Emirates World Cup horse racing

Race jockeys will compete for the largest prize in the world later this month at the Emirates World Cup in Dubai.

A total prize fund of $6 million is available for the Dubai World Cup, with $3.6 million for the winner on March 26th.

Visitors to the races can take part in a competition themselves if they wish – the Burjuman Style Stakes, with $15,000 worth of vouchers, features "the heart of race wear fashion and millinery on the day".

The United Arab Emirates' Nad Al Sherba Racecourse boasts state of the art facilities, with floodlit tracks and televisions covering the action in all areas.

Notwithstanding the huge prize money available, the event has a homecoming feel to it – for thoroughbred horse racing is a Middle Eastern tradition dating back hundreds of years.

The races are funded by Dubai's ruling Maktoum family, who, together with local airlines and developers, are attempting to build the "Pearl of the Arabian Gulf" into one of the world's most popular tourism destinations.

Posted by Just the Flight, 13 March 2006 17:10

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