AT THE RAIL WITH NAGS AND WAGS: The Dubai World Cup 2015

Prince Bishop and William Buick return to scale after winning the Dubai World Cup 2015

Some of my favorite horses have run in the Dubai World Cup, the first being won by my lifetime star, Cigar, who sadly passed away last October. This year another special American lined up with hopes of winning the richest horse race on the planet, California Chrome but when Prince Bishop got the better of him in the final strides, he spat his bit out and gave it up without a whimper. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Chromy, I always have been and always will be, he gets my support every time. He put in a huge effort to run second from a horrible position on the outside and I couldn't help wishing Jerry Bailey had been in the saddle. Chromy, is just not an aggressive runner and tends not to fight back like some other horses. It's probably a pecking order mentality thing he has going on and I'm not knocking him, he's a polite racehorse.
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California Chrome going out for the DWC

All the races on the card where equally fantastic. For me the highlights were: Brown Panther winning the Dubai Gold Cup, Sole Power in the Al Quoz Sprint, Secret Circle winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen and Solow's win in the Dubai Turf. Thank goodness for successful internet connection in the nick of time.

Manark winner of the Dubai Kahayla Classic

Solow wins the Dubai Turf with Maxime Guyon

Sole Power and Richard Hughes take the Al Quoz Sprint

Dolniya who beat Flintshire to win the Dubai Sheema Classic

The DWC has always been at the top of my bucket list and although I visited Meydan for opening night of the carnival last year this was my first Cup. What a terrific show, great racing, fireworks and a rock concert. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere relaxed. Women dressed up but by the end of the night like any other big race day in the world they were carrying their shoes and the men were wearing their fancy hats.

High on my bucket list but not a horse race, was also an African safari and it made perfect sense to stop over in Dubai from Nairobi on my way back to New York. For the price of the race ticket parking was included, so I rented a car. Driving to the track is easy and I hate taxi lines. On arrival I spotted a booth where the men were surprised but pleased to issue me a free copy of Al Adiyat, the equivalent of the Daily Racing Form. It is helpful for doing the complementary pick 6 entry as there is no on-track betting, you also get in the drawing for another big give away. The race book and pen are free and beautiful little girls dab you with perfumed water. Afternoon tea was set out and I thought that was it but a buffet dinner followed during the night. An open bar delighted many and pretty young women walked around offering cigars.

The DWC is something every horse racing fan should experience at least once in his or her life, and even if you are not horsey you'll enjoy it. I recommend doing the barn area tour too if you have the time one other morning. Book it through the Meydan Hotel where you will breakfast before seeing the stables and touring the five story grandstand.
Florida Derby Day is always the same day as the World Cup. One of the key Kentucky Derby trail races it looks like it could be a strong Derby field this year with the winner Materiality and second place, Upstart. Mubtaahij, winner of the UAE Derby last Saturday, will also be gracing the Downs. Here in New York this Easter Saturday we have another great Derby prep race in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. I have to see them in the flesh to make a selection but I'm thinking like everyone else, Daredevil and Frosted. There is a full card of awesome races including the Grade1 Carter Handicap. I can't wait to see The Big Beast again. I'm a Beast groupie now, like some of us were for Shackleford.
Luck at the Window (or online)!