Dubai Sheema Classic
| Group 1 race | |
| Location |
Meydan Racecourse Dubai |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1998 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Sponsor | Longines |
| Website | emiratesracing.com |
| Race information | |
| Distance |
2,410 metres (1 1⁄2 miles) (2,400 metres prior to 2010) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | For Southern Hemisphere 3 year olds and Northern Hemisphere four year olds |
| Weight | 3YO 54.5kg, NH & SH 4YO+ 57kg |
| Purse | US$5,000,000 |
The Dubai Sheema Classic is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Arab Emirates open to thoroughbreds which are four-years-old or above. It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres (approximately 1 1⁄2 miles; 2410 metres since 2010) on the turf track at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, and it takes place annually during the Dubai World Cup Night in March.
The race was first run in 1998, and it was initially titled the Dubai Turf Classic. The present name was introduced two years later. The event attained Group 1 status in 2002. Prior to 2010 it was run at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.
The Dubai Sheema Classic currently offers a purse of US$5 million, making it and the Dubai Turf race the two richest turf races in the world behind Australia's Melbourne Cup, currently holding a purse of US$6.08million. [1]
Records
Speed record: (at current distance of 2,410 metres and Meydan Racecourse)
- 2:27.25 - Gentildonna (2014)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 3 - Frankie Dettori (1998, 2003, 2011)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 2 - Saeed bin Suroor (1998, 2003)
Most wins by an owner:
- 3 - Godolphin Racing (1998, 2003, 2011)