Why Is Horse Racing So Popular in Dubai?

Significant horse racing events are staged across the world in this modern day, with major purses available to some of the world’s biggest stars. 

These races attract runners from far and wide, with European raiders typically shipped in to compete in the United States and the Middle East. 

The latter has been a newer addition to the calendar, but it has been a welcome sight for trainers looking to plot raids for big purses. But, there is so much more to the investment made by nations made in the Middle East than simply the big purses on offer. 

Hub of Racing

One of the reasons why racing has become so popular in Dubai is due to the hot climate in the traditional winter months across Europe and North America. 

Therefore, it has become a central hub for trainers and owners of some of the finest horses in the world during that period, as teams can be based out of Dubai for the Racing Carnival. 

This doesn’t only see horses from Europe and the States that have shipped to Dubai gaining success in big races within the city, but also has a big impact on the results in neighbouring nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. 

This enables trainers to keep their horses fit and healthy before returning to their home countries to target major domestic prizes throughout the season. 

Far East Rising

Traditional racing hotspots including the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia continue to play a vital role in terms of breeding, while also playing host to some of the most prestigious races on the calendar. 

However, there has been a notable shift away from those nations in terms of the growing breeding operations across the United Arab Emirates and Japan. Big money has been spent by owners in both of the respective nations, in the hope that a superstar can be born to fund the industry and prove the success that has been enjoyed. 

Japan has fared better than most in that regard, as they have achieved notable wins at the Breeders’ Cup, and have put up competitive showings in major European Group Ones. The Middle East have also achieved notable success with their own breeding programme, but it is yet to make the same kind of impression as the Japanese outside of the region. 

Early Roots in the Sport

While the Dubai World Cup is now one of the most lucrative horse racing events on the planet, it is worth remembering that Dubai’s roots in the sport date further back than 1996. You can check here how many racing tournaments exist in UAE: https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments/ 

The first horse racing action to be staged within the nation dates back to 1981, when a racing event was organised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Camel Track. A full day of racing was staged for the public, which included races over sprint distances, and contests over the traditional Classic distance of a mile and a half. 

But, the popularity of racing within the region didn’t reach new heights until the formation of the Dubai Racing Club in 1992. The organisation was founded with the ambition to establish the sport within the city, and it quickly led to the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse being opened. 

During its first year in operation, it saw some of the world’s biggest stars in action, including legendary jockeys such as Willie Carson and Lester Piggott.

Dubai World Cup Takes Popularity to Next Level

The most significant breakthrough in terms of the popularity of racing in Dubai arrived in 1996 when the Dubai World Cup was launched. Organisers planned to make the event one that the world would watch and hoped that it would attract legendary performers from across the globe. 

Offering major purses for the fields was a major drawing point, and it immediately traction after U.S. legend Cigar won the inaugural running of the Dubai World Cup. 

That appeared to set the tone for future generations, as there have been no shortage of legendary overseas runners that have travelled to Dubai in order to try and win one of the most lucrative purses. 

As well as Cigar, Curlin would also travel from the United States to win the Dubai World Cup, while there have also been notable winners from Brazilian and Japanese-owned horses.

Attracting Visitors From Across The World

Dubai has always been a bucket list travel location for visitors from across the world, and the investment put into the sport of horse racing ensures that it is a must-visit location for lovers of the sport in this modern day. 

The popularity of racing in Dubai only looks set to continue for generations to come, as the Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup events only get bigger and better with every passing year.