of international racing excellence. The season will also spotlight four major feature days, including Festive Friday on December 19, Fashion Friday on January 23, and Emirates Super Saturday on February 28 — the key warm-up event ahead of World Cup night. Fans can expect a thrilling blend of elite racing and Dubai's signature hospitality as the countdown begins to a historic season at Meydan. Our fixtures are out! 🙌 The 2025-6 #DubaiCarnival gets underway on Friday, 7 November. — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) July 21, 2025
Emirates 24/7
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
Thirtieth edition of Dubai World Cup to be run on March 28
The 30th running of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan will take place on March 28 next year, Dubai Racing Club announced on Monday. The 2025/26 Dubai Racing Carnival will span 17 meetings, with the season beginning on Friday, November 7, and reaching its conclusion with the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup. Emirates Super Saturday, the key prep day for World Cup night, will take place on February 28. Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said on Monday: 'The Dubai World Cup is firmly established as one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles. As we prepare for its 30th edition in 2026, a milestone to be truly celebrated, we look forward to welcoming the finest horses, jockeys, and connections from around the world. ''As we prepare for its 30th edition in 2026, a milestone to be truly celebrated, we look forward to welcoming the finest horses, jockeys, and connections from around the world.'' This year's Carnival is punctuated by four major feature days, each mixing elite racing with Dubai's renowned hospitality: Festive Friday (December 19, 2025): The season comes alive with the Dh 1 million G2 Maktoum Mile, ushering in the holidays with adrenaline and cheer. Fashion Friday (January 23, 2026): Where haute couture meets horsepower. The highlight? The Dh 3.68 million G1 Al Maktoum Challenge, a critical stepping stone toward the Dubai World Cup. Emirates Super Saturday (February 28, 2026): The Carnival's pivotal dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup meeting with the G2 Al Maktoum Classic offering a direct route into the big race spotlight. Dubai World Cup Night (March 28, 2026): The crown jewel. A night when the eyes of the sporting world turn to Meydan for what has become the richest, most glamorous nights in horse racing.
ARN News Center
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ARN News Center
Dubai World Cup celebrates 30 years of racing excellence
The Dubai Racing Club has announced that the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 28, 2026, at Meydan Racecourse. The event marks a major milestone for what has become one of the world's most prestigious nights in horse racing. The upcoming 2025/26 Dubai Racing Carnival will feature 17 race meetings, kicking off on Friday, November 7, and building up to the grand finale on World Cup night. Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, called the Dubai World Cup "one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles" and said the 30th running will be a celebration of international racing excellence. The season will also spotlight four major feature days, including Festive Friday on December 19, Fashion Friday on January 23, and Emirates Super Saturday on February 28 — the key warm-up event ahead of World Cup night. Fans can expect a thrilling blend of elite racing and Dubai's signature hospitality as the countdown begins to a historic season at Meydan. The 2025-6 #DubaiCarnival gets underway on Friday, 7 November. — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) July 21, 2025
