March 23, 1999. Copyright, 1999, Graphic News. All rights reserved

THE WORLDÕS RICHEST HORSERACE
By Midge Todhunter

LONDON, March 23, Graphic News:  IN the midst of the searing Arabian desert, an oasis of green carpet has been nurtured at DubaiÕs Nad Al Sheba racecourse. A new turf racetrack of international acclaim to complement the existing sand track Ð itself only created in 1996. The mission is to establish an international tournament on a par with the worldÕs greatest sporting events.
ÒOur aim with this race meeting mirrors our efforts to make Dubai the pace-setter in west Asia for industry, communications and tourism,Ó says Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai.
Conscious of the fact that the Ôblack goldÕ will run out in some 60 years time, the leaders of the oil-rich state plan to push Dubai City centre stage on the international commerce scene.
Brainchild of the worldÕs leading owner Sheikh Mohammed, the Ôrace in the desertÕ has shot to prominence in under five years. Now ranked a Group 1 event in line with the worldÕs premier races, the Dubai World Cup Ð staged over 10 furlongs on the sand track Ð remains the focal point of this international gathering.
The 1996 inaugural running, won by AmericaÕs champion racehorse Cigar, was an immediate success, attracting top horses from around the globe. Sheikh MohammedÕs own Singspiel won the race in 1997, and AmericaÕs Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm just beat the Godolphin stableÕs Swain by a short head in last yearÕs race. This year Silver Charm has returned to defend his crown and among others in the field will be Epsom Derby winner High-Rise, now racing in the Godolphin colours.
After allowing the new grass surface an unprecedented length of time to mature and consolidate, organisers added the first Dubai Turf Classic over 12 furlongs Ð the same trip as the Epsom Derby Ð last year and this race too looks set to become a major event.
The meeting is going from strength to strength, as Sheikh Mohammed explains: ÒAlthough our aim is always to be the best, it is a moving target, with continual improvements necessary. In 1997 we completely replaced the main sand track and it is now acknowledged as one of the best racing surfaces anywhere in the world. We believe the new turf surface will also be one of the finest, and improvements are always top of our agenda.Ó
/ENDS

Sources: Dubai World Cup, Emirates Racing Association