Great sport played outdoors:
Arabian Horse Racing in
The United Arab Emirates

By: L.Y.Carter, Jr.

Through the inspiration of her leaders, the UAE has witnessed phenomenal growth in a short twenty-six years. From the desert with its stark beauty and unforgiving climate, has arisen a modern nation. Within this young country, an old sport has gained renewed popularity. Purebred Arabian Horse, once used as war-horses now thunder around state of the art racecourses. The racing of purebred Arabian horses is gaining popularity and prestige. Arabian horse Racing in the United Arab Emirates is now an established sport, which has witnessed phenomenal growth in the past seven years. The best Arabian horses from around the world have been imported to the UAE. These horses have been raced and some are now being bred, insuring that for years to come, the finest and fastest Arabian Race Horses will race in the UAE

The Racing season begins in the fall of the year and continues through April, Racing is currently conducted at four different racecourses. These venues offer a variety of racing surfaces and conditions. The personality of each facility helps to ensure that a UAE Champion Arabian Racehorse has been fully tested to confirm the champion’s heart and stamina. All of these racecourses conduct racing under the auspices of the Emirates Racing Association.The Era formulates the rules and policies of racing, ensuring that the racing in the UAE is accepted internationally.

Racing in the capital city of Abu Dhabi is conducted on turf over a 2000-meter long oval track. The track resides within the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Center. This center is home to many stables of horses. Most notable is the Stable for H.H. The President. The turf track is the home of the Abu Dhabi Triple Crown Series of races. In December, the National Day Cup race is run over 1600 meters. A second race, The President’s Cup, takes place over 2200 meters in February. And, finally, the series is concluded in April with The Emirates Championship race; again conducted over 2200 meters. Each of these races are handicapped, allowing for the most competitive contests.

Also, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, race meetings are being held at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Ghantoot is the newest racecourse in the UAE. It just recently held its inaugural race meeting in December 1997. The racetrack is grass; 2000 meters in length. There are three different chutes, which lead on to the main course, allowing for a variety of races and distances to be carded. Currently, the second leg of the Crown Prince’s Silver Cup series of races for four years old Arabians is to be held at Ghantoot in March 1998.

The Emirate of Dubai has two premier dirt tracks, each 2000 meters in length, which add variety to the UAE’s racing. Nad Al Sheba Race Course is famous as the home of the Dubai World Cup. The World Cup race is held annually in March at Nad Al Sheba. Its Group One status and $4,000,000.00 purse attracts the best Thoroughbred horses in the world. The Chrysler World Cup Race for Arabian horses is also held on World Cup day. In addition to these great races, Nad Al Sheba hosts a tremendous program of races for Arabian horses throughout the season. The Maktoum Challenge for Arabians is contested each year, at distances from 1600 to 2400 meters. The three races, which make up the Challenge, are held during a nine-week period. Traditionally, winning any of these races has been an essential successful step for all of the previous Championship Arabian horses in the UAE.

Finally, racing takes place at Jebel Ali Race Course in Dubai. This dirt strip is renowned for its final two furlongs. The ground finishes uphill through the final stretch, towards the finish. Any horse, which finds the finish line first at Jebel Ali, has proven its stamina and heart.

Obviously, Arabian Horse Racing has a strong foundation in the United Arab Emirates. In seasons to follow, the leaders of Arabian Racing in the UAE have indicated that there will be more competition, both locally and internationally. With these growing opportinities, more owners are becoming involved. The level of professional horsemanship is improving. The competition is keener. And, most importantly, the Arabian Race Horses are getting faster!