Will the Dubai World Cup 2016 be the richest horse race in history?

The futuristic city of Dubai has long captured the imaginations of people around the world. Its fabulous wealth, on show via a string of otherworldly buildings, countless cars that command a six figure price circling the streets and high-end boutique shopping malls, doesn’t end in oil and exclusive property deals.

Horse racing is big business here, the Dubai World Cup 2016 promises to be one of the most lavish equestrian events in history – and you can be there next March with Motive Travel.

In the shadow of the the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building on Earth at 828 metres – is the Meydan Racecourse, a glitzy arena that doesn’t just content itself with being a world-class flat course.

Of the near 60,000 spectators that can take a seat in the grandstand in this luxurious venue, many of them may be staying at the five-star hotel adjacent to the hallowed turf of the racecourse. What’s more, most sports fans descend on the Arabic city for the world’s richest race – the Dubai World Cup.

The Dubai World Cup 2016 promises to be one of the most lavish equestrian events in history – and you can be there next March with Motive Travel.

A race of riches

Traditionally taking place on the final Saturday of March, the Dubai World Cup is undoubtedly  the most glamorous sporting event to take place in the United Arab Emirates, with a total of nine exciting races run over the course of one incredible day. These races are not just there to make up the numbers before the main event – the World Cup itself – as they consist of six Group 1 events, as well as three Group 2 starts.

Unless you’re an Arab oil baron, the sheer amount of money on display is enough to make your eyes water – no mean feat in the Dubai heat. Well over AU$23 million will change hands over the course of the day, with a good third of that involved in the main event alone – the World Cup.

Fought over 2,000 metres – roughly 10 furlongs in traditional racing imperial measurements – the Dubai World Cup is one of the most coveted prizes in professional horseracing, rivalling the Cox Plate, Kentucky and even the legendary Grand National for prestige. No one horse has ever won the race more than once, making it all the more difficult to predict who might triumph at the next event.

It’s never too early to start planning your next horseracing adventure, and you can travel to the Dubai World Cup 2016 with Motive – it’s one of our favourite annual events! We’re still putting together an itinerary for next year’s shindig, but why not take a look at what we did for the 2015 meet to whet your appetite?

Some fine fillies are bound to be on display at next year's Dubai World Cup.Some fine fillies are bound to be on display at next year’s Dubai World Cup.

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