The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) on Tuesday announced an increase in prize money for the upcoming 2021/22 flat-racing season, including an additional $4 million for the Dubai World Cup next March.
The domestic racing season, which begins at Meydan on November 4, will offer $2.3m while the 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival is now valued at more than $7.5m.
The 26th Dubai World Cup, the next edition of the prestigious race night scheduled for March 26, will boast a total purse of more than $30.5m, up from the $26.5m of the 2021 event. For the first time, all races will offer at least $1m in prize money.
"The directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to increase the prize money for the 2021-2022 flat-racing season are part of Dubai’s commitment to support global horse racing in rebounding from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as enhancing the horizons of excellence in both domestic and international racing," said Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Racing Club.
“As a major hub for horse racing events, Dubai will continue to take leadership in introducing initiatives that boost the sector and revitalise the global fraternity of horse owners, trainers and other equestrian professionals. We look forward to witnessing more iconic races, discovering new stars, and celebrating this wonderful sport in our new season, which begins in November."
The 2021/22 race season will include 22 meetings in all. Consequently, the 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival, which begins on January 13, will feature eight race meetings culminating in March 5’s Super Saturday.
As part of the Dubai World Cup extravaganza, Super Saturday has received an enhancement in prize money and will now offer a total purse of more than $2.2m. It will feature eight thoroughbred races highlighted by the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3, which acts as a prep event for the Dubai World Cup and is now worth $450,000.
Additionally, the prize money for the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, a major lead-up race to the Group 1 $5m Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup night, will offer a purse of $350,000.
