Record-breaking 81,000 enjoy Dubai World Cup

Meydan announced a record-breaking attendance for the 16th Dubai World Cup held on Saturday.

As many as 81,164 guests packed the Meydan Grandstand, eager to catch a glimpse of world-class racing, VIPs, celebrities and to enjoy a day filled with fashion, food, music and entertainment as the festivities lasted well past 2 a.m.

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of the board and CEO of Meydan said: "Yesterday (Saturday) proved more than ever, that Dubai World Cup is undoubtedly the Event of the Year in Dubai. It unites a world that shares a common thread; the love of racing, sportsmanship and of championing humanity as we have seen last night. The record attendance figures serves to re-affirm that Dubai World Cup is more than just a sporting event, but one with global stature and brand cache that continues to grow in international reputation".

"We are lucky to have an excellent team in place who continue to share the same passion and vision in wanting to build upon what we have launched successfully last year. Meydan City will continue to deliver, not just as a centre of excellence for sports, business and lifestyle, but to continue its race in becoming a brand synonymous with architectural and property development excellence, and being a conduit of how the United Arab Emirates is increasingly being recognised as a global destination for investments, business, and leisure. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has mentioned many times, success does not have a finishing line and neither do we."

Event highlights included nine mobile stages featuring more than 150 performers, aerialists, a theatrical and fireworks spectacular and a world's first with three 100-tonne megastructures featuring the three bloodlines of the Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk, of whom all modern thoroughbreds descend from.

Fashion took centrestage with guests dressed to the nines, and the hotly contested Jaguar Style Stakes fielded over 200 contestants vying for the best dressed honours including, for the very first time, the Best Dressed Man. Guests filled the Apron Views, Grandstand Suites, Lounges and restaurants to capacity with fine dining and hospitality served in five-star style courtesy of The Meydan Hotel.

Rounding up the evening, performances by international recording artist Jessie J and superstar DJ Seb Fontaine kept partygoers on their feet till well into the early hours.

On the sidelines of the evening's programme, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also awarded the Legion of Honour to the chairman of the board and CEO of Meydan; Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, in recognition for his outstanding efforts in completing the Meydan project in record time.

He also awarded the Golden Sword to Ahmed Abdulla Al Shaikh, vice chairman of Meydan and thanked members of the board for their contributions and group efforts in delivering Meydan to the world, and creating one of the United Arab Emirates' architectural and sporting landmarks.

The day's racing showcased not just an international field of the world's best in racing, but also exemplified how the sport unites all as one. And this was perhaps best showcased by the stunning win of Japan's Victoire Pisa in the Emirates Airline sponsored Dubai World Cup race with Transcend completing the 1-2 for Japan, and the first ever win by a Japanese horse in Dubai World Cup history. The prize presentation ceremony was an emotionally charged and poignant event, with Victoire's owner Yoshimi Ichikawa and winning jockey Mirco Demuro all shedding tears as they dedicated their win to the people of Japan and for everyone.