17th Dubai World Cup - The Richest Horse Race in the World

On 31st March 2012, gates of Maydan Racecourse will be opened at 02:00 pm and registration will begin while first will start at 04:30 pm.

This year the Dubai World Cup will celebrate its 17th running and will offer the prizemoney of a world record $27.25 million whereas the programme has grown to include nine spectacular races.

Since the beginning of the Dubai World Cup in 1996, a distinguished group of businesses are supporting the event to bring the excitement and spectacle of this international event to the racing world.

Meydan Chairman of the Board and CEO Saeed Humaid Al Tayer said: “Each year we are honored to team with leading business partners to present an event that truly showcases the biggest and brightest stars of the racing world. This is truly an international test and Dubai serves as a crossroads in bringing these horses and their connections to test their greatness. This would not be possible without the dedication and vision of our partners. Their immense support allows us to bring the Dubai World Cup experience to tens of thousands of race fans at Meydan, and countless millions more around the globe that view the spectacle on television. Teamwork is vital for the success of this event and the dedicated team of partners we share will once again lend support to bring the greatness of the Dubai World Cup experience to the world."

There will be stern competition from horses representing Britain, France, Germany Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa as well as the five-pronged defence from horses trained in the United Arab Emirates.

Transcend finished runner-up to his Japanese compatriot, Victoire Pisa (winner of 2011 world Cup), in the Dubai World Cup 12 months ago.

Also in the line-up is Royal Delta, whose trainer Bill Mott, won the inaugural Dubai World Cup with Cigar in 1996.

Four of the five locally-trained runners represent Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin stable. The sheikh's principal jockey, Frankie Dettori, has elected to ride Prince Bishop.

Silvestre De Sousa and Mickael Barzalona, both recently put on retainers by Godolphin, are aboard Mendip and Monterosso respectively. Monterosso finished third in the Dubai World Cup 12 months ago.

Betting is outlawed in Dubai.

You will find more detail at Dubai Racing Club website.