Dubai gets nod for more world class horse races for 2012

Dubai's impact on the global horseracing world is set to grow further in 2012 with the announcement on Tuesday that it will host more Group One races than ever before. The Emirates Racing Authority revealed in a statement significant upgrades to the UAE stakes schedule for 2012. The Dubai World Cup meeting will be bolstered further by the upgrade to Group One of the Al Quoz Sprint with Super Saturday now hosting dual Group One events with the rise to the elite level for the Al Maktoum Challenge Round III and the Jebel Hatta. In total, the UAE will host 34 Group races in 2011/2012 including seven Group One contests. The Al Quoz Sprint, sponsored by Emirates NBD, will now serve as the fifth Group One race to be offered on the Dubai World Cup programme scheduled for March 31, 2012. “This is another significant step in the development of the sport of horseracing in the UAE,” said Malih Lahej Al Basti, chairman, Steering Committee for the Emirates Racing Authority. “The history of horseracing in this region is centuries old, and our efforts to upgrade our stakes is an example of our passion for the sport. "This is a great gain for horseracing and all the UAE as this accomplishment will gain positive attention and attract visitors to come and share our enthusiasm for horseracing.” Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will offer one Group Three race and two Listed events during its season.Meydan Racecourse will also offer three other Dubai World Cup Carnival events that received upgrades. The Al Maktoum Challenge Round II will now be run at Group Two level and the Firebreak Stakes and Nad Al Sheba Trophy will now be run at Group Three level for the first time.