Globally it is known as the world's richest horse race. Within the UAE it is the biggest social and sporting event of the year. And locally it is simply called the 'Dubai World Cup'.
Owners, trainers, jockeys and horses from around the globe will all be competing for prize money worth US$27.25 million (UAE100m) at Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse next weekend.
And with the spectacle fast approaching, trainer David Marnane has talked exlusively to Sport360° about his career, triumphs at the Dubai Carnival and previews his race ahead of Saturday's World Cup.
The story of Marnane's journey starts in his native Ireland. He rode successfully as an amateur rider during his youth; winning many top races and was once a runner-up to six-time Irish amateur jockey champion Willie Mullins.
In 1997, he then moved to Dubai with his girlfriend (now wife) Melanie and worked for champion trainers Kiaran McLaughlin and Doug Watson.
“It was a valuable experience and has contributed towards my own success as a trainer,” says Marnane of his time at Red Stables.
Eight years later in 2005, he moved back to Ireland and began training horses at Temple House in County Tipperary. From starting out with just six horses, Marnane gradually built up his yard to become one of Ireland's most prominent racehorse trainers.
He achieved 20 wins in 2008, 23 wins in 2009 and 31 wins in 2010 at events like the Galway Festival, Leopardstown, Portland at Doncaster, Victoria Cup at Ascot and Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
However, Marnane has always had a burning desire to run horses overseas. And in 2011, he returned to the UAE and saddled his first runner Dandy Boy on the opening night of the Carnival.
It proved to be a dream debut as not only did Dandy Boy break the track record on route to winning a $120,000 handicap, but also gave owner Malih Al Basti his first success at Meydan.
Since then he has returned and saddled a winner in each of his last three years at the Dubai Carnival. Following three wins and over $250,000 already in the money pot at this year's Carnival, he is now the leading European racehorse trainer at Meydan.
“I love to bring my horses to Dubai because they thrive in the sunshine,” says Marnane. “The prize money is superb and the facilities are excellent, which makes my job of training the horses much easier.
“It's also easy to plan a campaign as the programme book is published well in advance, plus the going is always constant and not vulnerable to changes due to the weather like at home (in Ireland).”
He added: “The hospitality too is second to none and we are well looked after, so we are keen to support the Dubai Carnival.”
At the Dubai World Cup, Marnane will have two runners on show. The first of these is Jamesie, owned by Damian Lavelle and rode by jockey Fergal Walsh, who will run in the $2 million Golden Shaheen over six fences on Tapeta (all-weather surfacing).
“Jamesie has blossomed in Dubai,” says Marnane. “He won a $110,000 handicap on his second start in January and twice made the frame in Group 3 company.
“He is taking a step up to Group 1 level on World Cup night and will tackle a strong international field of top sprinters.
“I’d be hopeful of a big run,” tips David, adding that “he (Jamesie) loves the surface, is in great form and I’ve been very happy with his preparation.”
The second is Elleval, also jockeyed by Lynch, who will be Marnane's first runner in action.
“Elleval gave us a big thrill by winning the Meydan Classic Trial,” says David. “He also finished second in the UAE Derby; a Group 2 with a purse of $2 million.
“Last month he won a $150,000 handicap and will run in the $1 million Godolphin Mile on World Cup night. Although he’s stepping back in trip and down in grade, I’ve been delighted with his form and his work has been good.”
Now preparing for his fourth Dubai World Cup, Marnane anticipates an 'exciting' race and hopes his runners can continue their fine form on the night itself.
“It's a big thrill to compete on the richest day of racing in the world,” he says. “This year's Carnival has been a massive success for the yard and we're looking forward to an exciting Dubai World Cup meeting.”
McGettigan's Irish Pub JLT will host a function showcasing David Marnane Racing on Tuesday 25th March 2014 at 8pm. The event will introduce the audience to racehorse ownership and top racing pundits will be on hand to provide expert analysis of the Dubai World Cup.
