Super Saturday Proves Tested Route to DWC Riches

Emirates Super Saturday is one of the most popular race meetings on the UAE horseracing calendar. Falling this year on Saturday, 1 March, five weeks’ out from the immense Dubai World Cup meeting, it gives horses and jockeys the perfect chance to warm up for the big day.

Adding to the already impressive prize money on offer, the epic evening of competitive racing also includes five Bonus Scheme races, each of which offers guaranteed entry to the corresponding race on Dubai World Cup day.

The most prestigious of the Bonus Scheme races is the G2 Al Maktoum Classic, which gives guaranteed entry to the $12million Dubai World Cup, and a $1.2million bonus, were a horse to win both races. The Al Maktoum Classic, previously known as Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, has provided several Dubai World Cup winners in its illustrious history, including Moon Ballad in 2003, and Thunder Snow in 2018.

Offering guaranteed entry to the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, the G2 City of Gold is another important prep. First run in 1998 when it was won by the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Happy Valentine, it has been won by the master trainer a record ten times in total. On two occasions the race has been won by the subsequent Longines Dubai Sheema Classic winner; Postponed in 2016 and Old Persian in 2019.

Dating back to 2001, the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal is run over the course and distance of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and offers guaranteed entry to the race. Muarrab was the latest horseto do the double, in 2016, and it remains a popular trial, especially with local trainers, for the big dirt sprint.

There are nine races in total on the card, with the culmination of the three-year-old turf series in the Listed Jumeirah 1000 and 2000 Guineas, as well as the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint over 1000metres. Look out for the G3 Burj Nahaar, which creates an opportunity to prep for the G2 Godolphin Mile, while the G2 Singspiel Stakes gives entry to the G1 Dubai Turf. The Purebred Arabians also get their chance, starring in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3. ?

Few know more about the significance of Emirates Super Saturday than Erwan Charpy , former UAE Champion Trainer and now Head of Department, Racing Operations & International Relations, for Dubai Racing Club.

“Emirates Super Saturday has always been an important date on the global racing calendar for trainers, It gives both local and international horses an opportunity to race over the track and trip they’ll be attempting at the Dubai World Cup meeting."

The addition of the two Jumeirah Guineas races adds another dimension towards the international season that follows the Dubai World Cup, having already produced stars such as Mawj, Cinderella’s Dream and Legend of Time who have gone on to win major races on the International stage.

“This year, Emirates Super Saturday falls five weeks ahead of the Dubai World Cup fixture which gives trainers more time to prepare for their ultimate target. As well as an outstanding day of racing, it should also throw up plenty of pointers towards the big day.”

In addition to the superb action on the track, Emirates Super Saturday is a popular social occasion and stages the second round of the Style Stakes, sponsored by Emaar. The winners of each category: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat, and Best Traditional Outfit will win fantastic prizes and gain automatic entry into the Style Stakes finale on Dubai World Cup day.

Emirates Super Saturday 2025 is scheduled to get underway at 4pm (gates open), and the first race takes place at 5:30pm. Tickets are available from dubairacingclub.com.

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