Equestrian boom races on with industry set to triple growth

Les Benton, CEO of Emirates Racing Association, says: 'The UAE is witnessing an explosion in the equine world. Racing in the Middle East has seen crowd figures grow by 30% year-on-year from 1998 and prize money mushroom from Dhs40 to Dhs90 million in three years,'

To facilitate the growth, plans are already afoot for new facilities at Nad Al Sheba, new grandstands in Sharjah, Ghantoot and Abu Dhabi; a race course in Al Ain; a new Polo Club for Dubai and elsewhere in the GCC, racecourses in Bahrain and Qatar.

'A number of new classic races are also planned for the coming months,' added Benton. 'The UAE is now considered a global equine leader.'

To be part of the equine rush, exhibitors are now signing on the dotted line to be part of The Equestrian Show - the region's only official trade show dedicated to the equine world - which takes place this March 20-22, 2002.

The show, which is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and support of the Dubai Racing Club, UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation and Emirates Racing Association, is held in the days leading up to the Dubai World Cup - the world's richest horse race.

'All that week, eyes will be on Dubai for the Dubai World Cup and global equine chiefs will be town for the big race,' said Nick Webb, Director, Streamline Marketing, organisers of The Equestrian Show.

'It's an ideal opportunity to gather all the equine industry under one roof when for one week, Dubai will live and breathe the racing world.'

The show has already signed up three of the best stud farms in the world, namely Shadwell Estate, Shadwell Farm and Derrinstown Stud from England, the USA and Ireland respectively, who will all be present at the show.

'Manufacturers, suppliers and buyers of equestrian products are also pledging their commitment to the industry with booked stand space and we know it will be a great chance for owners, equestrian managers, trainers, jockeys and the day-today horse enthusiast to see the latest innovations of the industry.'