Bhupat Seemar: Dubai World Cup the 'Olympics or Oscars' of UAE horse racing

Bhupat Seemar regards the Dubai World Cup as the Olympics or the Oscars of the horse-racing fraternity in the UAE.

The 27th staging of the meeting that draws some of the best racehorses from around the world for a prize fund of $30.5 million spread across nine races, including the $12 million Dubai World Cup, is a much-anticipated event in the racing world.

“I always say these are the Olympics or the Oscars for us, who live here. It’s a grand finale and this is what we work for,” Seemar said at a media conference at Meydan on Tuesday.

“The best of the best come here to compete and that’s what the Dubai World Cup is all about. For us as local trainers along with the local owners we get the opportunity to compete against them.”

Seemar took charge of the Zabeel Stables from his uncle Satish Seemar last season. He made a dream start by winning the UAE champion trainers' title and his first Group 1 victory in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen.

“I’m very grateful to be in this position,” he said. “I have a lot of people to thank. It’s not a one-man show but too many great people behind me and to get me here.”

Seemar has nine horses entered across four races, including Remorse and Bendoog in the Dubai World Cup.

Remorse is the choice of stable jockey Tadhg O’Shea, while Brett Doyle is booked on Bendoog.

“Bendoog knows his way around here and he’s got a great jockey,” Seemar said of the four-year-old Gun Runner colt.

“We need him to win it but you have to be realistic. He'll hopefully run a good race. This horse broke his maiden in Dubai last year. He’s a big horse and kept on improving all year. He’s by a great sire and has a great owner behind him.

“Remorse was sixth in the World Cup and he ran really well last year. He was