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Great stayers from around the world have had success in the Dubai Sheema Classic run at Meydan on Saturday.
The best around Equinox bolted in last year. Who takes the 2024 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) at Meydan on Saturday?
2024 DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Dubai Sheema Classic is a Group 1 race for stayers conducted by the Dubai Racing Club at Meydan.
The Dubai Sheema Classic was first run in 1998 won by Stowaway. It was previously known as the Dubai Turf Classic until 2000.
The Dubai Sheema Classic has always been at a mile and a half.
The race became a Group 1 in 2002 and when moved to Meydan from Nad Al Sheba.
It is run on Dubai World Cup night as the G1 featured turf staying race on the program.
No horse has won it multiple times but William Buick has most jockey wins at four including three recent ones.
Leading trainer is John Gosden with three victories.
It has been very much a race for those with strong European form lines with elite stayers like Mishriff, Old Persian, Postponed, St Nicholas Abbey, Cirrus des Aigles, Rewilding and Fantastic Light to the fore.
However the Asian horses haven't done badly either with Stay Gold, Heart's Cry, Vengeance Of Rain, Gentildonna, Shahryar and Equinox all winning.
Equinox showed what a brilliant horse he was in 2023 by trotting up by many lengths without getting off the bit. He'd go on to be recognised as the best horse in the world back home.
After racing in Australia initially, Vengeance Of Rain went to Hong Kong and became a top stayer in those parts. In 2007 he ventured to World Cup night and defeated a solid field of stayers.
The Dubai Sheema Classic was worth US$6million in 2024.
It was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The winners include Equinox (2023), Shahryar (2022), Mishriff (2021), Old Persian (2019), Postponed (2016), Gentildonna (2014), St Nicholas Abbey (2013), Cirrus des Aigles (2012), Rewilding (2011), Dar Re Mi (2010), Sun Classique (2008), Vengeance Of Rain (2007), Heart's Cry (2006), Phoenix Reach (2005), Nayef (2002) and Fantastic Light (2000).
The 2023 Dubai Sheema Classic was won by Equinox from Westover and Zagrey.
