Stars to shine at Dubai World Cup Carnival opener

The 2021 Dubai World Cup Carnival, one of the most highly anticipated events on the international racing calendar, kicks off at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday evening.

The carnival starts with a glittering seven-race card sponsored by Meydan Pillar Partners Azizi Developments and highlighted by the first round of the Al Maktoum Challenge (Group 2).

Fans are in for a treat with high-class races such as the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort and Group 2 Singspiel Stakes also on the curtain-raiser to the seven-week long extravaganza.

And while all the seven races can hold their own, looking at the quality of the field, the feature of the night is undoubtedly Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge.

RACECARD:

1. Al Furjan, TB, Handicap, 1400M (a7F), Dirt, $65,000, 6.30 p.m
2. Dubai Racing Club Classic, TB, Listed Handicap, 2410M (a12F), Turf, $88,000, 7.05 p.m
3. Dubawi Stakes, TB, Group 3, 1200M (a6F), Dirt, $130,000, 7.40 p.m
4. Singspiel Stakes, TB, Group 2, 1800M (a9F), Turf, $163,000, 8.15 p.m
5. Al Maktoum Challenge R1, TB, Group 2, 1600M (a8F), Dirt, $228,000, 8.50 p.m
6. Al Fahidi Fort, TB, Group 2, 1400M (a7F), Turf, $163,000, 9.25 p.m
7. Dubai Dash, TB, Listed Handicap, 1000M (a5F), Turf, $88,000, 10 p.m