Grade: ll for 2-year-old thoroughbreds
Distance: 1,900 meters (approximately 9.5 furlongs)
Track: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
Purse: US$2.5 million
The 2024 UAE Derby, taking place March 30th, stands tall as a pivotal event in the world of horse racing, a thrilling showcase of raw talent and unbridled potential. As a Group 2 race exclusively for three-year-old thoroughbreds, it's not just a contest; it's a proving ground for future champions.
Established in 2000, this riveting race has a storied past marked by evolution and adaptation. Originally a 2,000-meter challenge, it found its sweet spot at 1,900 meters after fluctuating distances in its early years. Meydan Racecourse in Dubai serves as its illustrious stage, drawing enthusiasts and bettors alike to witness the magic on Dubai World Cup Night, the last Saturday in March each year.
This exciting race was founded in 2000 and has a rich history of adaptation and evolution. After varying distances in its early years, the challenge—which was initially set at 2,000 meters—found its sweet spot at 1,900 meters. Its legendary stage is Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, which attracts fans and wagerers to see the magic on Dubai World Cup Night, which falls on the final Saturday of March every year.
The UAE Derby transcends its stature as a mere race. It's a gateway to greatness, offering a staggering purse of US$2.5 million and, from 2013 onward, pivotal Kentucky Derby points. This pivotal shift elevated its status, transforming it into a major preparatory contest for the ultimate American classic, the Kentucky Derby.
