Dubai World Cup and Zuma Restaurant Unveil Landmark Collaboration
An unprecedented partnership bringing one of the world’s biggest restaurants to the world’s most spectacular race day.

Dubai Racing Club is proud to announce a game-changing collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Zuma Restaurant, elevating the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, 28 March 2026 with a VIP experience unlike anything seen before in global horseracing.

For the first time, Zuma—one of the most recognisable and influential restaurant brands on the planet—will curate and host the Royal Enclosure Majlis by Zuma, creating a new pinnacle of hospitality at Meydan Racecourse. This partnership marks a major moment for both Dubai’s racing landscape and its luxury lifestyle scene, bringing together two icons of excellence for an experience that is set to become instantly legendary.

A First-of-Its-Kind Racing x Culinary Collaboration

The Royal Enclosure Majlis by Zuma represents the fusion of world-class racing and world-class dining at a scale unprecedented in the region. Guests will enjoy:

• An exclusive, bespoke Zuma dining experience crafted only for Dubai World Cup guests
• Private chauffeur service and exclusive entry via the Royal Enclosure Bridge
• Premium Majlis lounges featuring luxurious leather seating and elevated race viewing
• Signature free-flowing premium beverages
• Unrestricted access to the Parade Ring and Saddling Garden, placing guests at the heart of racing’s most electric moments

This is not simply a hospitality upgrade — it is the redefinition of what a VIP race day can be.

Zuma has become synonymous with modern luxury dining since opening its first restaurant in London in 2002. Now operating nearly 30 locations worldwide, the brand has shaped culinary culture across London, New York, Dubai, Hong Kong and beyond. Its arrival in the Royal Enclosure at Meydan Racecourse marks one of the most significant restaurant partnerships ever seen in horseracing.

“Zuma is a powerhouse in the global dining scene and a true icon of Dubai’s lifestyle landscape,” said Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member, Dubai Racing Club. “To partner with such an influential brand for the Dubai World Cup’s 30th anniversary, and beyond, is not just exciting — it is transformational. Together, we are creating an experience that sets a new international benchmark for race day luxury.”

“The Dubai World Cup is a global stage, and we are honoured to bring the Zuma experience to such a defining moment in the city’s cultural calendar.” – David Smyczek, Managing Director – Zuma, Middle East & Turkey

The Royal Majlis by Zuma experience is available for AED 22,000 when purchased online. For bookings and more information, visit dubairacingclub.com.

ENDS

About Dubai Racing Club (DRC)

Founded in 1992 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Racing Club organises and hosts horseracing at Meydan Racecourse, from November to March, including the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup – the world’s most spectacular race day, with a total prize money of US$ 30.5 million for the showcase of nine races, including US$ 12 million at stake in the title contest.

About Meydan Racecourse

Meydan Racecourse is the world’s largest integrated horseracing facility, home of the Dubai Racing Carnival and the spectacular Dubai World Cup race day, and centre of the city’s racing action and social scene. The iconic Grandstand is a half mile in length and can accommodate over 80,000 spectators.

About Zuma

Zuma was co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002. Zuma London, the first restaurant to open, remains the brand’s homestead. Zuma has successfully launched several locations across the world including Hong Kong (2007), Dubai (2008), Istanbul (2008), Miami (2010), Bangkok (2011), Abu Dhabi (2014), New York (2015), Rome (2016), Las Vegas (2017), Boston (2019), Madrid (2021), Maldives (2022), Cannes (2024) and Riyadh (2024).

In addition to permanent restaurants, Zuma has a number of pop-up and seasonal venues in the most sought-after locations across the globe including: Datca Peninsula (Marmaris), Bodrum, Phuket, Kitzbühel, Ibiza, Mykonos, Porto Cervo, Saint-Tropez and Capri.

ENDS

About Dubai Racing Club (DRC)

Founded in 1992 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Racing Club organises and hosts horseracing at Meydan Racecourse, from November to March, including the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup – the world’s most spectacular race day, with a total prize money of US$ 30.5 million for the showcase of nine races, including US$ 12 million at stake in the title contest.

About Meydan Racecourse

Meydan Racecourse is the world’s largest integrated horseracing facility, home of the Dubai Racing Carnival and the spectacular Dubai World Cup race day, and centre of the city’s racing action and social scene. The iconic Grandstand is a half mile in length and can accommodate over 80,000 spectators.

Visit Dubairacingclub.com to learn more and to buy tickets.

Fresu Flies in for Jet-propelled El Nasseeb

Group 1 winning jockey Antonio Fresu is based in California these days, but he still rides Meydan Racecourse as well as ever. The Italian guided El Nasseeb to victory in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint [sponsored by Al Tayer], the feature race on Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival card.

In truth, El Nasseeb (pictured) probably didn’t need much guiding. Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s four-year-old faced a hot field, including G1 winner Dark Saffron and multiple G3 winner Mufasa, but was able to settle just behind a pace battle and pounce when the leaders began to tire. He unleashed his effort at the 400metre marker, led inside the final 200 and powered clear for a three and a half length win over Colour Up.

“When races go like this I don’t mind taking dirt,” said a kickback-spattered Fresu, who was stable jockey to Al Mheiri prior to moving to the US two years ago. “I watched all his races and he goes really well fresh but doesn’t have the early speed against those super-fast horses.

“I tried to save some ground around the turn and tip him out when he was ready. As soon as he switched his lead he found another gear and he finished up really nicely. I think he’s a really nice horse, so let’s see what the future holds for him.”

Crisfords Off The Mark

Father and son training duo Simon and Ed Crisford collected their first win of the season thanks to a gritty display from Telemark in the 1400metre Ford Handicap.

The Night Of Thunder gelding was having his first run on dirt but got there when it mattered, beating longtime leader Khanjar by a quarter of a length, in the hands of William Buick.

“He took a lot of kickback early and I was worried the leaders would get away, but credit to the horse, he stayed with them,” said Ed Crisford. “He didn’t have the cleanest run in the straight, but when he got out you could see him motoring.

“It’s his first run on the dirt, so I’m very pleased. He’s a tough little horse and he battled well.”

Trebles All Round for O’Shea and Seemar

A winner on debut, Union Security was well fancied to defy a penalty in the opening Lincoln Aviator two-year-old Conditions race but never traveled with the same fluency. The win went to Six Speed, third behind him last time, who traveled up with the leader Miss Yechance throughout and cleared away from that rival by a length and three-quarters at the line. Tadhg O’Shea was onboard the son of Not This Time for trainer Bhupat Seemar.

“He’s been training really well but in his first race he fluffed the start and then ran out of gas,” said Seemar. “This time he was well schooled, and the gate crew has done a great job.

“His homework was so good that we expected him to run better first time out, but he’s put it to bed this time with a bit more experience.

“He does have a lot of speed – that’s why he’s called Six Speed – but hopefully his stamina can at least stretch to the [UAE 2000] Guineas.”

O’Shea and Seemar collected a quick double when Lino Padrino ran out the impressive debut winner of race two, the Lincoln Maiden, over 1400metres.

Charlie Appleby’s Ruler Of Time was sent off the hot favourite but never quite handled things as Lino Padrino cruised to a four-length victory over the fast-closing Awesome Fleet.

“He trialed well but was slow away in the trial and it was the same tonight,” said O’Shea. “I kept him wide to the 800metres, then he really jumped out at the 600metres, then it was just hands and heels riding.

“I’ve said all along you won’t see the best of him until he goes two turns. I’ll leave it to the trainer but maybe he will work back from the UAE Derby and take in an Al Bastakiya en route.”

Two soon became three for Seemar and O’Shea when their new recruit Welcome Dream battled home in the 1200metre Ford Mustang Handicap.

Previously trained by Doug Watson, Welcome Dream was quickly across from his wide draw in 11 and led all the way, pulling out more when Sir Harmony challenged in the straight. He then had just enough left to hold off Don Pacifico, who rattled home for an eye-catching second, just missing out by a head.

“Tadhg was moaning about all the bad draws but now it’s fallen into place he’ll be a happier jockey!” said Seemar.

“There’s a lot of teamwork in place and thanks to Sheikh Abdul Aziz [bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, owner] for sending me the horse. I thought he was a bit short [of fitness] tonight, as he had a little niggle when he came in, so hopefully there’s some improvement left.”

Two On The Bounce for Norato

Seemar and O’Shea were denied a four-timer in the Ford Mach-E Handicap when Norato just got there just in time to deny their Gray Boss in a thrilling finish.

It was two in a row for Julio Olascoaga’s grey, who arrived with big powerful strides to deny Gray Boss and Military Artist by half a length and two lengths, under Silvestre De Sousa.

“He’s a horse who has improved since his last run and we thought he had a good chance, said the reigning UAE Champion Jockey. “I felt he was a bit fitter and the tempo of the race was hotter than last time. He gets a mile well and could go further.”

Book Review likes nothing more than being able to dominate a race and Salem bin Ghadayer’s reliable eight-year-old did just that in the penultimate Lincoln Navigator Handicap, over 2000metres.

Ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, he bounced straight into the lead and was never really challenged, winning by two lengths from Moon Blade.

“He’s a lovely old horse, he’s won a lot of races here,” said Pinheiro after the gelding’s fifth course success. “It’s spectacular how Salem and the team keep him fresh. Last time he went very hard in front, but today he found a softer lead which is what he needs.”  

The closing 1600metre Ford Expedition Maiden went to the Ahmad bin Harmash-trained Honest Moon who grabbed a good position just behind the pace and took control in the straight. Ridden by Saif Al Balushi, the Listed Al Bastakiya third registered a convincing four and a quarter length win over leader Elusive Trevor.

Meydan races next in seven days’ time, on Friday 12 December, when the G2 Madjani Stakes is the feature.

Group race winners Mufasa and Dark Saffron are among the star turns on Friday’s third Dubai Racing Carnival card at Meydan Racecourse.

The pair clash in a pulsating edition of the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint [sponsored by Al Tayer], race six, for which seven have been declared.

Trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, three-year-old Dark Saffron was the shock winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in March, before following that up with a facile Conditions race win a month ago. Both races were over the same 1200metres he and jockey Connor Beasley will run over on Friday.

“He’s doing good, he’s been training very well,” said bin Harmash of Dark Saffron. “The only question mark is carrying the top weight [59.5kg] against older horses, as he is only three-years old.

“But Dark Saffron is Dark Saffron – I think he will run a good race.”

Among Dark Saffron’s rivals is three-time Grade 3 winner Mufasa, who finished sixth in the G2 Godolphin Mile on his local debut and first start for Bhupat Seemar.

“We’re very excited to start him over six furlongs,” said Abdulla Muammer, Racing Manager to owner RRR Racing. “He’s shown a lot of speed in his work and we feel this is the right spot for him.”

Colour Up won this race in 2023 and has performed with credit since, including finishing fifth to Dark Saffron in the Shaheen.

“This race probably deserves to be a Group 2, considering the horses we are running against – it will be really nice to watch,” said Sayed Hashish, owner of Colour Up.

“He’s seven years old now but, touch wood, he’s the strongest we’ve seen. I think the small field will suit him, but the inside draw [1] probably isn’t optimum as he’s a horse that stalks usually and doesn’t lead.

“He usually runs well fresh, but this is a big race.”

Fellowes Returns

The main supporting race is the highly competitive 1400metre Ford Handicap, race five, in which Gorak is the sole international raider for British trainer Charlie Fellowes, returning to the Carnival for the first time since 2022.

“It’s lovely to be back,” said the Newmarket-based handler. “I’ve got no idea whether Gorak will handle the dirt, but he’s electric out of the gates, has a very high cruising speed and just keeps on going.

“He’s a very similar type to Etjilaab, who did very well at the Carnival [third in 2022 G3 Mahab Al Shimaal] for us a few years ago. If it doesn’t work, and he doesn’t enjoy it, we can go back to the turf.”

Also in the line-up is Destructive, who ran three times at Meydan in 2024 for trainer Michael Bell. Since purchased by Deva Racing, he is now with Bhupat Seemar with Tadhg O’Shea taking the ride.

“Bhupat has been very happy with how Destructive has settled into Zabeel Stables since we bought him in the UK earlier this year,” said Ryan Tongue, Director of Deva Racing.

“Friday is a good starting point for him at Meydan, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do. He’s an exciting horse, his work at home has been good and hopefully he can deliver where it matters.”

Itsatenfromlen Goes for Full Marks Again

The preceding Ford Mach-E Handicap, race four, over 1600metres, also looks very open, with last out winners Itsatenfromten, Norato and Gray Boss in the field of 13.

Doug Watson trains Itsatenfromlen, a winner at Jebel Ali on his stable debut, who ran at the Carnival last season for Amy Murphy.

“We’ve kind of waited for this race,” said the eight-time UAE Champion Trainer. “I really like the horse. He reminds me a lot of [G3 winner] Midnight Sands and he’s hopefully progressive like that.

“I think he’ll like the dirt; we worked him over there [at Meydan] last week.”

Another trying Meydan’s dirt for the first time is British raider Silver Sword, who won over 1600metres on turf during last season’s Carnival.

“He works well enough on it and his all-weather form at home is solid, so I can only hope he takes to it,” said trainer Dylan Cunha. “It offers so many other opportunities if he does, but if not there’s still a good turf programme for him.

“Ray Dawson, who knows him well, is back on. I have a sneaky feeling he will enjoy it, and he has lots of early pace which should suit.”

The second of the eight races is a fascinating 1400metre two-year-old Lincoln Maiden in which 13 run, including recent trial ‘winner’ Lino Padrino, who is owned by Suited & Booted in partnership with My Future Champions Racing.

“We are looking forward to his first race under rules, said Paul Ebbs, Managing Owner of Suited & Booted. “He will learn a lot from the experience in which will bring him on. We feel that he will be a better three-year-old as he’s still growing into his large frame.”

The race also gives an opportunity for Czech jockey Sabina Mokrosova, who will have her first professional ride at Meydan but is the regular morning rider of sprinting star Ponntos. She partners Miroslav Nieslanik’s Lady Garfield, who has finished second twice at Prague.

“She has run four times in the Czech Republic and performed well,” said the jockey. “She’s now been in Dubai for two weeks preparing to run on the dirt, which I think she will like.

“For me, riding at Meydan Racecourse will be a great experience.”

Road Bloc, a winner here over course and distance a month ago, tops the weights for race three, the Fort Mustang Handicap over 1200metres.

“We were very happy when he won last time; he is regaining his confidence and Connor [Beasley, jockey] did a great job with him,” said Sayed Hashish, who owns Road Bloc in partnership with Hana Refai.

“Connor is riding for his stable so we were lucky that Antonio Fresu is back in town as he won on him the first time he won for us. He’s drawn in eight, which will help him with the kickback, so I’m excited about this race.”

Hashish also runs Silent Age in the penultimate Lincoln Navigator Handicap, over 2000metres. The four-year-old, trained by Watson, was a creditable fifth on his local debut two weeks ago.

“Silent Age is a horse I had in the UK who had three wins there, including a Class Two,” said the owner. “I was convinced that his style of running might suit the dirt, as he’s prominent usually and quick out of the gates.

“He’s probably the best-bred horse I’ve ever had, by Dubawi and out of a Frankel mare who is a half sister to Rebel’s Romance. He wasn’t 100 per cent ready last time but handled the race and the kickback well, so we’re excited to see how he gets on.”

Racing begins at 5:30pm and tickets are available from dubairacingclub.com

It will be the realisation of a dream when Oscar Berneklint saddles his first runners at Meydan Racecourse in a few weeks’ time.

The 28-year-old first visited Dubai as a small boy and was here in an assistant capacity when his mother Susanne celebrated a pair of Dubai Racing Carnival victories in 2019 and 2020. Five years on, he is a trainer in his own name in Sweden and ready to make a big international foray, with three horses accepted for the Carnival.

“I remember first visiting the races in Dubai when it was still Nad Al Sheba Racecourse,” remembers Berneklint, now 29. “My father had one horse competing that year and that’s when I first realised how competitive it was.

“When my mother started training back home in Sweden, we were really lucky to have some high-class horses. The best was I Kirk who became our first winner over in Dubai – that really felt like a dream come true.

“During our second season we had another Dubai winner in Plata O Plomo. To have been able to take horses there in the first place is an amazing achievement but it really meant a lot for me and my family to have been able to really perform over there.”

Now, the licence carries his name, although he has ample support from wife Rebecca, 27, a successful jockey.

“Rebecca and I have a small stable in the southern part of Sweden, and we had eight horses in training this season,” he explains. “Hopefully going to Dubai this year will be a game changer for our team.”

Berneklint’s three-pronged team comprises two juveniles. Nocutsnobuts, a son of El Kabeir who has won twice, is joined by filly Surpreme Shine, a daughter of Supremacy, who has won once. Also along for the journey is Rebel’s Gamble, purchased out of the Karl Burke stable.

“I really think that we have brought three talented young horses who will improve a lot during the Carnival,” says the young trainer. “The two-year-olds have shown that they are talented horses in Scandinavia but they have a lot more development in them.

“We also bought a three-year-old colt by Dark Angel, named Rebel’s Gamble. He is a Listed winner earlier this year.”

Team Berneklint arrives in Dubai in mid-December and will be the realisation of an ambition for Oscar.

“Ever since the very first time I went racing in Dubai I dreamed about having horses there competing for me,” he says. “To have a winner would be an absolute game changer for us and a dream come true.”

Horseracing’s Global Elite Set for Dubai: 300+ Entries Signal Strongest Carnival Yet

More than 300 horses from 19 countries have applied for the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse.

The Carnival, which spans 16 weeks of racing and officially got underway on 7 November, has already welcomed horses from the UK, Denmark and Norway and some exciting additions arrive over the next few weeks.

G1-winning British trainer Jamie Osborne was among the first to arrive, his team including G2 UAE Derby second and G1 Preakness fifth Heart Of Honor, while Niels Petersen has brought 11 horses from his base in Norway, including Norsk Derby winner War Socks.

Czech-based trainer Miroslav Nieslanik, best known for the globetrotting exploits of sprinter Ponntos, has returned with that horse and five others, while Denmark’s Veronika Jandova is already installed with seven, including Hans Andersen, winner of a Listed race on his return from Dubai last season.

Newmarket-based trainer Phil Spencer and his main backer Phil Cunningham signalled their Dubai intentions early on and they have a team of ten under their Rebel Racing banner. They include Goodwood Stewards’ Cup winner Two Tribes and Ayr Gold Cup hero Run Boy Run.

The Carnival continues until March, leading into the 30^th Dubai World Cup on 28 March, and several trainers are targeting later meetings. G1 Jebel Hatta third Holloway Boy is set to be part of a five-strong team for British trainer Karl Burke, while G2 Dubai Gold Cup third Epic Poet returns for David O’Meara. Witness Stand, winner of the G2 Lennox Stakes for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, is a likely runner at Meydan in 2026. High-class sprinter Mitbaahy is an accepted runner for Charles Hills, while Audience, winner of the G1 Lockinge Stakes in 2024, will visit Dubai for a second time.

“We are delighted to have acceptors for the Carnival from so many different countries,” commented Erwan Charpy, Head Of Department, Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club.

“This further underlines the position of Dubai as the centre of the racing world and is a compliment to both our facilities and our racing programme, both of which continue to evolve.

“We are excited about welcoming so many Group 1 winners and high-class horses to Dubai over the next few weeks and wish everyone the best of luck with their planning and travel.”

Meydan Racecourse races three times in December, on Friday, 5, 12 and 19, culminating in Festive Friday which hosts two Thoroughbred G2s, the Al Maktoum Mile and the Al Rashidiya.

For more information visit dubairacingclub.com

Festive Cheer and Racing Thrills Await at Meydan Racecourse this December

 Meydan Racecourse is set to transform into a winter spectacular this December, unveiling a vibrant festive scene that perfectly sets the tone for the holiday season.

Racing dates for your diary:

· Friday, 5 December

· Friday, 12 December

· Festive Friday, 19 December – the first feature race meeting of the season

Alongside the horses lighting up the track, this year’s festivities will feature dazzling décor throughout the venue, including a grand display of Christmas trees and charming seasonal enhancements across Meydan’s impressive grounds. Adding to the atmosphere, all restaurants and hospitality spaces will introduce festive-themed menus, offering specially curated dishes and beverages inspired by the holidays.

Guests can also explore the Meydan Gift Shop, the perfect destination for unique Christmas gifts for horseracing fans. Along with exclusive merchandise, this year, the shop launches a limited-edition Dubai World Cup bauble, offering a memorable keepsake for the festive season.

The Paddock Garden will be transformed into a Christmas Grotto, where Little Fox by Rowley’s, McGettigan’s, Salt, and Yamanote Atelier will serve festive treats alongside their signature favourites. Across the racecourse, guests can enjoy a vibrant lineup of roaming performers and live musicians — from saxophonists and a 3-piece jazz band to an energetic 8-piece marching band. Festive characters including Tin Soldiers, dancing elves, gingerbread performers, and of course Santa Claus himself will fill the evening with holiday magic and memorable moments for families and guests.

Racing action intensifies throughout December, beginning with the Listed Garhoud Sprint on 5 December, showcasing the fastest dirt horses in the country. On 12 December, the spotlight turns to Purebred Arabians with the G2 Madjani Stakes. Then, Christmas arrives early for racing fans on Festive Friday, 19 December, which features an exceptional card headlined by the G2 Al Maktoum Mile and G2 Al Rashidiya, alongside the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash and The Entisar.

Festive Friday will also introduce exciting new culinary concepts:

· The MAINE takes over Suite 401 with a five-hour culinary experience featuring signature dishes, premium drinks, and delicious desserts for AED 1,195.

· The Finish Line Brunch, by Be More Than, offers a lively night out with themed culinary concepts and vibrant entertainment, with packages starting from AED 395.

Meydan’s festive race nights promise a unique blend of world-class racing, live entertainment, and seasonal dining — delivering an unforgettable holiday experience at the heart of Dubai’s equestrian calendar.

Explore all hospitality and ticket options at dubairacingclub.com.

Tickets for the highly anticipated Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26 season are now on sale, with the curtain-raiser taking place on Friday, 7 November at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. This year promises to be more memorable than ever, offering racegoers world-class sporting action, stunning fashion, live entertainment, and an exciting line-up of new hospitality experiences.

From 7 November 2025 to 13 March 2026, Meydan Racecourse comes alive with action on and off the track. Whether you are a horseracing fan, planning a corporate event, or simply looking for a fun night out with family and friends, there is something for everyone.

Racing takes place on most Friday evenings, anchored by three feature race nights: Festive Friday (19 December), Fashion Friday (23 January), and Emirates Super Saturday (28 February). Each brings together the thrill of world-class competition with vibrant fashion, style showcases, and delicious foodie activations.

Hospitality Highlights

The Winner’s Circle Restaurant

The jewel of the Grandstand, The Winner’s Circle Restaurant, welcomes a spectacular new culinary partner — Masti, the multi award-winning, Michelin Guide-listed concept meaning “fun and mischief.” Guests will enjoy a four-course gourmet menu that fuses modern flair with traditional influences. With panoramic views of the racetrack and Parade Ring, paired with premium cocktails, fine wines, and spirits, this is fine dining at its very best.

Priced from AED595 or AED695 for Premium Beverages 

The Trackside Restaurant

For those who want to feel the thunder of the horses as they charge to the finish line, the new Trackside Restaurant delivers. The evening begins with an apéritif reception of seasonal drinks and canapés, followed by a decadent menu accompanied by premium wines and beverages.

Priced from AED795, or AED895 for Premium Beverages

The MAINE at the Races

Dubai’s much-loved bistro, The MAINE, takes over Suite 401 on 19 December, 23 January, and 28 February (Emirates Super Saturday). This exclusive package features five hours of signature dishes including premium raw bar selections, prime rib and truffle chicken carving stations, and an array of indulgent desserts. Guests will also enjoy an open bar serving bespoke craft cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits — a horseracing experience not to be missed.

Priced from AED1,195 inclusive of Premium Beverages

The Finish Line Brunch

Launching this season, the Finish Line Brunch brings a vibrant Friday celebration to race days on 7 November, 19 December, 23 January, and Emirates Super Saturday, 28 February. Set outdoors in Meydan’s unique open-air spaces, it’s the perfect way to toast the weekend with friends or family. Expect chic bars, seasonal cocktails, immersive dining, and a buzzing social atmosphere.

Priced from AED395 or AED495 for House Beverages

Kids between 6 to 12yo enter at AED125 and below are free

Iftar at the Races

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, guests can savour Iftar at the Races on 20 & 28 February, and 6 & 13 March. With excellent trackside views and a menu inspired by Ramadan traditions, it offers a truly memorable way to break your fast in a spectacular setting.

Priced from AED350 for adults or AED125 for children aged over five

Returning Favourites

• Parade Ring Lounge– The lively heart of the action, with indoor seating on a first-come-first-served basis. Enjoy finger food and live cooking stations throughout the night, served alongside a great selection of drinks.

Priced from AED345 or AED445 including house beverages

• Paddock View Restaurant– Overlooking the Parade Ring from the 5th floor of the Grandstand, featuring a gourmet five-hour buffet prepared by The Meydan Hotel. Guests can indulge in live carving stations, fresh pasta, and global dishes while sipping signature cocktails, fine wines, or refreshing mocktails.

Priced from AED495 or AED595 including house beverages, kids between 6 to 12yo enter at AED125 and below are free

• Paddock Garden – located adjacent to the home stretch, this is an excellent value choice for a fun night out. With music between the races, lots of food and beverages options, including fan favourite McGettigan’s, available for purchase and a Happy Hour after the last race – it’s the perfect relaxed evening.

Priced from AED75 for adults & AED50 for kids up to 12yo

• General Admission– For those seeking incredible value, General Admission offers trackside views and access to the food court.

Priced at just AED 10 for adults and kids above 120cm, below are free

Corporate Suites – our private suites, with sweeping views overlooking the racetrack,

offer a unique space to entertain clients or friends and family. These exclusive areas can accommodate a range of guests, and includes catering, a well-stocked insuite bar, and dedicated service staff. Choose from a range of packages to suit your taste and customise based on your brand or preferences. Prices start from AED445 with options to upgrade with multiple add-ons based on your requirement.

Dubai Racing Carnival Timings

• Parking Opens: 15:30
• Gates Open: 16:00
• Hospitality: 17:00–22:00
• First Race: 17:30

For tickets, fixtures, and full hospitality details, visit www.dubairacingclub.com and follow @racingdubai for the latest updates.

Note that prices shown are online only, prices onsite may differ.

ENDS

About Dubai Racing Club (DRC)

Founded in 1992 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Racing Club organises and hosts horseracing at Meydan Racecourse, from November to March, including the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup – the world’s most spectacular race day, with a total prize money of US$ 30.5 million for the showcase of nine races, including US$ 12 million at stake in the title contest.

About Meydan Racecourse

Meydan Racecourse is the world’s largest integrated horseracing facility, home of the Dubai Racing Carnival and the spectacular Dubai World Cup race day, and centre of the city’s racing action and social scene. The iconic Grandstand is a half mile in length and can accommodate over 80,000 spectators.

Visit Dubairacingclub.com to learn more and to buy tickets.

Ruling Court, Raging Torrent, Choisya and Soul Rush are just four of the Meydan Racecourse winners going for Group 1 glory on a huge weekend of international racing.

In the UK, the two-day Derby Festival gets underway on at Epsom on Friday, with the Coronation Cup the first of two Group 1 races on the card. Three Meydan graduates take their chance, headed by the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic runner-up Calandagan, who looks for his first G1 success for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

Another familiar name in the line-up is the Marco Bott-trained Giavellotto, who has run at three Dubai World Cup meetings, finishing fifth in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on his latest attempt, while Aidan O’Brien’s Continuous joins the fray after a disappointing run in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.

“I thought he ran well in Dubai, even though I was too far back,” said Oisin Murphy, who rides Giavellotto. “I really like his chances as I think that track will suit him, although I hope we don’t get too much rain.”

On Saturday, Epsom stages the highly prestigious G1 Derby, in which Ruling Court will attempt to become the first 2000 Guineas winner to follow up in this race since Camelot in 2012. The Charlie Appleby-trained colt burst onto the scene with an emphatic win in the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan in March and held off some smart rivals when winning the Newmarket equivalent last month. He must step up 400metres in trip from Newmarket, but Appleby believes he is now a more mature individual.

“Ruling Court was a different horse at Newmarket with his temperament around the paddock compared to when he ran in the UAE [Jumeirah] Guineas,” he said. “I believe that when you’ve got good horses like that, sometimes they haven’t really got to stay a true mile and a half. At Epsom you’ve got to be able to travel.”

Over in America, Saratoga stages the Belmont Stakes Festival. Choisya, winner of the G2 Cape Verdi and Balanchine for the Simon and Ed Crisford team, goes for her second G1 in the Just A Game Stakes, having won the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland in April.

“She travelled over really well and has been doing super since she arrived.” said Ed Crisford from New York. “In terms of the race, it’s high quality again and the fillies who finished second and third to her [in the Jenny Wiley] have an allowance, so [runner-up] Excellent Truth gets 6lbs. That is quite significant for a race like this, but nevertheless we’ve seen her improve all winter in Dubai and Keeneland. If she improves again, she’ll be right there.

“She’s drawn nine, so hopefully she can jump and get a good position and we’ll see how we go.”

The Belmont Stakes itself has attracted a field of eight. Heart Of Honor somewhat flies the UAE flag, having spent five months based at Meydan, a spell which culminated in second in the G2 UAE Derby. Jamie Osborne’s colt followed that up with a fifth in the G1 Preakness and now takes on Journalism, winner of that race, and Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in the big one.

The Jim and Claire Bryce-owned colt will be ridden by Saffie Osborne, who hasn’t lost faith in her mount.

“It’s a very tough field with top-class horses, but I think he’s a very good horse,” she said. “He kind of fluffed his lines a little bit in the Preakness and I hope he can take a step forward from that.”

Also on Saturday, a five-strong line-up for the G1 Metropolitan Handicap includes Raging Torrent, winner of the G2 Godolphin Mile last turned out. Doug O’Neill’s four-year-old takes on fellow G1 winners Fierceness and White Abarrio in what looks a fascinating contest.

Later, a field of nine for the G1 Manhattan Handicap contains Highland Robber, who bounced back from a disappointing run in the G2 Dubai City of Gold on Emirates Super Saturday with a third to the reopposing Spirit Of St Louis in the G1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs last time out.

In Japan on Sunday, G1 Dubai Turf winner Soul Rush runs in the G1 Yasuda Kinen, which was won a year ago by Romantic Warrior, second to Soul Rush in the Turf.

It will be the Yasutoshi Ikee-trained seven-year-old’s fourth run in this race but he is in the form of his life, according to Hashiguchi, assistant to Ikee, who oversees his training.

“His finishing kick has improved with age,” he told NetKeiba. “He was a bit soft when he came back [from Dubai], but he’s been training well and is in great shape.”