World Cup Diaries: Dubai From Dawn to Draw

The Dubai World Cup is a dream trip for me for so many reasons: not only is it the chance to see some of the most talented racehorses in the world all assembled in one place, but it’s also the opportunity to visit one of the most interesting cities on Earth for a four-day horse racing extravaganza. That’s why I woke up this morning at about 3 a.m. – a combination of jet lag and adrenaline – but mostly because I was so excited to get to the track and see some of the World Cup contenders.

Thanks to Claire Novak for the photo! 
I got on the 4:30 a.m. shuttle from the hotel to Meydan Racecourse, and when I arrived I was treated to the beautiful sight of racehorses training in the dark of a pre-dawn morning. The first horses out on the track were the Japanese contingent, who made their way onto the Meydan oval at about 5 a.m. 

After that, we had a bit of a break to wait until 7 a.m., when the rest of the Dubai World Cup contenders appeared. I used the time to catch up with some old friends (and to ingest an amount of caffeine that I’m sure my doctor would object to.) I also managed to make some new acquaintances, namely James the pony horse. He’s come to Dubai all the way from a farm in Florida, which perfectly described my upbringing, so we had a lot to talk about! 

Thanks to Melanie Martines for the photo! 
The time flew; and as the sun came up entirely, it was time for the big show to begin: the Dubai World Cup runners had arrived to train. The media assembled along the rail of the dirt track, securing their positions to get the best view of the horses as they took their morning exercise.

One of the first horses who caught my eye was Mshawish, an American-based horse competing in the $10-million Dubai World Cup. He trained like an absolute beast; and if you’re looking for a longshot play on Saturday, he’s the horse I’d advise you to put your money on.

I also saw Keen Ice, the only horse to beat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah last year. He’s grown so much in the last year, and he looked tremendously athletic as he moved around the Meydan oval. 

But the horse I was undoubtedly most excited to see was California Chrome. Our 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner was runner-up in last year’s Dubai World Cup, and he’s back to try to take home the trophy in the 2016 edition. When he emerged onto the racetrack ridden by exercise rider Dihigi Gladney and accompanied on foot by jockey Victor Espinoza, a ripple went through the assembled media.

The group strolled over to meet with assistant trainer Alan Sherman, who’s been in Dubai with California Chrome for over a month, while Victor and Chrome’s groom Raul Rodriguez chatted.

After a few moments, California Chrome and Dihigi moved off to begin their laps around the track while Alan and Raul watched attentively.

They were treated to a show, too: California Chrome galloped handily around the track, seeming to soak up the attention lavished upon him by the crowd at the rail.

Between snapping photos of Chrome, I also managed to snag a slow-motion video of him, which shows off his tremendous stride over the dirt surface: 

.@DWC_Meydan hopeful #CaliforniaChrome looked strong galloping this AM in preparation for Saturday's race! #DWC16 pic.twitter.com/GHwlTaXnHQ
— Americas Best Racing (@ABRLive) March 23, 2016

While it’s worth noting what California Chrome was pretty sweaty this morning, it was also remarkably humid out since it was a rare rainy day in Dubai yesterday. Although there was some lather on California Chrome’s shoulders as he went around the racetrack, he looked incredibly bright and happy to my eye as he took his exercise as well as when he strolled back to his barn after he was finished with his gallop.

I have to say, it was wonderful to see this handsome horse in person again!

The second half of my day was the Dubai World Cup draw. This is an event where post positions are assigned to the various runners in all of Saturday’s races, and it’s an amazing production at Meydan. Before the draw itself, the World Cup welcome reception attracted the human connections of all of the top horses in a breathtaking entryway.

The first person I ran into was Jerry Crawford of Donegal Racing, whose Keen Ice will run in the Dubai World Cup. 

Then I saw Victor Espinoza, who will ride crowd favorite California Chrome in the big race on Saturday. Victor was being his usual gregarious self, happily posing with fans, laughing with friends, and granting interviews with all askers.

All too soon, the bell signifying the beginning of the draw sounded, and the crowd moved toward the hall for the ceremony. 

Waiting for us were the trophies for all of the races being run on Saturday. Each is made of pure gold, and it was amazing to see such luxurious craftsmanship in person.

With twelve horses slated to run in the $10-million Dubai World Cup, I was eager to see how the American connections would fare. Mshawish, who is owned by Al Shaqab Racing, went first of all the Americans and secured post position No. 2 to the delight of their racing manager Brad Weisbord.

Frosted, who was second in last year’s Belmont Stakes behind Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, also fared well; he will be No. 9 in Saturday’s Dubai World Cup.

Keen Ice drew the No. 1 post on the inside rail, putting a grin on owner Jerry Crawford’s face.

Hoppertunity took spot number 10, leaving the last American horse, California Chrome, to draw the No. 11 post position. Trainer Art Sherman seemed content with the assignment, smiling as he took the stage. 

Moments later, the field of the 21st running of the Dubai World Cup was set, and I for one cannot wait to see what Saturday’s race will bring! Thank you so much for stopping by, and let me know in the comments what you think of the post position for your favorite World Cup horse!