They came to be seen, to socialise and to enjoy the lead-up to the $10m feature race. The sunny, temperate weather had tourists and residents dressing in their brightest colours, adding to one of world racing's biggest spectacles.
DUBAI // Colourful outfits crowned by spectacular and outlandish hats were the main attractions off the racetrack in the build-up to the world’s most lucrative horse race.
From bright red dresses to tailored suits and top hats, the emphasis was on style at Meydan Racecourse.
And as crowds grew in the hours before the Dubai World Cup, the air in and around the giant racecourse complex was filled with excited chatter and laughter.
“It’s my first time at the World Cup and I’m just loving the atmosphere here,” said Briton Amanda Pearce, 32, who was attending the event with a couple of friends.
“I’ve been in Dubai a couple of years and the World Cup is something that I guess you have to go to at least once while you’re here.”
Despite an interest in the Grand National in the UK, she admitted to not knowing much about the favourites for the US$10 million (Dh36.7m) race.
“If I like the colours that the jockey is wearing then I’ll cheer that one during the race,” Ms Pearce said.
“It’s not a particularly successful system, but for me a day out at the races is just as much about socialising and enjoying the company of friends as it is about the race.”
She was wearing a bright blue dress and an oversized black and white hat, but was equally impressed by the outfits of other racegoers.
“You can tell that people have put in a lot of time and imagination into what they are wearing,” Ms Pearce said.
“My favourites so far have been a couple of women who were wearing matching green dresses.”
James Ferguson, 42, from the US, was at the event for a second time.
“I really enjoy coming here,” the Dubai resident said. “There’s a real excitement about the event and especially in the minutes before the race.
“I’m not a big horseracing fan but the Dubai World Cup is one of those things that attracts a much wider audience and it’s great to be a part of such an internationally recognised event.”
Paul Fitzgerald, also from the US, said: “We’re racing fans and have been to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, so the Dubai World Cup was next on the list.
“My wife and I decided to make a holiday out of it and it’s been well worth the trip.
“It’s probably the most impressive racecourse I’ve been to. Places like Ascot have the history, but the facilities you have here are just amazing. The atmosphere is really nice here as well, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it when the main race starts.”
His wife, Laura, was awestruck by the international flavour.
“We’ve met so many people from different parts of the world,” Mrs Fitzgerald said.
“It’s like a mini-UN and it’s a diversity you just don’t get as much of elsewhere.”
She said the pleasant weather encouraged racegoers to wear brighter colours.“We’ve been to races in the US and when the weather is grey and overcast then that is reflected in what people wear,” Mrs Fitzgerald said.
“But Meydan is fantastic and we’re determined to take in all the atmosphere and make the most of our time here.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
