Dubai World Cup 2020 postponed to next year

The 25th edition of the $35 million Dubai World Cup has been called off due to ongoing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers said in a statement released on Sunday: "To safeguard the health of all participants, the higher organising committee of the Dubai World Cup 2020 has decided to postpone 25th edition of the global tournament to next year."

“Further to the UAE Government’s precautionary measures against virus, we believe it is our duty to help protect the well-being of residents and guests.

“We would like to extend out sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders of the Dubai World Cup, and we hope to welcome all guests next year, the statement added.

The 25th anniversary of the meeting was due to take place at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday.

It was announced only last week that the 2020 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse would be held without paid hospitality spectators in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

The Dubai World Cup meeting comprises nine races worth a cumulative purse of $35 million.

Prior to postponement, Dubai World Cup, which was first held in 1996, was rescheduled in the year 1997 and staged eight days later after heavy rains left the racetrack under water.

The main race a Group 1 flat race of 2km run on a dirt track and has been won by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, owned Godolphin stable with Thunder Snow mounted by Christophe Soumillon in the last two editions.

The leading trainers and jockeys welcomed the postponement of the Dubai World Cup, saying the government has taken the right decision and it is in the best interests of everybody involved while the health and safety has to be the top priority.

Saeed Bin Surour — a nine-time winner of the 2,000 metre dirt contest and was pinning hopes on leading contender Benbatl for Dubai World Cup — was disappointed with the postponement of the event.

“This is disappointing, but it is the right step as the safety of all comes at the top of all priorities.”

UAE’s leading trainer Satish Seemar, who had five runners entered across three races at the meeting, hailed the decision.

“It’s something which is not in anybody’s hands and it had to be done. I know there was a lot of hard work from every team, stables and the people behind the horses.

“In the back of our minds, we thought that this could happen. I think this is the right way to go. It is unfortunate but the right thing to do.”

Many of the runners, who were set to compete in the nine- race meeting, took part in the workout at the Meydan Racecourse track on Sunday, until the connections were informed in afternoon of the decision to cancel the meeting.

One of the top Emirati trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: the decision to cancel the meeting was done in the best interest of the sport.”

Raihe, a Ajman native and three time UAE champion trainer, is since 2009 when he wrestled the title from former incumbent, Doug Watson, and his Grandstand Stables has long turned out a production line of battle-ready Emirati racing professionals.

Alumni from the unofficial Raihe school of horseracing include Godolphin’s multiple Classic-winning trainer, Mahmood Al Zarooni, six-time Group/Grade 1-winning jockey, Ahmed Ajtebi and apprentice, Saeed Al Mazrooei.

“The UAE government has always put public safety and health before anything else and its reassuring that the decision to call-off the Dubai World Cup is an assurance that the safety and welfare of trainers, jockeys, owners, stable staff and racing officials are a priority,” he added.

The first Dubai World Cup was held in 1996 and thrust both Nad Al Sheba Racecourse and the UAE onto the global stage as American wonder horse Cigar, claimed the inaugural running.

The 2010 Dubai World Cup introduced the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse to the world. The architectural masterpiece is the new home for the Dubai World Cup and is the world's largest integrated racing facility, with a Grandstand seating capacity for more than 60,000 nestling alongside.