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I just heard first hand that it was drab this year. Nobody having fun just sitting around quietly in the Apron area and the Bubble Tent (no reports from the more expensive grandstands). Anyone else have any reports?

The last time I went was two years ago and it was a great day in the Millennium Stand. Last year I thought, no, because of all the building work, and I think I was right after hearing all the horror stories. But this year also seems to have been a letdown.

Enlighten me please. What is so great about the horse races. I can understand the popularity of the sport overseas because its just another chance to gamble away ones money. I really to think anybody is intrested in it because it is such an involving spectator sport.

But whats the attraction out here, other than people who have vested intrests in these events, I really don't get it. I went to the world cup a few years back. We were in one of those VIP boxes. It was more like another " European " get toghter ( I think I was the only brown man there ! ) and an excuse to drink some really expensive booze for free. Nobody gave a hoot about the actuall races going on.

desertdudeshj wrote:Enlighten me please. What is so great about the horse races. I can understand the popularity of the sport overseas because its just another chance to gamble away ones money. I really to think anybody is intrested in it because it is such an involving spectator sport.

But whats the attraction out here, other than people who have vested intrests in these events, I really don't get it. I went to the world cup a few years back. We were in one of those VIP boxes. It was more like another " European " get toghter ( I think I was the only brown man there ! ) and an excuse to drink some really expensive booze for free. Nobody gave a hoot about the actuall races going on.

Hahaha, true. My friend said many of his workers also go there, to buy tickets for some car raffle.

desertdudeshj wrote:Enlighten me please. What is so great about the horse races. I can understand the popularity of the sport overseas because its just another chance to gamble away ones money. I really to think anybody is intrested in it because it is such an involving spectator sport.

But whats the attraction out here, other than people who have vested intrests in these events, I really don't get it. I went to the world cup a few years back. We were in one of those VIP boxes. It was more like another " European " get toghter ( I think I was the only brown man there ! ) and an excuse to drink some really expensive booze for free. Nobody gave a hoot about the actuall races going on.

Can you say 'social event'? If you understand the expression you understand why peope go to to horse races, the rugby, etc, that don't actually have any interest in the sport.

You get a large number of arab families (even poor looking ones), spreading blankets and sitting by the side of the track, bringing their food etc to enjoy a sociable day out. I remember Indian, Arab, Filipino, all nationalities, all dressing up to look nice and enjoy a pleasant day pretending to be monied people. It makes people feel good.

I think a lot of people go who don't even know how many legs a horse has. It's not really the point.

If you spent the entire event in a VIP room it was your mistake, you should have gone out and walked around a bit.

Hahahaha people don't go to the World Cup to watch the horses! They go to socialise and have a mad day out!

I am surprised at the lack of knowledge being shown here . I have mentioned it on my web site that I cannot quote ,[ but looking at the top entry after inserting the word Dubai preceded by visit should enlighten you.]
Horse-racing is an ARAB sport. ALL the pedigree flat race-horses have descended from three Arab horses , believe it or not.
That is the sprinters used on the flat, not the steeple-chasers.
Godolphin was one of them. Hence the Godolphin Stud of Sheikh Mohammed at Nad Al Sheba. Google that.
Horse-racing , camel-racing and hawking were the 3 sports of the Arab elite.

The race-horses owned by the Sheikhs regularly win the big races like the Derby and Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. Their top class horses regularly win the Classics like Oaks, St Ledger , 1000 guineas etc too.

The STUD FEES for the Arab stallions is where the BIG money is made. Winning the classics confirms the standard of the blood-lines.

Chocoholic wrote:Hahahaha people don't go to the World Cup to watch the horses! They go to socialise and have a mad day out!

Mad day out? You mean drink yourself silly?

gtmash wrote:

Chocoholic wrote:Hahahaha people don't go to the World Cup to watch the horses! They go to socialise and have a mad day out!

Mad day out? You mean drink yourself silly?

The term means to have a really fun and crazy time, many people can do that without an excess of alcohol, but I don't know Choco!