Meydan on Sunday announced unprecedented record-breaking attendance numbers
at the 16th Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) held Saturday.
As many as 81,164 guests thronged the Meydan Grandstand, eager to catch a
glimpse of world-class racing, VIPs, celebrities and to enjoy a day filled with
fashion, food, music and entertainment as the festivities lasted well past 2
a.m.
Event highlights included nine mobile stages featuring more than 150
performers, aerialists, a theatrical and fireworks spectacular and a world’s
first with three 100-ton mega-structures featuring the three bloodlines of the
Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk, from whom all modern
Thoroughbreds descend.
Fashion took center stage with guests dressed to the nines, and the hotly
contested Jaguar Style Stakes fielded over 200 contestants vying for the best
dressed honors including, for the very first time, the Best Dressed Man. Guests
filled the Apron Views, Grandstand Suites, Lounges and restaurants to capacity
with fine dining and hospitality served in five-star style courtesy of The
Meydan Hotel.
Rounding up the evening, stunning performances by international recording
artist Jessie J and superstar DJ Seb Fontaine kept partygoers on their feet till
well into the early hours.
On the sidelines of the evening’s program, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, U.A.E. Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,
also awarded the Legion of Honor to the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan,
Saeed Humaid al Tayer, in recognition for his outstanding efforts in completing
the Meydan project in record time.
He also awarded the Golden Sword to Ahmed Abdulla al Shaikh, vice chairman of
Meydan, and thanked members of the board for their contributions and group
efforts in delivering Meydan to the world, and creating one of the United Arab
Emirates’ architectural and sporting landmarks.
The day’s racing showcased not just an international field of the world’s
best in racing, but also exemplified how the sport unites all as one. And this
was perhaps best showcased by the stunning win of Japan’s VICTOIRE PISA (Neo
Universe) in the Dubai World Cup with Transcend (Wild Rush) completing the
one-two for Japan, and the first ever win by a Japanese horse in Dubai World Cup
history.
The prize presentation ceremony was an emotionally charged and poignant
event, with Victoire’s owner Yoshimi Ichikawa and winning jockey Mirco Demuro
all shedding tears as they dedicated their win to the people of Japan and for
everyone.
“Yesterday proved more than ever, that Dubai World Cup is undoubtedly the
event of the year in Dubai,” al Tayer said. “It unites a world that shares a
common thread; the love of racing, sportsmanship and of championing humanity as
we have seen last night. The record attendance figures serves to re-affirm that
Dubai World Cup is more than just a sporting event, but one with global stature
and brand cache that continues to grow in international reputation.
“We are lucky to have an excellent team in place who continue to share the
same passion and vision in wanting to build upon what we have launched
successfully last year. Meydan City will continue to deliver, not just as a
center of excellence for sports, business and lifestyle, but to continue its
race in becoming a brand synonymous with architectural and property development
excellence, and being a conduit of how the United Arab Emirates is increasingly
being recognized as a global destination for investments, business, and leisure.
“As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has mentioned many
times, success does not have a finishing line, and neither do we.”