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28 March 2024

African Story draws gate three as Dubai World Cup countdown begins

African Story from Great Britain, front right, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, crosses the finish line to win the world's richest horse race Dubai World Cup at Meydan racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 29, 2014. (AP)

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By Staff

The countdown for the 20th anniversary of the $10 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates began with the Post Position Draw held at Meydan Theatre on Wednesday afternoon.

Pre-race favourite, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome will jump from stall 9 while Godolphin’s defending champion African Story drew gate 3.

“He (African Story) won this race last year. I’m happy with stall three. He won the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3. He won this race last year. Good horses go on any surface and this is a very good horse,” said Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

On Prince Bishop drawing post one, he said: “I just hope he jumps well. He’s been working well and this is his race.”

All the Dubai World Cup day Thoroughbred Group 1 races were drawn live at the event which was attended by horse connections.

The winners of the UAE Owner, Trainer and Jockey Championships were also honoured at the Dubai World Cup Post Position Draw.

“We’re really happy with (the draw). This has been an amazing journey," said Steve Coburn, owner of California Chrome despite drawing post nine.

Michiaki Yabbe (owner, Hokko Tarumae (JPN), post 2) – “Going back to dirt is a big advantage and we’re really happy. This is an ideal draw.”

Anna Lisa Balding, wife of trainer Andrew, of British raider Side Glance was delighted after drawing post four.

“He’s a mature racehorse. He’s in great form. If he could be (at least) fourth again, that would be brilliant. He’s going to be fine coming from stall 4. It’s better than 1 or 8 and there should be plenty of pace on which should suit him. He’ll wear head gear in the race and that will help him face the kickback,” he said of the Hong Kong champion.

Bill Mott (trainer, Lea (USA), post 5), said: “We’re glad to be here. Proud to have been associated with Cigar who won the first Dubai World Cup and we’re excited to be back with Lea. I think we got lucky. We’d have been happy with anything from the middle to outside draw. In a perfect world, we’d have liked to have been outside California Chrome, but we are still in a good spot.”

Doug Watson (trainer, Candy Boy (USA), post 6): “We had no choice coming last (selected) in the draw, but if we had a choice, we would have wanted them in the order 5, 4 or 6.

“We got 6 so that’s fine. He’ll be able to see what everybody does from the start.”

Owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, trainer Musabah Al Muhairi and jockey Richard Mullen topped their respective championships for the 2014-15 UAE season.

During his speech Meydan Group Chairman, Saeed Humaid Al Tayer announced CNN as the Dubai World Cup Principle International Media Partner.

“On the special occasion of our 20th celebration, it also gives us great pleasure to introduce CNN as the Dubai World Cup Principal International Media partner. CNN is the leading news and information service provider with reach of over 385 million households around the globe, in five languages and across all major TV, internet and mobile platforms. We are proud of this partnership and we are looking forward to growing it year in, year out."

“This is a very special running of the Dubai World Cup, one that represents both the future and the past of this great race. I wish all the participants the best of luck and my deepest appreciation for your help in creating the excitement of this day that we are so proud to share with the world.”

The Dubai World Cup will be run on Saturday March 28, 2015 at Meydan Racecourse and will feature a spectacular post-race show as well as a record-breaking pyrotechnic displays followed by a 90-minute concert from pop star Kylie Minogue.

Apron Views tickets for the Dubai World Cup are available at www.dubairacingclub.com or from the Ticket Sales Office located between gates B and C at Meydan Racecourse.

The Dubai World Cup hospitality gates open at 2:00pm on Saturday and the first race starts at 4:00pm.

The raceday schedule includes a special National Anthem ceremony at 5:30pm which features a spectacular pyrotechnic show and the Dubai World Cup Show starts at 9:30pm with the Dubai World Cup Concert featuring international pop superstar, Kylie Minogue getting underway at 10pm.