The Dubai World Cup, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious in the world, is held annually at the Dubai Meydan Racecourse, symbolizing the end of the autumn-spring cool season in the United Arab Emirates and the end of the high-class equestrian season, which last in the UAE from mid-October to early April.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai:
"The love of the horse is in my blood. Do not forget that the Arabian tribes led horses for centuries on this earth, for hunting and fighting, they symbolize our history. Riding is more than just horse racing, it is nobility and "chivalrous behavior. I grew up with love for horses. They played an important role in the history of the Arab world, in particular, in the fight against enemies, where the speed, agility and endurance of horses were often decisive factors in battles."
The international tournament, with a total prize pool of US $ 27.25 million, celebrated its coming of age this year. Not anywhere, but at a luxurious racetrack, spread over an area of 6.2 million square meters. meters and accommodating 60 thousand loyal fans. The horses, among which both stallions and mares are represented, compete on the all-weather track with a tapita coating ("carpet"), which consists of peat, sand and special emollient oils.
Both horses and riders feel comfortable on it: they can move faster, and in the event of a fall, the likelihood of injury is reduced. Such a track has already been laid at the hippodrome in Kazan, and in the near future it is planned to introduce a similar innovation on the Moscow racing track.
Competitions Dubai World Cup - a real extravaganza, with the most sophisticated outfits, expensive brands and elite horses. Behind the facade of these competitions is the work of hundreds of professionals who for many years have selected horses around the world, trained and looked after them, preparing to go on the track. For them, horses are not just a hobby, but a life-long affair. One such enthusiast who does not think of his life outside the racetrack is Dinara Rakhimbayeva, President of MIR VIP M and one of the leading world experts in the field of horse breeding. For the first time in Dubai, she opened before us the doors of the royal stables and the little secrets of big sport.
Dinara, where did such a passion for horses come from? 
Since childhood. My dad kept horses, we had about 40 Akhal-Teke heads. I was born on the border with Turkmenistan, in the city of Urgench. On Sundays we went to our farm. I was then 5 years old. He put me on a horse and said: "Remember my father’s words! In life, respect the three: dad, husband and horse. And then everything will be fine with you." And I still remember these words. My parents argued for a long time, choosing between a music school, gymnastics and equestrian sport. And then they gave me an independent choice. And in the end - every day after school I was caught at the hippodrome. In adulthood, my passion has not subsided.
I moved to London, defended my diploma in Cambridge. Once a friend invited me to an auction, where the old British currency, the guineas, was in use. At the auction, we met a delegation of guests from the United Arab Emirates who were eyeing the horses. They took one and left the other at auction. Then I told my friend: "If I had three million guineas, I would have taken it." And it is not for nothing that they say that in life it is important to be in the right place at the right time. Melvin heard my words (Melvin Day - senior judge of the UAE Horse Racing Department) and came up to me to find out how much I understand about horses. As a result, after 15 minutes they acquired this horse, and did not regret it.
But for me, this meeting and my words became crucial - six months later they called me and invited me to work. Since then, our friendship with Melvin was born. I must say that among his many advantages is not only true professionalism, but also truly natural modesty.
You rarely see such people today! So, I came to Dubai to study this area for eight years, in no hurry to build a business. At the site of today's magnificent Meydan complex (open for racing in 2010) at that time was a small Nad Al Sheba racecourse. I think that once in Russia we will build something similar, like Meydan, as they say, for centuries.
How much time do you spend abroad?
I almost never go anywhere from Dubai during the racing season, except on short business trips. We spend summer at auctions in London and in France and, of course, in our beloved Russia. This year we will go to the President’s Cup, visit the Caucasus to select horses for which the owners are asked to put the correct ratings.
What are the most popular horse breeds today?
Thoroughbred English. Judging by external data, the most beautiful is Arabic, the speed is the English thoroughbred, and the grace is Akhal-Teke.
Which horses have the most winners?
To date, the main winners are the English thoroughbreds.
Are they distinguished by natural parameters or are they better trained?
Both. Of course, training is of great importance. I would like to share the news with you: now we are preparing the "Kentucky Derby" - a project between Russia, the United States and the UAE. In London, we studied all the training methods for Olympic athletes, and now we transfer them to horses - training both in hours and in speed. Now we will select from 20 year-old horses - 10, then - 5, of which the best three, future world champions, will remain.
And by what principle do jockeys and coaches choose?
There are two methods here. The owner of the horse has every right to choose a trainer, in turn, the trainer has every right to choose a jockey. We will coordinate everything, we understand that without a correctly selected team there is not a single champion in any sport. There is a team - there is a result. Usually I listen to the opinion of a trainer who knows the horse "from" and "to." Naturally listen to the experts. Without team spirit, we would not have shared results.
If you consider a horse as an object of investment, what should you look for? What makes it more expensive?
The cost of a horse depends on its performance. If she has 9 runs and 8 victories - she is beyond competition. There are two methods of buying: you can buy at the last moment before the races and reduce risks to a minimum, or you can grow yourself. We use both options.
Melvin Day, Senior Judge, UAE Racing Authority (Emirates Racing Authority):
The race season was completed on March 30. We plan to open the next one in mid-October. We give the horses a little rest, then they go to the summer competitions. For example, two horses will go to a tournament in Hong Kong. Today, there are more and more international horse racing competitions, and competition between the organizers is intensifying.
To participate in the World Cup in horse racing, a horse must have a rating of at least 115. Moreover, the highest rating is 140. Depending on which group the horse is in, the rating is reduced. When people look for investment opportunities in horses, they look at the highest ratings, preferring thoroughbreds. I have been to Russia twice - in Moscow and in Pyatigorsk.
The country has very great potential when it comes to equestrian sports. But it is necessary to develop it together with state institutions, to introduce a system in Russia.
We plan to start with the culture of sports: if it rises, then sponsors and high-level competitions will appear. I am sure that Russia will be able to regain its leadership in world rankings, but it will take time, I think, at least 20 years
In Dubai, horses start racing at the age of three. At five years old, they are finally "ripening." Each horse has a groom who cares for her. Nutritionists who make up the diet work with them.
I am a member of the panel of judges of three people who select horses for the Dubai Cup. Inside the rating is a system of estimates, and for each horse it rises or falls after each race. We analyze this data constantly: which horse will run better this or that distance, where it is better to represent it or which distance it is better to remove from.
