The Dubai World Cup - The World's Richest Horse Race
By Adam Singleton

At first Dubai may look like an unlikely place for equine auto racing but, as the city that built a snow dome in the desert, perhaps it needs to come as no wonderful surprise that this Middle Eastern shopping heaven additionally organizes the world's richest competition.

The race was established in 1996 by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the proprietor of Darley Stud and Godolphin Racing, one of the world's leading purebred breeding and racing operations.

Held each year at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the 2000m track is a left handed dust course. The race is most remarkable for being the world's richest race, with some US$ 6 million at stake, and the race is identified as the centrepiece of worldwide racing and hailed as the thoroughbred "World Champion".

That the race occurs between East is specifically substantial, as every pure-blooded equine on the planet is come down from 3 Arabian stallions which were originally exported from the Middle East: the Darley Arabian, the Byerley Turk and the Godolphin Arabian. These stallions were bred with English mares and all modern thoroughbreds carry the genes of these Arabian equines.

The photo of Arabian horsemen charging throughout the desert is still a strong part of Arab folklore, and there has actually long been a strong association in between the Middle East and equines that has been acknowledged worldwide for many centuries.

Historically, steeds were utilized as a symbol of power, wide range and status within Middle Eastern culture, and equines where uniquely bred generation upon generation to boost rate and stamina, which is now seen in numerous purebred horses throughout the world.

The race draws equines, motorcyclists and competing fans from around the world and offers a variety of upmarket hospitality events for punters. The 'Morning meal with the Stars' occasion functions live commentary, star meetings with leading visitors and live enjoyment, with a lavish morning meal buffet that is offered on the yards next to the paddock.

International Town is the heart of the Dubai World Cup social scene and is a terrific area to soak up the electrifying environment of the races. A ticket-only occasion, the International Village incorporates a wide variety of food and drink outlets and features the bubble lounge, event stands, live entertainment and gigantic digital displays to watch the live action racing.

Those wishing to check out the world's wealthiest competition and seeking lodging could take their pick from Dubai's coastline hotels [http://www.jumeirahbeachclub.com], midtown hotels, or Marina hotels, which with each other use a selection of upmarket, luxury areas where to base on your own throughout the Dubai World Cup.

Adam Singleton is an online, freelance reporter and eager amateur photographer. His profile, called [http://www.flickr.com/people/capquest_photography/] Capquest Digital photography is available to check out online.