The Dubai World Cup is not just about the world’s richest horse race, it’s also an opportunity for the emirate’s social set to strut their stuff.
The 19th running of the glitzy event was no different, with women in all manner of grand hats, bigs and small, alongside fully suited gentlemen enjoying an exciting night of racing.
“This is the sixth time we come to this event,” said Gail Price who was at the Meydan Racecourse with her husband and a friend. “We always enjoy it very much. We enjoy the races and we enjoy the social event.”
Lawrence Dudley, a Dubai resident, said this was his first time attending the Dubai World Cup and he was looking forward it.
“It’s a combo,” said Mr Dudley. “I want to see the horse race, but it’s also a great opportunity to socialise. It’s well organised and welcoming.”
Meghann Cleary, who stood out from the crowd in a bright blue hat, also said it was her first time at the Dubai World Cup.
“I bought the hat especially for this occasion,” Ms Cleary said.
Nisreen Sarryeh, who has been a resident of Dubai for the past six years, said she did not care much for the horse race but looked forward to seeing the ladies’ hats and dresses.
“This is my second time at the Dubai World Cup and I have to be honest, I don’t really know much about horses or horseracing,” she said.
“However, I decided to come again this year because it was great fun hanging out with friends in a really nice venue. I enjoy looking at the eccentric hats and the very fancy dresses.
“It’s not something that you see every day.”
Lina, who attending the event for the first time, said she was impressed by how much effort people put into their outfits.
“It is so impressive and a little shocking that people spend so much time and money to look so good for one event,” Lina said. “I knew that it was going to be a little out there but this is really impressive.”
Marc, who has been living in Dubai for a year, said the Dubai World Cup is a must-see event in the emirate.
“This is a very glamorous event, it symbolises what Dubai is. It’s a combination of horses, desert, sport and luxury, and this is Dubai,” he said.
The World Cup took place at Meydan in front of a 60,000-seat grandstand.
“Last year we witnessed the emphatic victory of the US-based racehorse Animal Kingdon,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“This year the 2,000 metres of the Dubai World Cup stretches out before our high-class field and we wait with anticipation to welcome home the 19th champion of this great race.
“Of course, there is far more to Dubai World Cup day than just one US$10 million (Dh36.7m) competition.
“A supporting card of eight top-quality races has sprung up are the showpiece contest, on a day that has become renowned as the highest-profile sporting and social occasion in the city.”
The race itself gave Sheikh Mohammed more reasons to smile, being won by African Story, from the Godolphin stable, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa.
After the racing, it was time to enjoy a concert by US singer Jennifer Lopez.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
