Dubai World Cup 2005 Report & Photos

The Dubai World Cup, celebrating its 10th year anniversary,  took place at Nad Al Sheba racecourse on Saturday 26 March 2005.

The event was, as usual, well organised with attendance  up on last year and all hospitality packages on offer were sold out. As the weather was perfect for the day: sunny in the afternoon and pleasant in the evening, it appeared that the whole of  Dubai was  at  Nad Al Sheba. Both locals and  international visitors were dressed to impress: the international village was the place to be seen and the venue for the Fashion on the Field competition. This year, there were more competitors, of all ages,  taking part. And judging by the number of entries, it was a total success for the organisers and sponsors (Saks Fifth Avenue, New York). The winners, this year, are for  best and second dressed ladies, for  best hat and for best dressed couple.

The first prize for best dressed lady was awarded to 26 years old Anetta Wockenfuss from Germany. Runner Up prize was awarded to Asha James  . The 2005 Milliners Award for best hat went to  Josephine Barker .The best dressed couple prize was awarded to Blau Sheard & Jamie Jack , both from England.

For a selection of photographs of the best dressed ladies and gentlemen ,click on here: Photo Gallery

The winners of the Fashion on the Field competition from left to right: Anetta Wockenfuss Blau Sheard & Jamie Jack

Now back to racing. Prior to the big event, the position draw took place on Wednesday 23 March and this year, it was held in the Madinat Theatre of the new Madinat Jumeirah. All the big players and official guests attended. This year again, with the absence of any serious European contenders, the American horses had a distinct advantage from the start.  The favourite horse this year , Roses In May (USA),  drew position 11 . The second favourite horse, Congrats, drew  position 4. After talking to the owner of the favourite horse and his son (picture below) after the draw, I  got a distinct feeling  that his horse is the one to beat! The  other contender,  Saeed Bin Suroor  Godolphin's  horse , Grand Hombre, in it's second attempts at the cup, drew position 1  and  delighted its  trainer Saeed Bin Suroor (see picture below).

H.H. Sheik Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, Kenneth L. Ramsey & Son (owners of Roses in May), Saeed Bin Suroor (Trainer of Grand Hombre), Richard Madella & Wife (Trainer of Congrats), Doug Watson ( trainer Elmustanser) and Mike & Diane De Kock ( trainer Yard-Arm) at the position draw in the Madinat Theatre.

Thursday morning  Breakfast with the Stars event was an ideal opportunity to see the early morning gallops and workouts  of all the horses taking part in the races on Saturday. A lavish breakfast was served in the open air, a truly wonderful experience. In addition to a live commentary, there were plenty famous faces of the world of racing and celebrities mingling amongst the crowd.

Kenneth L. Ramsey (owner of Roses in May)  and L. Dettori at Breakfast with the Stars...

Thursday night  was Arabian party night . This well established event, organised by the Dubai World Cup, has become a truly magical evening . In addition to the excellent range of meals, drinks & fresh foods on offer , the entertainment was second to none. Additionally, many VIPs including  Jockeys, Owners & Trainers attended the event.

Now back to the big day at Nad Al Sheba. There were seven races on the card, with the big one coming  last. The results were as follows:

The Winners in the paddock...

What a show  to remember! We are already looking forward to next year's event...

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