Al Quoz Sprint added to Dubai World Cup card

To celebrate the 15th renewal of the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 27,

2010, and its first running at the new Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, the

Dubai Racing Club has extended the program to eight races for the meeting with

the addition of the Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G3), a 1,200-meter turf race worth $1

million.

The Meydan Racecourse features a left-handed 2,400-meter turf circuit outside

of a 1,750-meter all weather track. A 1,200-meter turf straight course adjoining

the outside track makes it ideal for a straight grass sprint, which will

increase opportunities for the best horses from around the world to compete.

Meydan Board Member Malih Lahij Al Basti explained the decision to transfer

the Al Quoz Sprint to World Cup night.

"The highest rated sprinters in the world are predominantly turf horses, and

with the rich history of the Dubai Golden Shaheen ([UAE-G1] on the main track)

attracting the best from the USA, we will now attract the best turf sprinters in

the world with the addition of Al Quoz Sprint," Al Basti said.

"The Al Quoz Sprint is positioned perfectly on the international calendar to

enable horses to run in Dubai, and then go on to international sprints either at

Royal Ascot or Singapore."

The Golden Shaheen, which had been a dash down the straightaway at Nad al

Sheba, will now feature a turn because of the configuration of Meydan.

As expected, the centerpiece of the meeting, the Dubai World Cup, has enjoyed

a hefty purse increase to $10 million. The 2,000-meter feature had formerly

carried a purse of $6 million.

Two other changes have been made to the World Cup card. The Dubai Duty Free

(UAE-G1), formerly contested at 1,777 grassy meters at Nad al Sheba, will be

staged over 1,800 meters on Meydan's turf course, and the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2)

has been lengthened from 1,800 meters to 1,900 meters.

"The Dubai World Cup is a highly-regarded fixture on the international racing

circuit, and the new Meydan Racecourse is set to further enhance its global

standing and appeal," said Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer, chairman of the board and CEO

of Meydan.

"This year's 15th running of the Dubai World Cup will not only be a milestone

for the sport in the UAE, but also for the rest of the world, as Meydan begins

to fulfill its core mission -- to be the Thoroughbred destination of the world."

The Dubai World Cup meeting is now worth $26.25 million, making it one of the

richest sporting events in the world. The eight-race program comprises four

Group 1s, two Group 2s and one Group 3 race for Thoroughbreds, as well as one

Group 1 Purebred Arabian race.

2010 DUBAI WORLD CUP PROGRAM

RACE		PURSE		DISTANCE
Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1)		$10 million		2,000 meters
Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1)		$5 million		2,400 meters (turf)
Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1)		$5 million		1,800 meters (turf)
Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1)		$2 million		1,200 meters
U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2)		$2 million		1,900 meters
Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2)		$1 million		1,600 meters
Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G3)		$1 million		1,200 meters (turf)
Dubai Kahayla Classic (Purebred Arabians)		$250,000		2,000 meters