Dubai World Cup 2014
 

Here in Dubai for the Big Race. I must say the crowd was only half of the Melbourne Cup attendance. We were on level 7 of the grandstand but the 2 floors above were empty. Still, though an amazing spectacle with the nighttime fireworks and J Lopez concert.
Thought I'd publish some trivia from Gulf News about the race and racing in general:

Flying abroad? Horses need passports to prove their identity. A 15 digit number, linked to a micro chip, is inserted into the crest of the horses neck at birth.

Choosing a travel class? Freight stalls for an aircraft can hold three horses for economy class travel, two for business class and one for first class.

$6000 cost of flying a horse in economy class from the UK to Dubai.

$120 approx cost for one set of 4 horseshoes.

$370 approx cost for sundry expenses per horse on race day.

Prize money breakdown, 75% to the owner, 10% each to the trainer and jockey, 5% to the stable (vet, nutritionist, foreman)

Dubai World Cup, 1st: $6 mill, 2nd: $2 mill, 3rd: $1 mill, 4th: $500k, 5th: $300k, 6th: $100k

Looks like your having a great time.

The best UB. This time of year there's little wind, clear 30 deg days. If I died and went to heaven, I'd come here. Can't reply to emails and the like as I don't bother with a international SIM card. Back punting on Saturday, start saving for the next trip....lol