A Successful Night of International Racing and US Wagering on the New Dirt Surface at Meydan.
The 2015 Dubai World Cup Carnival and World Cup was a success on both a North American and international level. Horses competed from around the globe, making it the biggest and most colorful race day in the world.
For the 6th straight year, AmWest Entertainment delivered the Dubai World Cup Carnival and Dubai World Cup simulcast program throughout North and South America.
There was much anticipation of a big performance by California Chrome, but it was Ireland bred and UAE based, Prince Bishop took home the biggest prize by winning the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup. This 8-year-old veteran came from last place to pass the entire field on the outside and win. While an American horse did not take home the trophy as Cigar did 20 years ago; it was still an impressive showing of US talent as California Chrome and Lea ran strong races taking second and third.
It was also an impressive day of wagering as handle increased significantly from the previous year with a grand total of $5 million. On track handle and OTB activity increased along with handle from advanced deposit wagering companies. Notable on track handle increases were seen by Gulfstream Park, Meadowlands, and Aqueduct.
Collaboration between Gulfstream Park, AmWest Entertainment and Premier Gateway International made the first Daily Double from two countries possible on March 28th. This event took place between the Florida Derby and the Dubai World Cup, with post times almost seven hours apart, the wager held player interest through the day.
Expansive coverage was provided via The Daily Racing Form, BloodHorse.com, and Horse Races Now. TV coverage of the event was thorough and available from HRTV, TVG, as well as Fox Sports 1 for the Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai World Cup.
A win by three year old Mubtaahij in the $2 million UAE Derby will send him on the road to the 2015 Kentucky Derby. With years of international success, it will be South African trainer Mike de Kock’s first entry into the prestigious US race.
And AmWest will continue to expand its International Racing programs, which now includes a deep stable of high quality content – Australia, ATG (Sweden), GBI (UK), New Zealand, South Africa and, coming soon, PMU (France).
