Dubai Racing stakes increase

The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) announced today that the overall prize money for the 2021-2022 flat-racing season will be in excess of US$40 million. The domestic racing season offers over US$2.3 million while the 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival (DWCC) is now valued at more than US$7.5 million. The 26th Dubai World Cup (DWC) meeting on 26 March 2022 now has a total purse of US$30.5 million with all races securing at least US$1 million in prize money.

Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Racing Club, said: “The directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to increase the prize money for the 2021-2022 flat-racing season are part of Dubai’s commitment to support global horse racing in rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as enhancing the horizons of excellence in both domestic and international racing. Under His Highness’s leadership, Dubai has been proactive in ensuring that horse racing continues to thrive in a protected environment that ensures the safety of all participants without compromising on the passion and competitive spirit that animates this sport.”

“As a major hub for horse racing events, Dubai will continue to take leadership in introducing initiatives that boost the sector and revitalize the global fraternity of horse owners, trainers and other equestrian professionals. We look forward to witnessing more iconic races, discovering new stars, and celebrating this wonderful sport in our new season, which begins in November,” he added.

Sheikh Rashid concluded: “I would like to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in the industry and the sport we love, including owners, trainers, jockeys, and all the hardworking staff at the stables who have been a great asset to the industry both locally and across the globe, for standing by horse racing through what has been a challenging 18 months. I would also like to thank our loyal horse racing fans for their continued support. Finally, to our valued Sponsors, their support in presenting this exciting season ahead is fundamental, and we truly appreciate their partnership.

The 2021-2022 race season, which will kick-off on Thursday, 4 November, will include 22 meetings in all. Consequently, the 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival (DWCC), one of the highlights of the racing season, which begins on Thursday, 13 January, with 8 race meetings culminating on 5th of March’s Super Saturday – sponsored by Emirates Airlines.

As part of the Dubai World Cup extravaganza, Super Saturday has received an enhancement in prize money and will now offer a total purse of more than US$2.2 million. Super Saturday features eight Thoroughbred races highlighted by the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3, which acts as a prep event for the Dubai World Cup and is now worth US$450,000. In addition, the prize money for the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, a major lead-up race to the Group 1 US$5 million Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup night, will offer a purse of US$350,000. In addition to moving the last leg of the Al Maktoum Challenge for Arabian horses to Super Saturday with a new purse of US$75,000.