The UAE Derby is a prestigious fixture on the international horse racing calendar and a key race in the Middle East’s most celebrated event, the Dubai World Cup Carnival.
Held annually at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, it offers an opportunity for three-year-old thoroughbred horses to compete on Dubai’s world-famous dirt track and stands as a pivotal qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby.
For British enthusiasts and experts alike, understanding the UAE Derby opens a door to the heart of elite racing in the Middle East.
Contents
- 1 What is the UAE Derby?
- 2 UAE Derby Previous Winners
- 3 UAE Derby Trainer Statistics
- 4 UAE Derby Jockey Statistics
- 5 Why the UAE Derby Matters for British Racing
- 6 Key Highlights of the UAE Derby
- 7 The UAE Derby’s Role in the Road to the Kentucky Derby
- 8 British Trainers and the UAE Derby: A Growing Connection
- 9 Summary
- 10 Dubai World Cup Festival Articles
What is the UAE Derby?
The UAE Derby is a high-stakes flat race of 1,900 metres (roughly 1 3/16 miles), held in late March during the Dubai World Cup Carnival. This race not only brings together some of the world’s finest young thoroughbreds but also carries a lucrative prize purse that attracts leading stables from all corners of the globe. As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system, the UAE Derby provides an avenue for horses to qualify for the illustrious Kentucky Derby itself, one of the most sought-after events in American racing.
UAE Derby Previous Winners
Here are the previous winners of the UAE Derby.
| Class | Group 2 |
|---|---|
| Location | Meydan RacecourseDubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Inaugurated | 2000 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Website | [1] |
| Race information | – |
| Distance | 1,900 metres (1 3/16 miles) |
| Surface | dirt, left-handed |
| Qualification | 3-year-olds from the Northern & 4-year-olds from the Southern Hemisphere |
| Weight | NH: 54.5kg. – SH: 59.5kg Allowance fillies 2kg. |
| Purse | US$2,500,000 |
UAE Derby Trainer Statistics
Here are the leading horse racing trainers in the UAE Derby:
| Trainer | R W P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| A P O'Brien | 9-1-1 | -6.25 | -6.95 |
| Saeed bin Suroor | 6-1-3 | -2.25 | -2.12 |
| Charlie Appleby | 5-1-1 | +4.00 | +0.80 |
| Mikio Matsunaga | 3-1-1 | +10.00 | +5.50 |
| M F De Kock | 3-1-1 | +0.25 | -0.65 |
| Koichi Shintani | 2-1-1 | +11.00 | +5.00 |
| Yukihiro Kato | 2-1-1 | +10.00 | +5.60 |
| Yoshito Yahagi | 2-1-2 | -0.27 | +2.44 |
| Brendan P Walsh | 1-1-1 | +25.00 | +15.00 |
| Hidetaka Otonashi | 1-1-1 | +4.50 | +2.70 |
UAE Derby Jockey Statistics
Here are the leading horse racing jockeys on UAE Derby:
| Jockey | R W P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christophe-Patrice Lemaire | 6-2-3 | +11.50 | +5.80 |
| Christophe Soumillon | 4-2-2 | +3.00 | +0.73 |
| William Buick | 7-1-1 | +2.00 | -1.20 |
| Ryan Moore | 7-1-2 | -4.25 | -4.23 |
| Yutaka Take | 3-1-1 | +10.00 | +5.50 |
| Ryusei Sakai | 3-1-3 | -1.27 | +3.04 |
| Jose L Ortiz | 1-1-1 | +25.00 | +15.00 |
| Damian Lane | 1-1-1 | +12.00 | +6.00 |
| Mickael Barzalona | 5-0-3 | -5.00 | -0.55 |
| Pat Dobbs | 5-0-2 | -5.00 | -3.27 |
Why the UAE Derby Matters for British Racing
Though the UAE Derby is halfway around the world from British racecourses, its implications resonate within the UK’s horse racing industry. Britain’s trainers, jockeys, and owners regularly field contenders in Dubai, aiming not only for the substantial prize but also to strengthen connections with Middle Eastern racing stables. The UAE Derby’s competitive nature is a test of skill, endurance, and training prowess, making it an excellent showcase for British-trained horses to prove their mettle on the global stage.
For those in the UK following the Dubai World Cup and its accompanying races, the UAE Derby offers an early look at rising stars, horses with the potential to go on to larger American or European contests.
Key Highlights of the UAE Derby
- Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds Only: Like many derby races, the UAE Derby is exclusive to three-year-old horses, promising a field full of young, energetic, and ambitious runners.
- 1,900-Metre Dirt Track: The distance of the UAE Derby presents a unique challenge, as it requires both stamina and speed, especially on Meydan’s well-maintained dirt surface.
- Kentucky Derby Qualifier: As part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points system, the UAE Derby offers valuable points, making it an appealing option for contenders aiming for the American classic.
- Large Prize Purse: The UAE Derby has one of the most generous purses in horse racing, adding a layer of competition for stables eager to secure substantial winnings.
The UAE Derby’s Role in the Road to the Kentucky Derby
In recent years, the UAE Derby has become a key qualifying event for the Kentucky Derby, America’s iconic race held on the first Saturday in May. Points are awarded to the top finishers, and horses that fare well in the UAE Derby can secure a place in the Kentucky Derby lineup. British racing fans closely monitor the UAE Derby results, as it often showcases horses with potential to impact major races across Europe and America.
With increased participation from British-trained horses, the UAE Derby is becoming a significant event for those aiming to make their mark on American dirt racing. Not only does it provide a chance to secure valuable points, but it also familiarises British stables with the American racing scene.
British Trainers and the UAE Derby: A Growing Connection
The UAE Derby’s appeal among British trainers is steadily rising, with leading figures in the industry sending their best contenders to Meydan. The experience gained on Dubai’s dirt tracks is invaluable for trainers and horses alike, particularly those aiming for American races.
British owners and breeders are also drawn to the Middle East due to the strong ties between the British and Dubai racing communities, a relationship supported by renowned Dubai-based racing figures and facilities like the Godolphin Stables. The UAE Derby exemplifies this connection, making it a key race for British stables with eyes on international glory.
FAQs About the UAE Derby
What is the prize purse for the UAE Derby?
The UAE Derby offers a substantial prize purse, which is among the largest in horse racing. This prize attracts top-tier competitors from around the world, elevating the event’s prestige.
How does the UAE Derby impact the Kentucky Derby?
As part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” the UAE Derby provides points that help three-year-old horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby in the United States. This makes it a critical stepping stone for horses with Kentucky Derby aspirations.
Why is the UAE Derby held at Meydan Racecourse?
Meydan Racecourse is one of the most advanced racing venues in the world. It offers a premier dirt track, ideal for international competitors, and is part of the larger Dubai World Cup Carnival, making it the perfect location for the UAE Derby.
How is the UAE Derby connected to British racing?
British trainers, jockeys, and owners have a growing interest in the UAE Derby due to its competitive landscape and the opportunity it provides to earn Kentucky Derby points. The race also strengthens ties between British and Dubai racing stables, highlighting the global nature of modern horse racing.
What distance is the UAE Derby run over?
The UAE Derby is run over a distance of 1,900 metres (1 3/16 miles) on a dirt track, making it a test of stamina and speed for young thoroughbreds.
Why are three-year-old horses the focus of the UAE Derby?
The race’s restriction to three-year-olds is in keeping with the traditions of classic races like the Kentucky Derby, creating a competitive field of young horses with the potential to become future champions.
Summary
For British racing enthusiasts, the UAE Derby is more than just a race – it’s an international event that showcases the best of Middle Eastern horse racing, opens doors for three-year-old thoroughbreds aiming for the Kentucky Derby, and strengthens the ties between British and Dubai racing communities.
Whether you’re following it for its elite field, its role in the Kentucky Derby trail, or its position as part of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the UAE Derby deserves its place on any true racing fan’s radar.
Dubai World Cup Festival Articles
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