Dubai Duty Free Makes History at the
Glamorous Dubai World Cup 2010
       
 
Monday, March 29, 2010

The much-awaited Dubai World Cup (27th March), held for the first time at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, provided racing fans with one of the greatest surprises of the evening when Al Shemali, ridden by jockey Royston Ffrench, made history by romping home to win the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free Race (Group 1) in spectacular style.

Al Shemali, owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, was trained by UAE champion trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe. Al Shemali secured victory by a length and a half from South Aftica’s Bankable and also beat a strong field including favourites Presvis and Alexandros to take home the coveted Dubai Duty Free trophy.

Earlier in the afternoon, to mark the 15th running of the Dubai World Cup, H.H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, presented Mr. Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free with a Sponsor’s Appreciation award.

As a major sponsor of the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Duty Free played hosts to over 160 guests in the brand new Meydan Grandstand. The elegant suite overlooked the racetrack providing guests with an excellent vantage point from which to view the night’s proceedings. The evening, which featured a series of sound and light shows between the 8 races, culminated with a spectacular opening ceremony and fireworks display, staged directly before the Dubai World Cup race.

Following the races, the estimated 55,000 spectators were treated to a double bill of concert from top international artists, Elton John and Mr. Carlos Santana.

As part of the evening’s celebration, Dubai Duty Free conducted a special Finest Surprise draw for a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. The draw was conducted directly before the Dubai Duty Free race by Mr. Colm McLoughlin who was accompanied by George Horan, Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, Director Corporate Communications and Sinead El Sibai, Manager-Events, Advertising and Media Relations. The luxury car was won by Mr. Ali Khador, a Dubai-based Syrian national with ticket no. 0010 in Series 1421.

- ends –