DUBAI – The calendar for the 2012-13 Dubai racing season has been approved by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority.

The programme, which starts on 2 November, includes race meetings at Jebel Ali Racecourse, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Meydan Racecourse – the venue of the Dubai World Cup Carnival which culminates in Dubai World Cup night.

The Dubai World Cup Carnival will kick off on Thursday 10 January with Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge topping the programme and will feature 11 fixtures. The world’s richest race, the $10-million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline is scheduled to be held on Saturday 30 March.

The Carnival is a happy hunting ground for  trainer Mike de Kock, who is taking a number of South African stars to Dubai, including champions Igugu, The Apache, Soft Falling Rain, Mushreq and Shea Shea, to test their mettle against some of the bluest blooded thoroughbreds in the world. – Emirates Racing Authority.