Reputations are made and broken on the turf of Nad Al Sheba, venue for the world's richest race meeting. The moral fibre of the world's best thoroughbreds is put to the test in March every year.
This is the site for them to meet and push each other's engines to the limit. The perfectionists refer to it as horsepower.
This is the setting in which unsung novices try to achieve instant notoriety. This is the turf where legends bid to endorse their reputations further.
This is the racecourse where owners and trainers gather aiming to get their hands on a share of the huge purse, which at $6 million (Dh22.5 million) is the highest on offer.
Saturday is the day which has been equated by some to an equine world summit. And all roads lead to the vibrant, pulsating, progressive city of Dubai that will host the rest of the world with a seven-card race menu.
Each contest promises the best and is closely intertwined with the spirit of Dubai, which believes in taking ownership of nothing but that, which is unparalleled.
It is no small wonder, and in keeping with the quality race field, that the bookies are forecasting a new track record in the feature race today.
Blink and you will miss it.
Equally, the World Cup is not just a race meet. It is an extension of the dreams and aspirations of the emirate and its inhabitants.
The realisation of one such vision will be the birth of the world's first racing city, Meydan, in 2009. Dubai showcases the best that is on offer. The speed of its growth is equivalent to that of the 13 magnificent animals who will try to be on top of the world today.
Do you attend the event ? What is it that you like most about it? Any special memories attached to the occasion? How much has it changed over the years in your experience?
Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
Your comments
To me, the racing is the purest championship among some of the best international horses. The Breeders Cup, despite its attempts, does not draw enough international interest. I have never attended the Dubai World Cup, but I watch on television every year. For a racing enthusiast like me, it is my dream trip. I hope to attend in the future and plan to take in all of the festivities because it all looks so magical and beautiful! And it is the best racing in the world! Pure racing the way it is intended.
From Paula
Frankfort
USA
Posted: March 29, 2008, 08:36
