The Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) is pleased to announce significant
upgrades to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stakes schedule for 2012 with the
Dubai World Cup meeting bolstered further by the upgrade to Group 1 of the Al
Quoz Sprint and Super Saturday now to host dual Group 1 events with the rise to
the elite level for the Al Maktoum Challenge Round III and the Jebel Hatta.
For the 2011/2012 season, the UAE will host 34 Group races including the
following: seven Group 1 races; nine Group 2 events; 10 Group 3 contests; and
eight listed races.
The Al Quoz Sprint will now serve as the fifth Group 1 race to be offered on
the Dubai World Cup program scheduled for March 31, 2012.
Super Saturday will now offer Group 1 competition with two stellar events,
the Jebel Hatta and the Al Maktoum Challenge Round III to be contested on March
10, 2012. The latter serves as the prep race for the world’s richest race, the
$10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1).
The roster of upgrades displays the ERA’s commitment to horseracing and
hosting of quality events that will attract the best competition and draw the
eyes of the racing world to the UAE.
“This is another significant step in the development of the sport of
horseracing in the UAE,” said Malih Lahej Al Basti, chairman of the steering
committee for the Emirates Racing Authority. “The history of horseracing in this
region is centuries old, and our efforts to upgrade our stakes is an example of
our passion for the sport. This is a great gain for horseracing and all the UAE
as this accomplishment will gain positive attention and attract visitors to come
and share our enthusiasm for horseracing.”
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will offer one Group 3 race and two listed events
during their season. They are joined in offering UAE “Black Type” races by Jebel
Ali Racecourse that will feature three listed races during the season.
Meydan Racecourse will also offer three other Dubai World Cup Carnival events
that received upgrades. The Al Maktoum Challenge Round II will now be run at
Group 2 level and the Firebreak S. and Nad Al Sheba Trophy will now be run at
Group 3 level for the first time.