March 20, 2000. Copyright, 2000, Graphic News. All rights reserved

THE WORLDÕS RICHEST HORSERACE
By Midge Todhunter

LONDON, March 20, Graphic News:  THE 2000 Dubai World Cup programme at Nad al Sheba racecourse on March 25 is expected to create history by attracting more international Group 1 winners than any other previous race meeting.

Kevin Greely, racing secretary to the organizing committee, says nowhere in the world could a race meeting be found with such a powerful international representation.

ÒThe early confirmations include a winner of the Prix de lÕArc de Triomphe, the Epsom Derby, the English 2,000 Guineas, plus high-class weight-for-age horses from Europe, North America and Australia,Ó he said. ÒDubai is now host to a truly world championship day of racing which is the pinnacle of the international horse racing year.Ó

Centre stage of the meeting is the Dubai World Cup Ð the fabulous ÒRace in the DesertÓ Ð due off at 9.30pm local time, run over 10 furlongs (2,000m) of the most elaborate artificial racing surface anywhere on the globe. It is the richest horserace in the world, this year carrying a total prize money of US$6 million.

Once again the Dubai World Cup meeting will be supported by other prestigious and international races including the Dubai Classic over 12 furlongs of the turf track, and the Dubai Duty Free run over 9 furlongs Ð also on the turf. Both carry a purse worth $6 million.

There is no betting at Nad al Sheba, although all racegoers may participate in the complimentary Pick Six and Forecast competitions distributed free on the racetrack, with valuable prizes on offer.

For the second year the Dubai World Cup will receive a 90-minute television broadcast live to the UK to an expected audience of over 3.5 million viewers. The race will also be telecast live throughout north, south and central America, allowing racing fans worldwide to participate directly in the excitement. Airborne punters are also likely to catch the race, as the 1999 Dubai World Cup featured on the in-flight entertainment programmes of no less than 27 airlines.
/ENDS

Source: Dubai World Cup