Feature Story

Longines to sponsor night of racing at Meydan

Longines to sponsor night of racing at Meydan Nov 24, 2022

By Duane Fonseca

One of the most ardent supporters of equestrian sports for decades, Longines will sponsor the third evening of racing at Meydan Racecourse on Friday, 25 November. The Swiss watch manufacturers will back all of the seven races on the programme, which kicks off with the Group 2 Madjani Stakes for Purebred Arabians, which was won by the Ahmed Al Mehairbi-trained Kerless Del Roc, who finished five clear of the rest of the field under Panamanian jockey Fernando Jara and was subsequently beaten by a head into second in the $1million PA Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup day.

The feature among the six Thoroughbred events on the card is a 1200m handicap on dirt for horses rated between 80 and 100, which going forward produces likely candidates for the Listed Garhoud Sprint in two weeks’ time on 9 December. Carrying a hefty prize purse of Dh105,000 the race attracts divisional sprinters that progress through the ranks with an eye on making the field for the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, a race won sensationally by Switzerland for Zabeel Stables boss Bhupat Seemar. Also on the evening’s programme is the Graduate Stakes, a 1400m conditions run for horses purchased during the Emirates Racing Authority’s Racing in Dubai Sales.

With a history dating back to 1832, Longines is one of the world’s oldest watch manufacturers still in operation today. Headquartered in Saint- Aimee, Switzerland, Longines are omnipresent as sponsors at all major equestrian events and disciplines like Endurance and Showjumping.

Their associations run deep in the UAE too, with their backing of Dubai Racing Club (DRC) including title sponsorship of the $6million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, one of the most coveted turf races in the world and one of the highlights of Dubai World Cup day.

Major General Dr. Mohammed Issa Al Adhab, Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Longines has been providing vital support to horse racing and equestrian sports in Dubai for a long time. Longines watches are synonymous with excellence and beauty, and we look forward to welcoming the team and their guests back at Meydan Racecourse for an evening of exciting races.”

Matthieu Baumgartner, Longines Vice President Marketing, said: “Longines is proud to be the Title Partner, Presenting Partner and Official Timekeeper of Meydan Racecourse. “This partnership reinforces Longines’ longlasting dedication and commitment to the equestrian world, which dates back a century and a half.” Action on Friday starts at 6pm, with general admission tickets starting Dh2 and access to The Premium enclosure priced at Dh50. A wide range of hospitality packages can also be purchased, with dining options starting from Dh265. To book and for more information, visit www.dubairacingclub.com


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