Dubai Duty Free Finishes in Fine Style at the Glamorous Dubai World Cup 2012
The much-awaited Dubai World Cup (31st March), held for the third time at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, provided racing fans with one of the greatest races of the evening when Cityscape, ridden by British jockey James Doyle, made a thrilling turn to claim the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free Race (Group 1).
Cityscape, owned by K. Abdulla, was trained by Roger Charlton, one of the top UK’s racehorse trainers based in Wiltshire, England. Cityscape took up the lead at the top of the stretch to post an impressive four-and-a-half length victory over Christophe Soumillon’s Mutahadee and to take home the coveted Dubai Duty Free trophy.
James Doyle was also delighted to be accepting the special invitation to take part in the world’s premier international jockey’s challenge, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, from HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free together with Charles Barnett, CEO of Ascot Racecourse, George Horan, President of Dubai Duty Free and Sinead El Sibai, Vice President – Marketing, Dubai Duty Free.
To mark the 17th running of the Dubai World Cup, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, presented George Horan and Sinead El Sibai with the Sponsor’s Appreciation award earlier in the afternoon.
As Group 1 race sponsor of the Dubai World Cup 2012, Dubai Duty Free entertained over 160 guests in the Meydan Grandstand. The elegant suite overlooked the racetrack providing guests with an excellent vantage point from which to view the night’s proceedings. The evening, which featured a series of entertainment between the 9 races, culminated with the opening ceremony and fireworks display, staged directly before the Dubai Duty Free race.
As part of the evening’s celebration, Dubai Duty Free conducted a special Finest Surprise draw and announced the winner of a top of the range luxury car, a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. The draw was conducted directly after the Dubai Duty Free race by George Horan and Sinead El Sibai. The car was won by Ali Mallah, a Lebanese national from Dubai with ticket no. 0335 in Series 1484.
The US$10 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates, was a fitting finale for an evening of tremendous thrills as Dubai-trained Monterosso ridden by Mickael Barzalona outclassed a high-class field providing a win for Godolphin.
With the racing over for one more year, the evening’s post-race entertainment kicked off with another fireworks display, followed by Tony Braxton performing live and famous Dirtcaps DJ from Amsterdam along with local DJs continuing the party until late.
The Dubai World Cup takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Apr 1, 2012
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