Ahead of the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, Geoffrey Riddle gathers the recollections of the men who figured prominently on the night the world's richest horse race was launched.
When the nine runners break from the gates for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night, a landmark will have been reached.
It will be the 20th running of the world’s richest race, the climax of what has become the world’s most valuable day in racing.
The first Dubai World Cup, run at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in 1996, was worth US$4 million (Dh14.7m).
The 20th edition is worth $10m, again, and the money paid out over the course of nine DWC races at Meydan on Saturday has risen to $30m.
Nad Al Sheba was just the first step in the grand idea of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to stage the greatest day in the sport of kings.
Cigar, ridden by Jerry Bailey, had won the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Belmont Park in 1995 and Sheikh Mohammed set about recruiting America’s “super horse” to run in his bold new venture.
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L’Carriere, who was second at Belmont Park, also was lured over, as was Soul Of The Matter, who had finished fourth.
Halling was the champion of Europe, while Danewin was the best that Oceania could muster.
British trainers Geoff Wragg and Clive Brittain sent Pentire and Needle Gun, respectively, while Japan was represented by Lively Mount. Saeed bin Suroor, the most successful trainer in the history of the World Cup, was responsible for saddling Tamayaz, Torrential and Larrocha, in addition to Halling.
The event immediately impressed global horsemen with its hospitality: the social calendar was full and prominent visitors were provided with mobile phones and personal drivers.
At the post position draw at Meydan on Wednesday, Saeed Al Tayer, chairman of the board and chief executive of Meydan, said: “March, 27th 1996 is a significant date in the history of the UAE, Dubai, the Dubai World Cup and thoroughbred racing. On this day a vision was realised. A field of 11 horses made history that day, capturing the attention of the world.
“The legendary Cigar was the winner and he began the tradition of excellence in this race.”
Racing correspondent Geoffrey Riddle has spoken to some of the key players who made that race the event that helped put the contest, and Dubai, on the map.
From Jerry Bailey, who rode Cigar, to Derek Thompson, the commentator at the first race, we look back to the birth of one of the great days in sport.
Click the links below for the memories:
Jerry Bailey, jockey of inaugural winner Cigar
Richard Mandella, tainer of second-placed Soul Of The Matter
Gary Stevens, jockey of second-placed Soul Of The Matter
Harold James Bond, trainer of third-placed L’Carriere
Chris McCarron, jockey of fifth-placed Tamayaz
Derek Thompson, commentator at the first Dubai World Cup
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