RSSThe region embraces horse racing as its favourite sport. Dubai World Cup, one of the recent challenges has gained the reputation of being the richest horse race in the world.
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Horses have always played a central role in traditional life in Arabia; horses are a passion with the local Arabs. Arabian horses are famous the world over for their beauty, strength and caliber. |
However contemporary horse racing with local jockeys as well as top jockeys from overseas, has taken off dramatically over the past decade. Race meetings are held weekly during the winter at one of the UAE’s four racecourses.
The Dubai World Cup is termed as the world's richest horse race and has achieved the coveted Group One status that places it on par with the world's best horse racing events. It is held in spring each year at the well-appointed Nad al-Sheba racecourse, 15 minutes from Dubai city centre. There are two tracks here- the dirt track and the turf track. The Nad Al Sheba track has three chutes. The width of the dirt track accommodates up to 16 runners comfortably. The track is made up of a hard dirt base. The Nad Al Sheba turf track is an 11 furlong long left handed three turn course covered with Bermuda Hybrid and winter rye. Ideal conditions are maintained on the track using state of the art equipments. Other races in the World Cup festival include the UAE Derby, the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, The Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile.
Endurance racing over long distances using purebred Arabian horses that are renowned for their stamina is also a sport in which UAE nationals excel at home and abroad. The UAE is considered a pioneer in Endurance racing. It played host to the World Endurance Championship which had more than 40 countries participating. International races are held at frequent intervals in the UAE throughout the winter months.
The Emirates Racing Association has elevated the sport in the UAE to international status by establishing world-class equine facilities. Trainers from all over the world now prefer to be based in the UAE because of the unbeatable facilities and expertise available here.
Show jumping too is gaining ground with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation working to raise the sport to international levels. Going to the races in the UAE is as exciting and glamorous as anywhere in the world but in accordance with the precepts of Islam, gambling is prohibited at all racetracks.
By: Lamiya Sami
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006.
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