An exciting new Bonus Scheme of qualifying races for the Dubai World Cup has been announced, with more than US$4million in additional prize money up for grabs. The scheme encompasses nine races, to be all run at Meydan Racecourse between 26 January and 2 March, 2024.
Winners of the nine races will receive an automatic entry to the corresponding race on Dubai World Cup night on 30 March, with a chance of a 10 per cent bonus if they were to win both races - the qualifier and the main event.
The bonus scheme is the first of its kind in the region and is aimed at encouraging trainers and owners to prepare their horses in Dubai for the Dubai World Cup, something which has already proved successful.
Thunder Snow, the only dual winner of the race, in 2018 and 2019, is the most recent DWC winner to prepare for the big night by competing at Meydan.
This season, two races, the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge on 26 January and the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic on 2 March will both serve as qualifying races for the Group 1 $12million Dubai World Cup. Additionally, if the winner of either qualifier were to go on and succeed in the showpiece Dubai World Cup, they will become eligible for the additional $1.2million in prize money.
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“We are excited about launching the Dubai World Cup Bonus series,” commented Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club.
“History has shown, through the likes of Dubai Millennium, Curlin and California Chrome, among others, that racing in Dubai prior to the Dubai World Cup can be an advantage, so we would like to further encourage trainers to do this by offering an added 10 per cent to the purse if horses win both races.”
The Dubai World Cup Bonus Scheme begins on Friday, 26 January, with three races on the programme offering the new incentives. Horses are only eligible for one bonus per season and race entry fees still apply.
Full list of Bonus Scheme races:
Date Qualifying race Target Race on DWC night Bonus Prize ($)
Jan 26 Gr.1 Jebel Hatta Gr.1 Dubai Turf $500,000
Jan 26 Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge Gr.1 Dubai World Cup $1,200,000
Jan 26 Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas Gr.2 UAE Derby $100,000
Feb 23 Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy Gr.2 Dubai Gold Cup $100,000
March 2 Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint $150,000
March 2 Gr.3 Mahab Al Shimaal Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen $200,000
March 2 Gr.3 Burj Nahaar Gr.2 Godolphin Mile $100,000
March 2 Gr.2 Dubai City of Gold Gr.1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic $600,000
March 2 Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic Gr.1 Dubai World Cup $1,200,000
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