Landmark Fifth Edition Of Chengdu Dubai International Cup Announced
The 2018 edition of the Chengdu Dubai International Cup will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, and marks the fifth running of this highly successful partnership between Meydan Group, the Chengdu Municipal Government, the Chengdu Sports Bureau, the Wenjiang District Government and China Guangsha Group.
The venue is the stunning Jinma Lake Racecourse in Wenjiang District of Chengdu, and the annual event features horses, jockeys and trainers from Dubai Racing Club.
The 2018 meeting is highlighted by the fifth running of the Chengdu Dubai International Cup presented by Longines, as well as the Wenjiang Meydan Classic sponsored by Azizi who have extended their partnership with Meydan across various equine platforms in Dubai and internationally.
Last year a new addition was made to the program with two of the five races on the card, run as a jockeys’ challenge between Chinese jockeys and the international jockeys.
The feature was a big hit with locals, and over 6000 people attended raceday.
The local jockeys came close to beating their more experienced international counterparts, and were very successful in showcasing the Chinese competitive spirit. The 2018 running will also feature the jockey’s challenge across two races – The Wenjiang Sprint and The Guangsha Handicap. This time the hosts will be hoping to come out victorious.
Last year the Chengdu Dubai International Cup presented by Longines was won by the Ali Rashid Al Rayhi-trained
Skygazer under Royston Ffrench. Wang WenXun became the first Chinese jockey to win a race in the event, after victory in the Wenjiang Spirit 1400m Handicap, aboard the Maria Ritchie-trained Damar.
UAE champion trainer Doug Watson, Erwan Charpy, Satish Seemar, Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Ali Rashid Al Rayhi, are among the trainers whose horses will feature on Saturday, April 7.
Al Mheiri currently leads the tally as most successful trainer with six wins.
The international jockeys who are likely to compete in Chengdu this year are Fernando Jara, Richard Mullen, Patrick Dobbs, Samuel Hitchcott, Antonio Fresu, Tadhg O’Shea, Adam Mclean, and Jesus Rosales.
Results from Saturday’s card will be available on the free Emirates Racing Authority app which will also feature the live stream of the action from Jinma Lake Racecourse which can be downloaded via the app store for android and iphone.