World Cup Simulcast Wagering Soars in North America

From Arlington Park)
The four-race simulcast, which included the $6 million Dubai World Cup, from Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Saturday, March 23, handled over $2.7 million in North America, a 36.7% increase over a year ago. More than $1.5 million(35.9% increase) of that total was wagered on the simulcast of the Group I Dubai World Cup, won by Godolphin's Street Cry.

In addition to the Dubai World Cup, the other races simulcast Saturday were, the $2,000,00 Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I), the $2,000,000 Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) and the $2,000,000 Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I).

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.

Following is a comparison of the wagering from 2002 to 2001 on the four races from Dubai's Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Saturday:

Race/2002 handle/2001 handle/Difference

Dubai Sheema Classic/$114,421/$120,799/-5.3%

Dubai Golden Shaheen/$449,629/$352,367/+27.6%

Dubai Duty Free/$599,515/$255,469/+134.7%)

Dubai World Cup/$1,563,050/$1,150,336/(+35.9%)

Totals/$2,726,614/$1,994,065/(+36.7%)