World Cup Simulcast Handle Declines 8.6%

The four-race simulcast from Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Saturday, which included the $6 million Dubai World Cup, was down by 8.6 percent from last year.

Arlington Park, the simlulcast host in the United States, reported that $2,491,826 was handled in North America, a decrease of $234,788 from last year's total of $2,726,614.

A total of $1,444,272 was wagered on the Dubai World Cup, won by Moon Dance and jockey Frankie Dettori. In 2002, $1,563,050 was bet on the world's richest race.

In addition to the Dubai World Cup, the other races simulcast Saturday were, the $2 million Dubai Sheema Classic (Group I), the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group I) and the $2 million Dubai Duty Free (Group I).

Following is a summary of the wagering on the four races from Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Saturday:

Dubai Sheema Classic – $201,237
Dubai Golden Shaheen – $394,390
Dubai Duty Free – $451,926
Dubai World Cup – $1,444,272
Total Handle – $2,491,826 (4 races - all sources)

Wagering on the Dubai races through Arlington was available at more than 600 locations throughout North and South America as well as in the Caribbean, including all ITW and OTB locations in Illinois. The Ontario Jockey Club served as host in Canada.