Spectacular Dubai World Cup closes UAE racing season, but summer action is just beginning

DUBAI: It has been a good UAE season — the best since the pre-Covid halcyon days of 2019. There have been many highlights, but for me the main one was that Dubai welcomed back the world — to horse racing and to Expo 2020. Horses from 15 countries raced here during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, including some from smaller racing nations such as Norway and Greece.

We had winners from Uruguay, the UK, the US and France plus a slew of winners in the Godolphin blue and from the UAE. Prize money was up, for the Carnival at least, and we had a spectacular Dubai World Cup, where a stunning Japanese-trained five-timer was the main talking point, as well as a record-equaling fourth Dubai World Cup for Frankie Dettori on Country Grammer. On the local scene, Tadhg O’Shea secured an unprecedented 10th jockeys’ championship title at the age of 40.

His method of booking rides himself — rather than using an agent — means he deserves extra credit. O’Shea’s main boss, Khalid Khalifa Al-Nabooda, will be crowned champion owner for a fifth time and it can be argued that few people have done more for the Arabian breed locally. The trainers’ championship goes to Bhupat Seemar, whose years of graft as assistant to his uncle Satish Seemar have now been rewarded by recognition in his own name.

He and O’Shea celebrated their titles with a first Group 1 win, combining with Switzerland in the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Another positive from the season has been the establishment of satellite yards; Antonio Cintra (three wins) and Pavel Vashchenko (two) being the main beneficiaries. Plenty of other trainers are now looking to follow suit and allowing them in will further strengthen racing here as well as bringing in some international flavor.