emirates7 - Dubai Racing Club has formed a new partnership with Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. As part of this collaboration, Churchill Downs will sponsor the AED300,000 UAE 2000 Guineas Trial on Friday, 3rd January. In 2024, US-bred Ma Yetal, trained by Michael Costa, emerged as the winner of the race.

Erwan Charpy, Manager of Racing Operations and International Relations at Dubai Racing Club, expressed, "We are constantly driven by our leaders to elevate standards, and by partnering with international entities like Churchill Downs, we are boosting racing's global profile. With the UAE Derby already part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, our relationship with Churchill Downs has been strong, and this partnership represents the next step."

Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated, added, "We are excited to deepen our partnership with Dubai Racing Club by sponsoring this prestigious race as part of the Kentucky Derby. We look forward to seeing the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial winner compete in the UAE Derby and potentially secure a spot in the 151st Kentucky Derby next May."