AUSRACING
RACING AND BREEDING ON THE INTERNET SINCE 1996

27th June, 2001

Dubai Duty Free, Sheema Classic and Golden Shaheen promoted to Group I

UAE Derby and Godolphin Mile promoted to Group II

From Martin Talty - Emirates Racing Association

The Chairman of the Dubai World Cup Committee, Mr Les Benton, was "absolutely delighted" when receiving confirmation that the Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai Golden Shaheen would join the Dubai World Cup as Group I races.

The International Cataloguing Standards Committee, after meeting in London late last week, recognised the excellence of the Dubai World Cup meeting and in 2002, the programme will contain four Group I events.

The Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, and Dubai Sheema Classic, sponsored by the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Ports Authority, have been upgraded to Group I from their 2001 status of Group II while the Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News, has gone from Group III to Group I.

The UAE Derby and Godolphin Mile, sponsored by the Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, have also been promoted, both events rising from their 2001 Group III status to Group II for 2002.

"I, together with all of the Dubai World Cup Committee, am absolutely delighted with the decision of the International Cataloguing Standards Committee to promote these races," Mr Benton said.

"The Dubai World Cup meeting has continually attracted some of the very best horses from all parts of the world and these promotions continue our agenda to improve and consolidate the Dubai World Cup at the head of international racing."

"For the last two years we have set new marks for the number of international runners at a single race meeting and this decision from the International Cataloguing Standards Committee confirms that we not only had the quantity but quality also."

"It is now the task of everyone involved with the Dubai World Cup to ensure that all of these events continue to entice the quality that has become synonymous with the Dubai World Cup."

"Subsequent results from horses that competed at Nad Al Sheba last March signified the strength in all races and we are delighted the International Cataloguing Standards Committee agree."

"The strength of the Dubai World Cup meeting is recognised throughout the world and we are pleased for our partners who sponsor the races that their generous support has resulted in the upgrading of their races."

The 2002 Dubai World Cup meeting will now boast five Group I races, four for thoroughbreds and one for Purebred Arabians, and two Group II events.

"This further emphasises just how far the Dubai World Cup has progressed since its inception in 1996," Mr Benton said.

"The 2001 Dubai World Cup meeting was a magnificent success and one which we intend to learn from and already work is underway to ensure we build upon that to guarantee that 2002 and the years beyond are even better."