Dubai World Cup Carnival 2020: Races, tickets & more

One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the UAE sporting calendar in January, the Dubai World Cup Carnival leading up to the iconic Dubai World Cup in March 2020, invites you to experience some exciting equestrian action up close. Horse racing in Dubai is all about energy and fierce competition. Head to the Meydan Racecourse for the best horse racing action from January 2 to February 27, 2020. Here’s all that you need to know about the Dubai World Cup Carnival 2020.

DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL: OVERVIEW AND UPDATES

The 10-week event is spread over nine consecutive Thursdays, culminating with the Super Saturday on March 7. Super Saturday is the rehearsal for the world’s richest race day at the Dubai World Cup for the grand $35M prize. The total prize money for the Dubai racing carnival is an impressive $12,740,000 Dubai World Cup carnival general admission is free. But you can always buy Dubai World Cup tickets for special viewing options.

View of Meydan Racecourse — The racecourse comes alive with Meydan horse racing events

The Meydan carnival has already kicked off with top-class horses from Australia, Denmark, France, Ireland, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, UK and USA.

Thoroughbred Dubai horse racing fixtures at the carnival include Group 1s (two races), Group 2s (10 races) and Group 3s (10 races). There will also be four Purebred Arabian pattern races along with 10 Listed races as well. Six of these Listed races were previously $175,000 turf handicaps at the Dubai World Cup Carnival 2019.
Group 3 prizes are upwards of $200,000, starting with the Dubawi Stakes 1200m event. The race was first contested in 2010, and this year Lavaspin and Gladiator King from Zabeel Stables are the strongest contenders.
There will also be a $50,000 increase in the Dubai City of Gold prize money (Group 2) over 2410m on turf. This will bring the total winnings of Dubai World Cup Carnival Super Saturday to $2.7M. Note that last year’s Super Saturday card produced three of the nine Dubai World Cup night winners.
Likewise, the $250,000 Singspiel Stakes (Group 2) also got a raise. In the last two seasons, Singspiel Stakes was won by subsequent Group 1 winners.

The 25th edition of the Dubai World Cup will be held three weeks after the DWC Carnival on March 28. Emirates Airline (Group 1) will sponsor the $12M prize.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL

Here’s all that has transpired at the Dubai racing carnival until now.

Dubai World Cup Results

As things build towards a grand finale, we are seeing more and more exciting races. Last week saw some really close finishes as the world’s talents went head to head at the Dubai World Cup Carnivals. The USD 100, 000 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 saw some interesting results. The 2000m race was held in fast conditions, where the majestic Bandar (France) won the race relatively comfortably. Jockey Fernando Jara showcased impressive skill and ended up as the winner with a margin of 0.75. RB Texas Hold Em and Mawahib stood second and third, respectively. For the 1600 M Meydan Classic, the track conditions were categorised as ‘good’. Well of Wisdom from Great Britain starting from Gate 4 was first out of the blocks and ended up as the clear winner. Jockey William Buick was fully in control in this USD 175,000 race. Swedish star Silent Night and Irish beauty Light Blush were also at the podium with second and third positions. Star Safari of Great Britain was the clear winner in the District One Residence Cup (Div 1). The track conditions were also good for this 2000m race. The winning jockey was Mickael Barzalona. Both Irish horses, Franz Kafka and Lucius Tiberius ended up taking the silver and bronze positions in the USD 135,000 race. In the District One Blueviews Stretch, jockeys could take advantage of the fast track conditions. The 1600m race was won by USA’s Moqarrar as jockey Fabrice Verson held strong to reach the finish line in quick time. Captain Von Trapp was behind by a margin of 0.5, while the distance between him and the third-placed Mystique Moon was 5.75. The Nad Al Sheba Trophy event had prize money of USD 300,000. Track conditions were good for this 2810m competition. Secret Advisor started the race from Gate 2 and secured a win with relative ease. Another trophy was added to the glittering cabinet of William Buick. Dubai Future and Dubai Horizon also found a place on the podium with second and third-place finishes, respectively. Curlin Stakes 2000m race had prize money of USD 175,000. The gold and bronze positions went to the two horses representing the USA. Reddam Racing’s Parsimony finished at the top of the table while Ambassadorial ended the race in the third position. Today of Korea took the second position. Unsurprisingly, the winning jockey was William Buick. Division 2 of the District One Residence saw a thrilling 2000m race. The USD 135,000 prize went to Irish horse Simsir. The margin from second-placed Dubai Icon was just 0.5. Jockey Ronan Whelan was delighted to win such a close race. American Graffiti finished third. 1400m District One Mansions Trophy race was held in good track conditions. Velorum finished at the top comfortably with a margin of 2.75, ahead of the second-placed Zainhom. Tamool finished third in the USD 175,000 race. Things are heating up with every race, and it is almost impossible to predict results. One thing is certain, we will see a lot of drama. Follow Dubai Racing Club’s official website to know more about the team rankings and more.

UPCOMING RACES AT DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL

Take a look at the Dubai World Cup carnival 2020 — The schedule for the Dubai World Cup Carnival in 2020

Here’s an overview Dubai World Cup race schedule leading to Super Saturday. Fans are waiting for the $250,000 Al Fahidi Fort (Group 2), the natural follow-up to the 1400m Meydan Challenge. This race has produced multiple Dubai World Cup night winners in the past.

On the 16th of January, we will witness the 2000m Zabeel Turf that will lead up to $200,000 Dubai Millennium (Group 3) on February 20. On the same day (February 20) the $250,000 Meydan Sprint (Group 2) will be held, which follows the 1000m Dubai Dash.
The Dubai Spring over 1200m event is for turf sprinters looking for an extra furlong on February 6. This is the prep for the Super Saturday’s $350,000 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (Group 3).
The Meydan Cup will be held on January 30 over 2810m, an event for those eyeing the $300,000 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (Group 3) on February 27.

As already mentioned, spectators can get free access to the racecourse on regular race night. You can also enjoy a range of viewing options varying in terms of prices and level of luxury. This includes everything from simple seats to five-star all-inclusive dining. This wraps our guide for the Dubai World Cup Carnival. It is one of the hottest Dubai events in January, and there are still many events to witness leading to the night of the world cup 2020. In case you want to join the action, we have also compiled a list of the best places for horse riding in Dubai. Along with Meydan horse racing, you can also watch camel racing in Dubai, which is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the culture of the UAE.