Meydan has brought together 'our country's heritage and future together in one place', Mohammad says
Dubai: It certainly was the beginning of a new era in racing as a new race course and an out-of-this-world facility produced new winners and champions in what was a truly spectacular night of action and achievement.
Welcoming the racing fraternity of the world on the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the 15th running of the Dubai World Cup meeting was a special milestone.
"Today marks a very special milestone for the United Arab Emirates and the sport of horse racing as we not only see the 15th running of the illustrious Dubai World Cup, but also the final pieces of puzzle coming together in a development that brings our country's heritage and future together in one place," he said.
"Passion for horses and the sport of horse racing is embedded in UAE culture and our alliance with these noble animals’ spans from the very beginning of our history. Fast forward to the present day where the country is now an expanding metropolis thanks to the considerable investments in commercial and residential infrastructures as well as leisure and tourism," he said in his message.
"Today I proudly unveil what I hope will be seen as the world's premier racecourse here in the UAE and welcome race goers and competitors from all over the world for what is by far the most valuable race programme ever staged in the history of horse racing," Shaikh Mohammad said.
Note of thanks
"Meydan is the culmination of what has been a very exciting and fulfilling journey; seeing it rise from the ground to become an iconic symbol for what we hope befits the noble sport of horse racing. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this vision a reality in such a short span of time," he said."I hope that your experience here tonight will be indelible and a resounding factor for your return to Meydan for years to come. Meydan stands as a testament to both the sporting and human spirit for what we can achieve, for what we dare to dream."
He thanked all owners and trainers for bringing their horses to compete and share "this historical occasion with us".
It was also a night of celebration for all emiratis on the track as Mahmoud Al Zarouni, who was named trainer just three days ago, made a winning debut while veteran Ali Rashid Al Raihe emerged champion trainer in the UAE this season by winning the $5 million (Dh18.3 million) Dubai Duty Free (Group 1) with Al Shemali.
Earlier in the evening, trainer Julian Smart made a memorable return to the winner's circle in Dubai when Jaafer won the Kahayla Classic. A little later it was time for celebration in all of Hong Kong as Joy And Fun stunned a fancied field.
Al Zarouni's dream debut was helped by none other than the UAE's popular jockey Ahmad Ajtebi and then Al Raihe added to the local crowd's delight.
South African trainer Mike de Kock, who has been dominating the Dubai International Racing Carnival, capped it with a 1-2 finish in the UAE Derby.
Between the races, the night skies lit up with laser shows. Musical performers, both regional and international, regaled the packed crowds at the sprawling venue.
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