The Dubai Sheema Classic is a group one flat race held on Dubai World Cup Night which is the single richest day of Thoroughbred racing in the world.
This Group 1 race, held over 2,410 metres (about 1.5 miles) at Meydan Racecourse, draws top middle-distance thoroughbreds from around the world.
At British Racecourses, we’re thrilled to share our expert guide on this prestigious event, detailing everything you need to know to follow the Dubai Sheema Classic.
What is the Dubai Sheema Classic?
The Dubai Sheema Classic is a Group 1 turf race for thoroughbreds aged four years and older, making it one of the most sought-after races on the global racing calendar. Held annually on Dubai World Cup night, typically in March, the race spans 2,410 metres, requiring horses to showcase both stamina and speed over this long-distance turf track.
With an elite field of international competitors and a significant prize purse, the Sheema Classic consistently attracts top horses from leading racing nations like the UK, Japan, and the USA. For British race enthusiasts, the Sheema Classic is a prime opportunity to see top UK-trained horses and jockeys compete against a world-class field.
Why is the Dubai Sheema Classic Important?
The Dubai Sheema Classic is highly valued in the horse racing world for its combination of prestigious status, intense competition, and generous prize purse. Being part of the Dubai World Cup Night means the Sheema Classic holds a unique place in the racing calendar, drawing extensive global interest. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important:
- International Competitors: The race brings together an elite field from countries with strong racing traditions, particularly Japan, the UK, and the USA. This diversity enhances the competitive spirit and global appeal.
- Stamina and Speed: Horses competing in the Sheema Classic need exceptional endurance to maintain pace and power over the 2,410 metres, a distance that demands both tactical skill and physical stamina.
- Significant Prize Purse: As one of the richest turf races in the world, the Sheema Classic draws renowned trainers, jockeys, and owners, each hoping to claim a share of the prize.
- Group 1 Status: The Sheema Classic’s Group 1 rating places it among the most elite races internationally, making it a target for top-tier horses, often those who have excelled in other major races around the world.
Dubai Sheema Classic Previous Winners
Here are the previous winners of the Dubai Sheema Classic.
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 |  Stowaway (GB) | 4 |  Frankie Dettori (ITA) |  Saeed bin Suroor (UAE) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:29.01 |
| 1999 |  Fruits of Love (USA) | 4 |  Kieren Fallon (IRE) |  Mark Johnston (SCO) |  Michael Doyle (GB) | 2:28.45 |
| 2000 |  Fantastic Light (USA) | 4 |  Kieren Fallon (IRE) |  Michael Stoute (GB) |  Maktoum Al Maktoum (UAE) | 2:27.70 |
| 2001 |  Stay Gold (JPN) | 7 |  Yutaka Take (JPN) |  Yasuo Ikee (JPN) |  Shadai Race Horse Co., Ltd. (JPN) | 2:28.23 |
| 2002 |  Nayef (USA) | 4 |  Richard Hills (GB) |  Marcus Tregoning (GB) |  Hamdan Al Maktoum (UAE) | 2:29.64 |
| 2003 |  Sulamani (IRE) | 4 |  Frankie Dettori (ITA) |  Saeed bin Suroor (UAE) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:27.67 |
| 2004 |  Polish Summer (GB) | 7 |  Gary Stevens (USA) |  André Fabre (FR) |  Khalid Abdullah (KSA) | 2:31.09 |
| 2005 |  Phoenix Reach (IRE) | 5 |  Martin Dwyer (GB) |  Andrew Balding (GB) |  Winterbeck Manor Stud (GB) | 2:30.54 |
| 2006 |  Heart's Cry (JPN) | 5 |  Christophe Lemaire (FR) |  Kojiro Hashiguchi (JPN) |  Shadai Race Horse Co., Ltd. (JPN) | 2:31.89 |
| 2007 |  Vengeance of Rain (NZ) | 6 |  Anthony Delpech (SAF) |  David E. Ferraris (SAF) |  R. G. Chow Hon Man (HK) | 2:31.03 |
| 2008 |  Sun Classique (AUS) | 5 |  Kevin Shea (SAF) |  Mike de Kock (SAF) |  Lionel Cohen (AUS) &  W. V. Rippon (SAF) | 2:27.45 |
| 2009 |  Eastern Anthem (IRE) | 5 |  Ahmed Ajtebi (UAE) |  Mubarak bin Shafya (UAE) |  Hamdan Al Maktoum (UAE) | 2:31:84 |
| 2010 |  Dar Re Mi (GB) | 5 |  William Buick (GB) |  John Gosden (GB) |  Andrew Lloyd Webber (GB) | 2:31:84 |
| 2011 |  Rewilding (GB) | 4 |  Frankie Dettori (ITA) |  Mahmood Al Zarooni (UAE) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:29.01 |
| 2012 |  Cirrus des Aigles (FR) | 6 |  Olivier Peslier (FR) |  Corine Barande-Barbe (FR) |  Jean-Claude-Alain Dupouy (FR) & Xavier Niel (FR) | 2:31.30 |
| 2013 |  St Nicholas Abbey (IRE) | 6 |  Joseph O'Brien (IRE) |  Aidan O'Brien (IRE) |  Derrick Smith (GB),  Sue Magnier (IRE) & Michael Tabor (GB) | 2:27.70 |
| 2014 |  Gentildonna (JPN) | 5 |  Ryan Moore (GB) |  Sei Ishizaka (JPN) |  Sunday Racing (JPN) | 2:27.25 |
| 2015 |  Dolniya (FR) | 4 |  Christophe Soumillon (BEL) |  Alain de Royer-Dupré (FR) |  H. H. Aga Khan IV (FR) | 2:28.29 |
| 2016 |  Postponed (IRE) | 5 |  Andrea Atzeni (ITA) |  Roger Varian (GB) |  Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum (UAE) | 2:26.97 |
| 2017 |  Jack Hobbs (GB) | 5 |  William Buick (GB) |  John Gosden (GB) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:32.39 |
| 2018 |  Hawkbill (USA) | 5 |  William Buick (GB) |  Charlie Appleby (GB) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:29.45 |
| 2019 |  Old Persian (GB) | 4 |  William Buick (GB) |  Charlie Appleby (GB) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:27.17 |
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 |  Mishriff (IRE) | 4 |  David Egan (IRE) |  John Gosden (GB) |  Prince Abdul Rahman al Faisal (KSA) | 2:26.65 |
| 2022 |  Shahryar (JPN) | 4 |  Cristian Demuro (ITA) |  Hideaki Fujiwara (JPN) |  Sunday Racing (JPN) | 2:26.88 |
| 2023 |  Equinox (JPN) | 4 |  Christophe Lemaire (FR) |  Tetsuya Kimura (JPN) |  Silk Racing (JPN) | 2:25.65 |
| 2024 |  Rebel's Romance (IRE) | 6 |  William Buick (GB) |  Charlie Appleby (GB) |  Godolphin (UAE) | 2:26.72 |
| 2025 |  Danon Decile (JPN) | 4 |  Keita Tosaki (JPN) |  Shogo Yasuda (JPN) |  Danox Co., Ltd. (JPN) | 2:27.05 |
| 2026 |  Calandagan (IRE) | 5 |  Mickael Barzalona (FR) |  Francis-Henri Graffard (FR) |  Aga Khan Studs SCEA (FR) | 2:27.88 |
Dubai Sheema Classic Trainer Statistics
Here are the leading horse racing trainers in the Dubai Sheema Classic:
| Trainer | R W P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Appleby | 10-3-4 | +24.25 | +12.60 |
| John Gosden | 3-3-3 | +17.00 | +9.40 |
| M F De Kock | 16-1-3 | -7.50 | -4.45 |
| A P O'Brien | 14-1-3 | -10.25 | -9.13 |
| Mahmood Al Zarooni | 5-1-2 | -2.00 | -0.30 |
| Roger Varian | 4-1-2 | -2.20 | +2.98 |
| A De Royer-Dupre | 3-1-1 | +5.00 | +2.20 |
| Hideaki Fujiwara | 3-1-2 | +4.50 | +5.70 |
| Tetsuya Kimura | 3-1-2 | -1.00 | -0.40 |
| Sei Ishizaka | 2-1-2 | +3.00 | +2.04 |
Dubai Sheema Classic Jockey Statistics
Here are the leading horse racing jockeys in Dubai’s Sheema Classic:
| Jockey | R W P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Buick | 10-5-6 | +39.25 | +21.60 |
| Christophe-Patrice Lemaire | 8-2-3 | -2.25 | -2.75 |
| Ryan Moore | 14-1-5 | -9.00 | -3.15 |
| Frankie Dettori | 12-1-2 | -9.00 | -8.55 |
| Christophe Soumillon | 10-1-4 | -2.00 | +5.90 |
| Mickael Barzalona | 8-1-3 | -8.00 | -6.25 |
| K Shea | 7-1-1 | +1.50 | -2.25 |
| Olivier Peslier | 7-1-4 | -3.25 | +3.75 |
| Cristian Demuro | 5-1-3 | +2.50 | +5.80 |
| Andrea Atzeni | 5-1-2 | -3.20 | +1.98 |
The Track: Meydan Racecourse’s Turf Surface
Meydan Racecourse is a world-class venue known for its advanced facilities and lush turf track, which is especially suited for middle-distance and long-distance races like the Sheema Classic. The 2,410-metre stretch of turf favours horses with solid stamina, while the expansive layout allows jockeys to pace their horses effectively over the long distance.
For UK-trained horses and jockeys, racing at Meydan’s turf track offers a unique challenge and requires adaptability. The different climate, combined with the longer distance, brings an added element of intrigue for British racing fans eager to see how UK horses perform under these conditions.
The Legacy of the Dubai Sheema Classic
Since its inception, the Dubai Sheema Classic has been a key event for middle-distance turf racing, showcasing elite horses from around the globe. British racing fans have seen many UK-based horses perform admirably in the Sheema Classic, highlighting the skill of UK trainers, jockeys, and horses on an international stage.
For UK trainers, the Sheema Classic is an opportunity to test their horses against some of the world’s best and gain valuable experience in the global arena. The race has produced thrilling finishes over the years, further building its reputation as a challenging, high-stakes event in the racing world.
FAQs about the Dubai Sheema Classic
1. What distance is the Dubai Sheema Classic?
The race covers 2,410 metres, or approximately 1.5 miles, making it a test of stamina and pacing for the horses and jockeys.
2. What kind of horses compete in the Dubai Sheema Classic?
Only elite thoroughbred horses aged four years and older, known for their stamina and speed, are eligible to compete.
3. When does the Dubai Sheema Classic take place?
The Sheema Classic is held annually in March on Dubai World Cup night, which is one of the biggest events in global horse racing.
4. How much is the prize purse for the Dubai Sheema Classic?
The race is one of the richest turf races in the world, with a prize purse that draws top competitors worldwide.
5. What type of surface is the Dubai Sheema Classic run on?
The Sheema Classic is run on turf, making it a distinctive long-distance event that requires specific training and skill.
6. How can I watch the Dubai Sheema Classic from the UK?
The race is typically broadcast live on various sports and racing channels, along with online streaming options, ensuring that UK fans can follow the action.
Summary
At British Racecourses, we believe the Dubai Sheema Classic is one of the most exciting long-distance turf races globally. It brings together elite thoroughbred talent, significant international competitors, and the best in racing strategy, making it an unmissable event for any true racing enthusiast.
The Sheema Classic’s international appeal and the calibre of its participants ensure a thrilling spectacle that transcends borders. UK fans and professionals alike watch the race eagerly each year, and we at British Racecourses encourage you to mark it on your calendar. Whether you’re a fan of British racing or just discovering the global thrill of thoroughbred competition, the Dubai Sheema Classic offers an unmatched experience on Dubai World Cup night – a night that brings the world of racing to life.
Dubai World Cup Races
Here are all related posts to
