Yearly, here at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, we host a number of major events either open to the public or by invitation. We always make sure that our club visitors will have a great time during their stay by providing different activities and programs suited for children and adults, and a positive atmosphere while witnessing two or more opposing teams of polo players compete for the top spot.
The Saudi Ancora team was crowned the National Day Polo Challenge Cup, which was organized by the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club at the Sultan Bin Zayed Stadium in the Ghantoot Club, under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Club, as part of the country’s 51st UAE National Day celebrations. In the final, the Ghantoot team came in the runner-up, and the Al Habtoor team came third.
The closing ceremony was impressive, enjoyed by the audience, with the participation of folklore bands, Abu Dhabi Police musicians, small pony horses and camels. The audience also enjoyed the closing day matches of the event.
The final round of the championship witnessed the application of the American polo system, which provides the opportunity for the participation of the largest number of teams due to the flexibility of the system, which witnessed the application of a regulation of disengagement between the three teams participating in the three-round system from one round.
The matches resulted in Ghantoot tied with Ancora, the leaders, with a goal for each team, after an exciting and equal match, and Ankora scored Khaled Al-Omran, and Ghantoot Nasser Al-Shamsi, and Ancora tied with Al Habtoor with two goals for each team, and Lancora Kelly and Khaled Al-Omran scored, and Habtoor Nicholas and Diaz.
In the third match, the Ghantoot team succeeded in defeating Al Habtoor 4-3, and Nasser Al Shamsi and Ali Al Marri scored for the Ghantoot team (two goals each), and for Al Habtoor Diaz Al Berdi and Raja Abu Al Jaban. The matches were refereed by Oscar Colombus.
At the end of the tournament, Saeed bin Hofan Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of the Club, and Khalid Saeed Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Club, crowned the three teams. Match referees, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Emirates Heritage Club and Abu Dhabi Police were also honored.
The honors included the sons of Fahd Al Qubaisi, the polo player, as the best Emirati outfit on the occasion of the National Day, and the sons of Dr. Walid Al Muhairbi came in second place.
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ABU DHABI: Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum-led Ghantoot A emerged winners in the 13th edition of Pink Polo as equestrian activities returned to the sublime greens of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club (GRPC) once again.
Pink Polo Day, an inspiring initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer in the UAE, was held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the club and one of the major supporters of the game in the UAE.
The exhibition match, marking the start of the new season, saw Ghantoot A and Ghantoot B locked in a fierce contest, with sportsmanship and competitive spirit at their best throughout the four chukkas of play.The polo enthusiasts were in for a treat during the clash between the two Ghantoot teams. They both fought until the end in a thrilling neck-to-neck battle.
Naseer Al Shamsi scored four while Sheikha Alia, Mohammed Al Habtoor, and Fahad Al Qabaisi contributed one each as Ghantoot A edged past Ghantoot B 7-6.
Tariq Al Habtoor scored three, and Petra B Spanko, Yousof Bin Desmal, and Ali Al Marri added one each for Ghantoot B.
Khalid Saeed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club: “The event has grown over the years with a great impact, and we are pleased to be contributing to raising awareness for this important cause.
“We are delighted to have witnessed the return of polo at the club. The success of the Pink Polo reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Falah’s wise leadership,” he added.
Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, and Khalid Saeed Al Marzooqi gave away the prizes.
Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri also thanked sponsors of the event.Held in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the Pink Polo Day was supported by Jannah Hotel Group, Beverly Hills, Reem Hospital, Mediclinic, Al Manara Pharmacy, tips and toes, Bedashing, HOB, Emirates Park Zoo, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
The next event on the club’s calendar will be an exhibition match scheduled to take place on November 26 in honour of UAE National Day.
]]>Sheikh Falah said: “The Pink Polo Day initiative falls in line with the club’s community role — to support women’s health through fitness activities, seminars, and various services that motivate them to take care of themselves and to be able to care for their families.”The details of the event and the new season were disclosed in a press conference held at the Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The event is scheduled to take place on November 5 with the Ghantoot A Polo team facing the Ghantoot B team.Ghantoot A Polo team features Her Highness Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, Fahad Al Qubaisi, Mohammed Al Habtoor, and Nasser Al Shamsi.Rashid Al Falahi, Petra B Spanko, Yousuf Bin Desmal, and Ali Al Marri round out the Ghantoot B lineup.
Khalid Saeed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, said: “Pink Polo Day will definitely help raise awareness about breast cancer. Such events are an integral part of the policy at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
“We have been working with our committed sponsors, friends and patrons of Ghantoot to make this event a success,” he added.On November 26, an exhibition match to mark UAE National Day will take place after the Pink Polo event.Later, the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club will host the prestigious Emirates Polo Championship International from December 7–17.Adding another charitable event, the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club will host a Red Crescent Polo match on January 7, 2023.
The next event in the club’s calendar is the Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup, taking place from January 23 to February 4, 2023.The Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup will be followed by Al Amal Polo Day, which is scheduled for February 18, 2022.
The highlight of the UAE polo season, and one of the UAE’s most-anticipated tournaments, is the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup, slated for March 6–18, 2023.Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, thanked the sponsors for supporting the club’s initiative.
Taking place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), the Pink Polo Day will also mark the resumption of equestrian activities at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club and is supported by Jannah Hotel Group, Beverly Hills, Reem Hospital, Mediclinic, Al Manara pharmacy, tips and toes, BEDASHING, HOB, emirates zoo and American Academy of cosmetic surgery school.
Richard Haddad, CEO of Jannah Hotel Group, said: “We are proud to be the official hotel sponsor of the polo tournaments and exhibition polo events at Ghantoot Racing and Club. There’s a series of very exciting matches and exhibitions in the pipeline, including the Pink Polo Match, in-line with the breast cancer awareness campaign, taking place on November 5.
“As well as UAE National Day Polo Exhibition Match, Emirates Polo Championship International, Red Crescent Charity Polo Match, Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup, Al Amal Polo Day, and HH President of the UAE Polo Cup. We look forward to kicking off this relationship with Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club and working closely with the team to make each one of these matches and exhibitions a success.”
Reem Hospital is pleased to be a medical partner of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s Pink Polo initiative for the second consecutive year.The hospital is offering medical screenings to raise awareness of the dangers of breast cancer and stress the need for early screening to combat the disease.
Zaid Al Siksek, Chairman of Reem Hospital, said, “We are proud of our support for such important initiatives and especially for this unique event, which helps raise awareness in our community, as breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UAE and the second leading cause of death among women.
“With various initiatives aimed at raising awareness, promoting self-exams, and advancing research and clinical trials, women diagnosed with breast cancer still have hope for survival, because if the disease is detected and treated early, the cure rate is 98 percent. Yet, only 30 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UAE are detected early.”
]]>THE ANNUAL POLO SEASON EVENTS IN GHANTOOT RACING & POLO CLUB
Is it your first time learning about us? You can learn more about the annual polo season events that we have that take place during the winter season here in The United Arab Emirates:
Quick Fact: The winter season in the UAE starts around October until mid-March, having an average daytime temperature of 25℃; best suited for polo tournaments and other equestrian events.
PINK POLO
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
The Pink Polo Event is the club’s inspiring initiative to help raise breast cancer awareness in the UAE. According to the latest data from statista.com, as of the year 2020, the number of new cases among the UAE’s female population is at 1,030. In that same year, the number of recorded new cancer cases was at 4,800 of the general population, of which there were 1,896 cancer-related deaths.
The event is held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s chairman.
UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
Are you looking for other things to do during the UAE National Day? Head to our polo and equestrian club to be part of the celebration. This countrywide celebration is an amazing part of the UAE’s annual events. We provide special shows for everyone to help showcase the UAE’s ambitious and rapid evolution into a cultural and sporting capital of the Middle East, of which equestrianism plays a huge role. Our club hosts exhibition polo matches as part of celebration.
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
Held under the generous patronage of our chairman, Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirates Polo Championship International is always filled with the top polo teams from across the United Arab Emirates including some international players competing in one of the most anticipated polo tournaments in the UAE.
THE YEAR OF TOLERANCE CELEBRATION
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
This event places emphasis on creating a tolerant society and underlining human communication’s significance. It is the country’s noble mission to become a bridge for communication between different cultures and countries by promoting coexistence and upholding the values of openness, kindness, respect, dialogue, and acceptance. Here at the club, we celebrate this event by hosting polo exhibition matches alongside other activities and programs for everyone.
AL AMAL POLO DAY
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
We celebrate this charity event by hosting polo exhibition matches and creating an atmosphere filled with compassion. The Al Amal Polo Day was developed and initiated by our chairman, Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to help raise awareness and establish support for children of determination by promoting the principle of embracing and supporting those people with physical as well as learning disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. Our club is always filled with smiles and fun moments during this celebration.
RED CRESCENT CHARITY POLO
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
Annually, we extend an arm to charities across the United Arab Emirates by hosting special polo days including activities and programs for the attendees of the event within our state-of-the-art facility located at Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi. Become part of this charity event and also the support system of children of determination.
SULTAN BIN ZAYED POLO CUP
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
In memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed; the younger brother of the late president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup was held here at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This polo event is jam-packed with a number of polo matches participated by various teams in the UAE.
H.H. PRESIDENT OF UAE POLO CUP
RELATED MEDIA FILES & ARTICLES
This annual event, which serves as the season-ender for the polo season, is considered to be one of the finest and most prestigious polo tournaments across the Middle East. The H.H. President of the UAE Polo Cup falls in line with the Abu Dhabi Emirate’s strategic sports objectives; seeking to heighten and promote the equestrian polo sport inside and outside the United Arab Emirates.
We at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, are dedicated to bringing everyone the fun and enjoyment that our series of events can provide throughout the entire polo season. Our events are strategically planned for visitors and long time polo fans to have a worthwhile experience at the club. It is a great part of our duty to make you feel connected to our mission of providing quality polo and equestrian experience here in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
To give you additional information regarding equestrianism in the United Arab Emirates, here are some details that you need to know about the terms polo and equestrian; what makes them different, their relationship, or relevance.
Polo
Polo is a sport played on horseback, in which two teams compete to score goals with a ball. It was developed in Persia as some form of hound hunting game, but it’s come to be known as one of the greatest spectator sports in the world. Polo is a team sport that combines elements of speed and strategy with an elegance all its own.
Polo fields are typically grassy or sandy expanses varying from 360 feet by 180 feet (110 meters by 55 meters) to 590 feet by 245 feet (180 meters by 75 meters). They usually have no boundaries on either end—the ball can travel well past the ends of these fields if struck properly—but there are goal posts at each end for scoring purposes. Each team consists of four players.
Equestrian
Equestrian is a sport that involves riding and training horses. Equestrian events include polo, show jumping, eventing, dressage and driving. The most popular equestrian events are polo, show jumping and dressage. Equestrian sports are very popular in the UAE because of the large number of people who own horses in this country. There are many horse farms located around Abu Dhabi Emirate (province) where you can go for a ride or play some games with your friends or family members!
Membership
Membership is available for both polo and equestrian. It’s open to both male and female members, as well as residents and non-residents (it varies according to the club’s policy). Individual memberships are also available, should you wish to join solely for your own use or if you don’t have any other family members that would benefit from membership.
Polo Season
The polo season in Abu Dhabi is well underway, and what better way to start than with a Polo and Equestrian Club that offers not only its members but also the public, an opportunity to try out this great sport! Enjoy this special experience with family, friends or colleagues if you’re looking for something different from your usual day-to-day activity. Be on the look out for our future announcements on the list of events that we have for you on to the next season!
@ghantootracingpoloclub Believe us, it's better to watch polo tournaments in person. Join us, next polo season here at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club! ♬ Sports Music - Saltonbria
The emirate has been ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan since 1966, when he became ruler after his father died. Upon taking power over Abu Dhabi Emirate, Sheikh Zayed began implementing economic reforms like reducing subsidies on basic goods like food and fuel so that these items could be sold at market prices instead which made them more affordable for residents who had trouble affording them before this change was made by allowing competition between vendors selling similar products such as food or transportation services where one company could not dominate others through controlling all supply chains needed. In addition, Abu Dhabi is also home to many foreign embassies including those of Egypt, Qatar and Bahrain.
Stage set for President of the UAE Polo Cup 2022
The 22nd edition of the H.H. President of the UAE Polo Cup will start on March 13 (Sunday) and finish on March 27 (Sunday) at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. The event is taken into consideration to be one of the most prestigious events in Asia and in the Middle East.
The polo cup is considered as a showpiece event of the polo season which will be held in the name of the President — His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and under the patronage of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s Chairman; Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The best polo players of the United Arab Emirates will be joined by other professionals from different parts of the globe during the two-week long equestrian polo tournament.
A round-robin league, which is the 18-handicap tournament, will have two top polo teams within the grand final’s qualification.
Sheikh Falah said, “We are in high spirits about hosting our high-goal tournament. This year’s HH President of the UAE Polo Cup is very significant because it’s the event’s 22nd anniversary.
“I would like to use this occasion to express my gratitude to all of our patrons, partners, and sponsors for their continued support over the past more than two decades.” He added, “This tournament is globally recognised and puts the UAE at the forefront of the international polo circuit. We can all look forward to two weeks of high-quality action with some of the top polo players, together with some of the leading players from Argentina, and around the world, competing for the honours. Good luck to all the teams participating.”
All of the polo matches will be played under Hurlingham Polo Association‘s banner and will be under strict international supervision in accordance to their rules and the provision of their umpires. Also, all of the matches will take place at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s facility.
His Excellency, Hamad Abdelrahman Al Shaikh, the Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, said in the press conference:”It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ghantoot is all set to host the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup. As the 22nd staging of our season’s greatest event gets underway, we’re looking forward to an exciting two weeks of top-level polo play. I wish good luck to all the participating teams and look forward to seeing who will emerge as our 2022 champion.”
Remembering last year’s polo cup results; the H.H. President of the UAE Polo Cup’s 21st edition, Ghantoot Polo team won in the thrilling finals against Habtoor Polo with the final score of 9-7.
For the 22nd edition, the defending champions; Ghantoot Polo will start a campaign against Habtoor Polo. This will be part of the scheduled three matches on the opening day of the polo tournament. The next match will be between Bin Drai and the Wolves, and last but not the least will be between UAE Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo.
Led by Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Polo team will be among the favourites for the prestigious title. To add more details about the UAE Polo team, just last week, they edged past Habtoor Polo team and lifted the Gold Cup crown in Dubai.
The HH President of the UAE Polo Cup is sponsored by CAPEX, Capital Motion, Yas Mall, Jardin de Parfums, Beverly Hills Polo Club Arabia, Emirates Hospitality Center, Dhabiya Studio, Lotus Holistic Center, and contributor Al Rais Holidays.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner for the H.H. Prepsident of the UAE Polo Cup and it is being held in association with the Emirates Polo Association.
Images from the Press Conference
Watch the video
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About Equestrian
Equestrian is commonly called horseback riding or having such skills on riding a horse. In the Olympics, the current Equestrian events are dressage, eventing, and show jumping. Moreover, there are other events such as reining, endurance, vaulting, and combined driving being recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
Equestrian History
This can be traced back to ancient Greece where dressage was conceptualized and done to prepare the horses for battle. The horses’ natural movements while they are in a herd were recognized as a strategic and major advancement over armies that were on foot on the battlefield. The modern dressage that we know of today has been developed over the years right after the no-military people began to adopt it as a sport while retaining a number of its original principles.
In the ancient Olympics, horses were also used for chariot racing, while eventing originated for people to test and prepare their military horses for dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Also, modern equine sports have also adapted the pieces of equestrian athletics that are rooted in the tradition and history of hunting in England.
Wearables such as leather boots, riding jackets, breeches, and other clothing for equestrian competitions also were adapted from hunting practices in England.
Essential training equipment for the riders:
- Tall leather boots
- Show apparel
- Casual footwear
- Paddock boots
- Socks and gloves
- Shirts and tops
- Breeches and tights
- Outerwear
- Half or full chaps
- Riding helmet
Inclusions for show apparel:
- Hair nets
- Sock tie
- Competition jacket
- Show shirt
- Show breeches
Three main types of equestrian events
Dressage
The criteria for judging relies on the quality of the horse training and the flexibility of the horse with the final score from both of the criteria. Each of the moves will be rated from 0-10 that will be compiled for a total score of 100. With 33 prescribed movements and a freestyle routine, each of the participants performs a test in front of the judges. The typical score a rider gets is in the 70s and can have an exceptional score being in the 80s.
Eventing
Eventing as an equestrian event involves a combination of show jumping, dressage, endurance, or cross-country and is being held over 2-3 days. Also, the rider and the horse must go through a series of obstacles with different terrain for endurance or cross-country options. This equestrian event is open for men and women and the rider with the lowest points wins for the reason that throughout the competition, riders can receive penalty points.
Jumping
This is another term for show jumping where the rider and the horse jump over multiple hurdles in set courses within a given time frame with zero to minimal mistakes on avoiding knocking down the poles or either the horse or rider falling during the performance.
Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi hosts equestrian events and has the best facilities for players and spectators. Always stay on the lookout for the events and do not miss the schedule. For more information about the events, please contact this number +971 24474444 or send an email to info@grpc.ae.
The Ghantoot Polo Club Team have retained their title as the champions of the 21st edition of the Emirates Polo Championship Cup, for two consecutive years. The final match of this most awaited annual polo championship event was held at the Sheikh Zayed Main Stadium at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
The equestrian polo cup tournament in the club was not only centered to hosting the matches but it also include the establishment of various festive paragraphs, the Emirates Heritage Club’s establishment of the Heritage Village exhibition, in addition to the Police Dogs Unit participation under the supervision of the Police Dogs Unit at the Abu Dhabi Police General Command (K9), and last but not the least, the exciting shows of the International Horse Show Troupe with the participation of the Abu Dhabi Police music.
To determine the third and fourth place in the match, the Emirates Polo Team was outperformed by the Abu Dhabi Polo Bronze Team by the score of 9 – 7.5. The Abu Dhabi team’s Hugo Barbucci has scored five goals, three goals for Amadouri, and one goal for Thomas. On the other hand, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Rashid scored Al Maktoum with two goals, one goal for Sheikha Alia Al Maktoum, and four goals for Jacinto Croto, for the Emirates Polo team.
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL – FINALS – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Ghantoot 10-7.5 Bangash
Ghantoot: Yousof Bin Desmal 1, Nasser Al Shamsi 1 , Kian Hall 3, Marcos Araya 7.
Bangash: Rayyan Al Ajaji 0, Federico von Potobsky, Facundo Kelly 5, Nicolás Corti Maderna 5.
Gameplay images: Bangash Team vs Ghantoot Polo Team
SUBSIDIARY FINAL
Abu Dhabi 9-7.5 UAE Polo
Abu Dhabi: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Segundo Amadori 4, Tomás Iriarte 4, Hugo Barabucci 4.
UAE Polo: Sheikha Maitha 0, Sheikha Alia 0, Pablo Urquiza 4, Jacinto Crotto 7.
Gameplay images: UAE Polo Team vs. Abu Dhabi Polo Team
EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL – TEAMS:
GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1, Yousof Bin Desmal 1, Kian Hall 3, Marcos Araya 7.
UAE POLO TEAM: Sheikha Maitha 0, Sheikha Alia 0, Pablo Urquiza 4, Jacinto Crotto 7.
ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0, Segundo Amadori 4, Hugo Barabucci 4, TBC.
BANGASH: Haider Bangash 0, Facundo Kelly 2, Federico Von Potobsky 5, Nicolás Corti Maderna 5.
For more images taken from the polo matches, visit this page:
Emirates Polo Championship International
Horse Racing in the United Arab Emirates
When thinking about horse racing, the United Arab Emirates always rings a bell to worldwide horse racing fans and enthusiasts. Apart from it being one of the best and the safest travel/tourist destinations worldwide, the UAE’s rich history and all things equestrian truly attracts people around the globe.
Talking about all things equestrian, in several countries, people have shown great interest in horse racing. In fact, as far back as the year 2004 until today, worldwide interest has been consistently present. In the United Arab Emirates, interest by subregion for horse racing is centered in the Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The sport’s popularity has made countries devise their own particular horse racing traditions, such as running in different gaits, on different distances, over some obstacles, including race restrictions for certain horse breed types. In addition, gambling that has been associated with horse racing over the years plays a major part in worldwide interest.
QUICK FACT: In 2008, horse racing generated a worldwide market of around 115B USD.
HORSE RACING HISTORY IN THE UAE
Racing of horses in the UAE as an equestrian sport has made the country become part of the so-called “great racing nations”. Professional horse racing started in the country in the year 1992 that coincides with the development of Emirates Racing Authority (ERA). Since then, horse racing has been held at these five racecourses across the country:
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- Ghantoot — Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club
- Jebel Ali — Jebel Ali Racecourse
- Sharjah — Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
- Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
- Nad Al Sheba (replaced by Meydan) — Dubai Racing Club
QUICK FACT: In October 1981, horse racing started in the Emirate of Dubai which was organised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is when the dusty Camel Track hosted its first race meeting for Thoroughbreds.
Here are the results: Source: Gulf News
Details: 2,000m (a10F), dirt, $12m
1 Country Grammer, B Baffert, F Dettori
2 Hot Rod Charlie, D O’Neill, F Prat
3 Chuwa Wizard, R Okubo, Y Kawada
Details: 1,200m (a16f), turf, $1m
1 Stay Foolish, Y Yahagi, C Lemaire
2 Manobo, C Appleby, W Buick
3 Al Madhar, M Al Mheiri, A Fresu
Details: 2,000m (a10f), dirt, $1m
1 First Class, A de Mieulle (trainer), R Thomas (jockey)
2 Kerless Del Roc, A Al Mehairbi, P Cosgrave
3 Hadi De Carrere, T Fourcy, O Peslier
Details: 1,600m (a8f), dirt, $1m
1 Bathrat Leon, Y Yahagi, R Sakai
2 Desert Wisdom, A Al Shemaili, A de Vries
3 Storm Damage, S bin Suroor, C Soumillon
Details: 1,200m (a6f), turf, $1.5m
1 A Case Of You, A McGuinness, R Whelan
2 Happy Romance, R Hannon, S Levey
3 Man Of Promise, C Appleby, W Buick
Details: 1,900m (a9.5f), dirt, $1m
1 Crown Pride, K Shintani, D Lane
2 Summer Is Tomorrow, B Seemar, M Barzalona
3 Island Falcon, S bin Suroor, P Cosgrave
Details: 1,200m (a6f), dirt, $2m
1 Switzerland, B Seemar, T O’Shea
2 Red Le Zele, T Yasuda, Y Kawada
3 Dr Schivel, M Glatt, F Prat
Details: 1,800m (a9f), turf, $5m
1 Lord North, J Gosden, F Dettori
1 Panthalassa, Y Yahagi, Y Yoshida
3 Vin De Garde, H Fujiwara, M Barzalona
Details: 2,410m (a12F), turf, $6m
1 Shahryar, H Fujiwara, C Demuro
2 Yibir, C Appleby, W Buick
3 Authority, T Kimura, C Lemaire
THE TYPES OF HORSE RACING
There are several types available in which different breeds of horses excel on each type.
-
- Harness Racing – horses pace or trot while pulling a driver seated on a sulky or a lightweight cart. (Horse breeds: Standardbreds, Russian Trotter, French Trotter, Scandinavian coldblood trotter, and Finn Horses)
- Flat Racing – around a straight or oval track, horses directly gallop between two points. (Horse breeds: Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Paint, Quarter Horse, and Arabian horses)
- Endurance Racing – horses travel across country over long distances that generally range from 40-61 km or 25-100 miles. Anything less than that qualifies as a limited distant ride. (Horse breeds: Arabian horses, Anglo-Arabian horses, Akhal-Teke, etc.)
- Jump Racing – Horses race over obstacles. It is also known as steeplechasing, or National Hunt Racing in Ireland and in the UK. (Horse breeds: Thoroughbred and AQPS.
THE RULES DURING THE MATCH
The following details are examples of the available rules for horse racing and they are not limited to what are stated below:
- A rider must remain mounted on the horse and cross the finish line to complete the race.
- It is a must for jockeys to ride in a safe manner and follow the prescribed course.
- Flat races must start from the starting stalls or a starting gate.
- Jump race, steeplechase, and hurdle races must start with a starting gate or a flag which will require special permission.
- If a horse has broken away before the start of the race, a false start will be declared, if the starter considers it.
- Jockeys should ride their horses properly to the best of their ability. Disqualification and further sanctions may occur if neglected, based on the stewards opinion.
Horse racing is indeed a fascinating sport, and it’s one of the best events to witness and experience in the United Arab Emirates. Other equestrian events or activities such as polo, horseback riding, horse jumping, dressage, etc. are also some of the great things to do or become part of the spectators in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.