What is the UAE Derby?
The UAE Derby is a prominent horse race for three-year-olds, run over 1,900 meters (about 1.18 miles) on dirt at Meydan Racecourse. Established in 2000, the race has gained international recognition for attracting top horses from around the world. It is a key event during the Dubai World Cup Night and offers a lucrative prize purse, making it a prime target for online horse betting.
When does the UAE Derby take place in 2025?
The UAE Derby 2024 is set to take place on April 5th. This Grade 2 race is held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, offering significant prize money and a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby.
UAE Derby Winners
Over the years, the UAE Derby has seen many distinguished winners. Early standouts include China Visit (2000) and Express Tour (2001), both trained by Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin Racing. Another notable winner is Essence of Dubai (2002), who also represented Godolphin. South African trainer Mike de Kock made his mark with Victory Moon (2003) and Lundy’s Liability (2004).
Other significant winners include Discreet Cat (2006) and Asiatic Boy (2007), reflecting the race’s global reach and importance. These older champions helped establish the UAE Derby as a pivotal race on the world stage, attracting attention from both traditional fans and those participating in online horse betting.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Forever Young | Ryusei Sakai | Yoshito Yahagi | Susumu Fujita | 1:57.89 |
| 2023 | Derma Sotogake | Christophe Lemaire | Hidetaka Otonashi | Hiroyuki Asanuma | 1:55.81 |
| 2022 | Crown Pride | Damian Lane | Koichi Shintani | Teruya Yoshida | 1:59.76 |
| 2021 | Rebel's Romance | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | Godolphin Racing | 1:56.28 |
The UAE Derby serves as a key qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby, offering points toward the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Horses that perform well in the UAE Derby often go on to compete in the U.S., making it a critical event for those tracking potential Kentucky Derby contenders.
