Dubai Sheema Classic
The Dubai Sheema Classic is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Arab Emirates open to thoroughbreds which are four-years-old or above. It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres (approximately 1 1⁄2 miles; 2410 metres since 2010) on the turf track at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, and it takes place annually during the Dubai World Cup Night in March.
| Group 1 race | |
| Location | Meydan Racecourse Dubai |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1998 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Sponsor | Longines |
| Website | emiratesracing.com |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2,410 metres (1 1⁄2 miles) (2,400 metres prior to 2010) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | For Southern Hemisphere 3 year olds and Northern Hemisphere four year olds |
| Weight | 3YO 54.5kg, NH & SH 4YO+ 57kg |
| Purse | US$6,000,000 |
The race was first run in 1998, and it was initially titled the Dubai Turf Classic. The present name was introduced two years later. The event attained Group 1 status in 2002. Prior to 2010 it was run at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.
The Dubai Sheema Classic currently offers a purse of US$6 million making it and the Dubai Turf race the two of the most valuable turf races in the world.
Records
Speed record: (at current distance of 2,410 metres and Meydan Racecourse)
- 2:26.97 – Postponed (2016)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 4 – William Buick (2010, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 2 – Saeed bin Suroor (1998, 2003)
- 2 – John Gosden (2010, 2017)
- 2 – Charlie Appleby (2018, 2019)
Most wins by an owner:
- 6 – Godolphin (1998, 2003, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019)