Racing: Prizemoney in Dubai soars

DUBAI - The Dubai World Cup meeting prize money has been increased by US$6 million ($8.61 million), further underlining the meeting's status as the world's richest day of horse racing.

The seven-race World Cup, to be staged at the Nad al Sheba club on March 25 next year, will now carry a purse of US$21.25 million after an increase in prize money for two group one turf races - the Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Sheema Classic.

The two races, which last year each had a purse of US$2 million, will now offer US$5 million - with a first prize of US$3 million - making them the richest turf races in the world.

The 1777m Duty Free was first run in 1996. This year it was won by Elvstroem, the first Australian-trained horse to win at the Dubai World Cup meeting.

The Sheema Classic, run over 2400m, has continued to grow in prominence since it was first run in 1998 as the Dubai Turf Classic.

- REUTERS