33
DUBAI WORLD CUP
Where?
Dubai Racing Club
Nad Al Sheba Racecourse
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When?
Annually in late March.
Significance:
The annual, invitation-only, flat racing thoroughbred horse race spans a distance of 2,000 meters, 10 furlongs, on the state-of-the-art Nad Al-Sheba Racecourse. The Dubai World Cup was created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Sheikh is not only the ruler of Dubai, but also the owner of the world’s leading thoroughbred breeding and racing operation, Darley Stud & Godolphin Racing. Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has become the world’s richest horse race with runners competing from twelve different countries. Jockeys vie for a multi-million-dollar purse in a Group 1 flat race on dirt for Northern Hemisphere thoroughbred four-year-olds and up and for Southern Hemisphere thoroughbred three-year-olds and up. All totaled, the seven-race purse exceeds $21 million. The race is operated by the Emirates Horse Racing Authority (EHRA), whose chairman is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai’s Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Who attends?
Horse-racing aficionados meet fashion trendsetters. While the horses vie for the Cup, the attendees compete in the BurJuman Style Stakes. Awards include “Best Dressed Lady,” “Best Dressed Couple,” and “Best Hat” events. Every year, the competitive spirit among the well-dressed rivals that of the jockeys. The competition grows more intense among style-conscious men, women, and couples.
Tickets:
For secondary ticket access, consider:
GoTickets, Inc.
2345 Waukegan Road, Suite 140
Bannockburn, IL 60015-1552
Toll-Free: 1-800-775-1617
Fax: (919) 481-9101
E-mail: sales@gotickets.com
www.gotickets.comAccommodations:
Madinat Jumeirahh
Note: Provides a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf, which complements the overall motif of the hotel.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa
Note: Facing the Arabian Gulf on the Jumeirahh strip, this beachfront hotel is set in lush and beautiful tropical gardens.
Grosvenor House West Marina Beach by Le Méridien
Note: Few locations provide a better view of a colorful Dubai sunset.
On-Site Hospitality:
Dubai Restaurant: With a glass front, this restaurant boasts an elevated view of the track and several television screens to watch the race. The pre-selected four-course table d’hôte (host table) menu provides multi-course meals charged at a fixed price. An array of soft drinks, beer, wine, and regular spirits is provided as well.
Millennium Views: A three-course international dinner buffet awaits patrons. Grandstand terrace seating is available, providing one of the best views of the race.
The Bubbly Lounge: Where else would you enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the horses?
International Village: A large garden area provides the best in Mexican, Japanese, Indian, and Italian cuisine for those attending the race.
Breakfast With the Stars: During morning track work, you can witness celebrity interviews with top guests and those in the equine field. A lavish breakfast buffet is served on the paddock lawns.
Oasis Village: Featuring open-fronted Arabic-style marquees with a bar for beverage service and a private garden, the Oasis Village provides informal facilities for groups of up to forty. Jebel Ali International Hotels offer afternoon tea and gourmet canapés.
Infield Pavilions: Private entrances and gardens with shaded seating are located at the entry of these air-conditioned pavilions furnished with dining tables and a private bar. Dining options include a buffet dinner, tea, and other beverages.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.comPremiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.com
Dining:
Shabestan
Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (4) 222 7171
Note: Classic Persian cuisine with freshly baked bread.
Fish Market
Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (4) 222 7171
Note: Dine on fresh seafood prepared by Southeast Asian chefs while enjoying a view of the Creek.
Al Mahara
Note: Known for their delicious seafood dishes.
Jules Bar
Le Meridien Hotel
Airport Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (4) 331 3555
Note: Enjoy tasty Mexican snacks.
The China Club
Note: Fine food prepared by Chinese master chefs in a beautiful facility with great service.
Capri Grill
Hilton Trade Apartments
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (4) 331 4505
Note: Pasta, pizza, and lasagna are but a few Italian dishes served at this Italian eatery located at Hilton Trade Apartments.
Al Qasr Lebanese Restaurant
Dubai Marine Beach Club
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (4) 304 8101
Note: Food prepared by a chef before your eyes. Excellent service and plenty of seating.
Airport:
Dubai International Airport
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:
Best way to watch the action:
Watch the race from the Dubai Restaurant. You get an elevated view to see the race through the glass front and multiple televisions screens for what you cannot see. Gorge on a four-course meal from a pre-selected menu charged at a fixed price.
Best place to get up close:
Get up close during the morning of the race. Professionals in the industry and celebrities are interviewed for their insight. You can see it all while enjoying the breakfast buffet on the paddock lawn.
Best travel tip:
Simply put, “dress to impress,” and not just for the contest. National dress/lounge suits for men, and fashionable attire and extravagant hats for women. While casual dress is permitted in public enclosures, jeans and shorts are not allowed in hospitality areas.
Notable Quotes:
“It’s extremely important, because not only is the purse so large, but they attract the best horses from all over the world.”—RICHARD ENG, Las Vegas Review Journal horse racing columnist
“I think this is an extraordinary place. Every time I come here, the city changes and it’s very interesting.”—HIROYOSHI MATSUDA, trainer
“This is an unbelievable experience and I can’t explain it. This is at the very top of the list.”—ROBBY ALBARADO, jockey
Relevant Websites: