Horse racing is a big part of culture worldwide, from historic courses in England and Ireland to modern tracks in Dubai. With a rich culture and expensive environment, Dubai’s racing culture differs from others around the world. The spread in horse racing popularity has led to plenty of different cultures combining with the typical horse racing culture. Fans of horse racing have stemmed from various different avenues, whether it’s from wanting to experience the incredible race atmosphere, be entertained by the dramatic races, or even take advantage of free sign up bets, it is undeniable that horse racing’s worldwide growth is second to none. So today, we are going to look at the ultra-luxury racing culture of Dubai.
Culture & History
The Arabian horse is one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world, tracing back to over 4,500 years ago, highlighting the long history that the region has had with horses. Horses have been a significant part of the Dubai culture; however, racing horses only came in 1981. The sport’s popularity spread to the Emirate in the 80s, and the dusty Camel Track was transformed in a way suitable for hosting the first thoroughbred race meeting in the city. This was a massive turning point for the city, opening new opportunities for the sport and being able to bring in fans of the sport and even some of the world’s top jockeys.
One big part of the culture in Dubai’s horse racing scene is the involvement of the Royal Family, the Al Maktoum family. This family is a massive fan of horse racing and is a big supporter of the sport, even assisting in promoting it to a larger number of people. So much so that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, owns 2 of the biggest breeding stables worldwide, Goldolphin and Darley. The influence of culture and royalty within the sport is what makes it so successful.
Meydan Racecourse
One of the major racecourses in the city is the Meydan Racecourse. It is one of the most high-tech racecourses in the world, with the most innovative of designs and luxury that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Dining experience, comfort, and exciting racing are exactly what this state-of-the-art racetrack facility has to offer. Built in 2010, the Meydan Racecourse opened plenty of opportunities for sports in Dubai, offering the first trackside 5-star hotel with over 250 rooms, a museum, and over 70 corporate suites.
The facility is one of the most impressive in the world and is a symbol of the progression of the sport in Dubai. There are plenty of high-profile races that take place at the racecourse, with the likes of the Dubai World Cup attracting jockeys from all over the world, competing for the $26.25 million prize money. This is the main race course that represents what Dubai can offer for the sport.
Race Conditions
One big and obvious difference between horse racing in the UK is the conditions of the tracks and the climate. Dubai has a hotter climate than the other big race locations around the world, like Cheltenham and the Grand National, or even the Kentucky Derby, so what are the conditions of a Dubai race? As a result of the hotter climate and weather conditions, the racing season is held throughout the colder months of the year to allow for horses and jockeys to avoid the high summer temperatures.
The main Meydan Racecourse provides different surfaces to accommodate different styles of racing, including a dirt track that can replicate the preference of US tracks, and the less demanding turf track. To keep travelling horses and jockeys safe from the blistering heat, they are provided with air conditioning in jockey suites and horse stables. To ensure safety for horses travelling to Dubai, they are given a climate-controlled environment to ensure they do not feel the effects of the heat, while training early in the morning to avoid being out in the sun. Horses also travel there prior to the events to get used to the heat and remove any of the travelling stress.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the races in Dubai differs from the UK races as a result of restrictions and laws, however, a lot of features are adopted from the classical British horse race. Outfits and dress codes are relatively similar between UK racecourses and Dubai, with passionate followers of the sport attending from local areas and afar to witness the incredible races. There are some big differences in the activities that can be engaged in at their respective events, but the overall professional, smart aesthetic and passion for the sport remain the same.
Final Thoughts
Despite the races taking place in a desert, the horse racing environment and culture are still very passionate and dedicated. It does differ a lot from the rest of the world, with higher funds allowing for greater technology and facilities. However, it adds a new element to the sport that can be appreciated by fans of horse racing.
