A new bonus scheme of qualifying races for the Dubai World Cup (G1) has been announced, with more than $4 million in additional prize money up for grabs.
Nine races, all run at Meydan Racecourse between January and March 2024, will give the winners automatic entry to the corresponding race on Dubai World Cup night, March 30, with a chance of a 10% bonus were they to win both races.
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, which has already proved successful.
Thunder Snow , the only dual winner of the Dubai World Cup, in 2018-19, is the most recent DWC winner to prepare by competing at Meydan. This season, two races, the Jan. 26 Maktoum Challenge (G1), and the March 2 Maktoum Classic (G2), both qualifying races for the $12 million Dubai World Cup, offer $1.2 million in additional prize money.
“We are exciting about launching the Dubai World Cup Bonus Series,” said 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% to the purse if horses win both races.”
The Dubai World Cup bonus scheme begins Jan. 26, when three races offer the new incentives. Horses are only eligible for one bonus per season and race entry fees still apply.
Full list of Bonus Scheme races:
Jebel Hatta (G1T), Jan 26th: Winner Bonus to Dubai Turf (G1T)—$500,000
Al Maktoum Challenge (G1), Jan 26: Winner Bonus to Dubai World Cup—$1,200,000
UAE 2000 Guineas (G3), Jan 26: Winner Bonus to UAE Derby (G2)—$100,000
Nad Al Sheba Trophy (G3T), Feb. 23: Winner Bonus to Gold Cup (G2T)—$100,000
Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3T), March 2: Winner Bonus to Al Quoz Sprint (G1T)—US $150,000
Mahab Al Shimaal (G3), March 2: Winner Bonus to the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1)—$200,000
Burj Nahaar (G3), March 2: Winner Bonus to the Godolphin Mile (G2)—$100,000
Dubai City of Gold (G2T), March 2: Winner Bonus to the Sheema Classic (G1T)—$600,000
Al Maktoum Classic (G2), March 2: Winner Bonus to the Dubai World Cup—$1,200,000
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
