The Dubai Racing Club has announced a new partnership with Churchill Downs which will see the Louisville-based operation sponsor the AED300,000 ($81,660) UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (allowance) to be held Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse. The 2024 renewal was won by the Michael Costa-trained Ma Yetal (Flameaway).
Commenting on the partnership, Erwan Charpy, Manager, Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are constantly inspired by our leaders to set the bar higher and in working with international partners such as Churchill Downs, we are enhancing racing's profile on the global stage.
“We are fortunate that, thanks to the UAE Derby's inclusion on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, we already enjoy a strong relationship with Churchill Downs and this is the next step.
“It was fantastic to see G2 UAE Derby winner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) run so brilliantly to finish third in the 'Run for the Roses' this year and we hope to one day see a horse win both races.”
Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated, added: “Churchill Downs is thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with the Dubai Racing Club through the Kentucky Derby's sponsorship of this prestigious race.
“We hope to see the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial winner competing in the [G2] UAE Derby and ultimately earning a spot in the starting gate of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby next May.”
The UAE Derby offers the winner 100 points on the Road to the Derby.
The G3 UAE Oaks, run in February, is a 50-point race for the GI Kentucky Oaks which is staged at Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May. In recent years two winners of the Meydan race, 'TDN Rising Star' Shahama (Munnings) and Mimi Kakushi (City of Light), have gone on to run with credit in the Kentucky Oaks.
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