Madison Horse Set To Run In Dubai World Cup Saturday

Animal Kingdom is once again slated to run in the world's richest horse race, the  the Dubai World Cup Gr-1. 

 in March of last year, but was sidelined by an injury. 

This year, Animal Kingdom's trainer, Graham Motion, says he is looking sharp, reports the Khaleej Times: 

Trainer Graham Motion, who was scheduled to arrive in Dubai, reportedly said Animal Kingdom could go for a short drill on Wednesday. J. Rosario who partnered the horse to finish second behind Point Of Entry in the Gulfstream Park Turf andicap (Grade-1) will be back in the saddle for the Dubai World Cup. However, Animal Kingdom has his proven ability on synthetic tracks after using Turfway Park’s Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes successfully as his Derby prep.

But due to incurring an injury that sidelined him from mid-March until Breeders’ Cup last year, he was forced to skip the Dubai World Cup. He finished second to the Horse of the Year Wise Dan in a scintillating run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in November 2013. Motion was quoted to have said: “I have seen a change in him, he seems a lot sharper into this race.”

Read more in the Khaleej Times. 

Horserace Insider also says Animal Kingdom is looking good, heading into the $10 million race: 

Animal Kingdom galloped approximately 2400 meters and appeared more relaxed than he had in his first two days of training at Meydan.
The 2011 Kentucky Derby winner and American champion “is settling into the routine now,” said Alice Clapham, assistant to trainer Graham Motion and exercise rider. “He was very happy this morning. He galloped great, and we’re very happy with him.” Motion is due to arrive in Dubai on Monday night and will decide what the 5-year-old will do over the next four days prior to the race.

Read more at Horserace Insider. 

The likely field for the race, as of Monday, includes defending champion Monterosso. Monterosso is the first horse to defend his crown in the world's richest horse race.

The star-studded line-up [also] includes dual Breeders’ Cup winner Royal Delta, 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom and Pacific Classic victor, Dullahan from America, Hong Kong Vase winner, Red Cadeaux, from England and a strong UAE team headed by recent Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 winner Hunter’s Light. African Story, the 2012 Godolphin Mile and 2013 Super Saturday Burj Nahar winner will also be having a tilt at the 18th running of the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Read more at the Dubai World Cup website. 

The winner-takes-all $10 million race, which will be run just after 10 p.m. UAE time Saturday is the highlight of the race day Saturday, but the event itself is spectacular, according to one Madison insider, who has attended, but declined to be named. The event is as big as the Superbowl is in the United States, but the people are much better dressed, he said, along the lines of the Kentucky Derby, but with evening wear. 

Meydan , where the races are held, is more like a palace than a race track, with marble floors and a rooftop sky bubble. At some point in the evening, there likely will be a fireworks display that will rival Macy's on the Fourth of July. 

The fashions for women will range from the most elaborate evening gowns and hats, to burqas, the full body cloak worn by some Muslim women. 

Ahlan! Live has this to say about the fashion scene: 

This year, you can dare to be different! Instead of a regular dress why not opt for a cute playsuit in a bright colour, paired with a nice pair of heels (the day is likely to consist of a lot of standing so it might be an idea to leave the sky-scraper heels at home) and a fabulous hat/fascinator. If you do fancy wearing a dress, try a maxi dress in a pastel colour paired with some embellished sandals or wedges. These ensembles will take you from day to night without any changes required. Have a look at our race day fashion pages to get some more ideas and tips!

Read more at Ahlan! Live.