Kentucky Derby: The Middle East Strengthens Ties with US Horse Racing
Photo by Abbie Myers, via Wikimedia Commons
Three prestigious Middle East horse races in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have been added to the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series.
The Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas and Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes will award qualifying points towards up to two invitations for the big race at Churchill Downs.
The Group 3 Saudi Derby has also been added to the list of qualifying races, further strengthening the links between racing in the United States and Middle East.
The qualification series now consists of ten races, giving fans of Arabic horse racing betting even more reasons to wager on the sport in the region.
Saudi Racing Receives Major Profile Boost
The addition of the Saudi Derby is a landmark moment for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. First staged in 2020, the race has quickly gained global prominence.
Japanese superstar Forever Young won the 2024 Saudi Derby before finishing third in a thrilling renewal of the Kentucky Derby. He subsequently produced a stellar performance to defeat Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup earlier this year.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, says the link-up with the Kentucky Derby will boost the profile of racing in the Middle East.
“This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Churchill Downs Inc which holds the promise of more collaboration in the future.
“Saudi Arabian racing has been in a position to make important advancements on the international stage since the inauguration of the Saudi Cup in 2020.
“This latest development further strengthens the depth of appeal of the Saudi Cup weekend and allows the Saudi Derby to form part of a series of prestigious races with those in the UAE that further complement the important Middle East swing of winter racing.”
Meydan set to Stage Two New Kentucky Derby Qualifiers
Meydan Racecourse will stage the other two new races added to the Kentucky Derby qualification pathway during the early part of next year.
The UAE 2000 Guineas is scheduled to take place on January 23, while the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby will be run on February 20.
Dubai Racing Club will also offer a new bonus, in addition to the $100,000 already in place, if the winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas also wins the UAE Derby.
If the same horse wins the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby and the UAE Derby, it will be eligible to accumulate two bonuses valued at $200,000.
Bill Carstanjen, the chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, believes the addition of more qualifying races enhances the global profile of the Kentucky Derby.
“The UAE Derby has long been a cornerstone of the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” he said.
“But the addition of the 2000 UAE Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby now offers a clearly defined pathway for Dubai-based runners aiming to earn a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
“This partnership further connects Dubai racing fans to the Kentucky Derby, often known as the ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’, while building on the rich history of horseracing in Dubai.”
Ted Noffey Bidding to Boost Kentucky Derby Credentials
The bookmakers’ favourite for the Kentucky Derby is the Todd Pletcher-trained Ted Noffey, who has reeled off three consecutive victories in the United States.
The two-time Grade 1 winner is the favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar on October 31, and a victory there would enhance his Kentucky Derby credentials.
Six-time Derby winner Bob Baffert trains the second and joint-third favourite in the betting for the race – Brant and Buetane. Baffert has several other horses who could become Derby contenders.
Both horses are entered in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and the race could become a useful form pointer for the big one at Churchill Downs next year.
