Dubai Racing Club and France Galop Partnership: A Global Milestone
As part of the arrangement, Dubai Racing Club will sponsor the Prix de Reux on Saturday, August 9 at France’s historic Deauville Racecourse. In return, France Galop officials will attend the Dubawi Stakes at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Friday, January 2. Both races act as crucial stepping stones in their respective calendars and now form the core of a shared international racing initiative.
The Prix de Reux, run over 2,500 metres, often plays a pivotal role in shaping France’s autumn staying division. It’s regarded as a key prep for the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville and even future targets like the Prix Royal-Oak. Meanwhile, the Dubawi Stakes, a Group 3 sprint, has built a reputation as an early-season test for sprinters aiming for the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen during the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Now, with added international branding and collaboration, both races are poised to attract broader attention and stronger fields.
Stronger Together: What the Leaders Are Saying
“We are honoured to partner with France Galop in this exciting venture,” said Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club. “It reflects our mutual vision to grow the sport globally and to build new bridges between Europe and the Middle East. These types of partnerships will become vital as racing becomes more interconnected.”
Erwan Charpy, Head of Racing Operations & International Relations at DRC, added: “Our relationship with French racing has always been productive—many French horses have thrived in Dubai, and this formal alliance gives us new dimensions to work with. From training collaboration to bloodstock movement and shared data systems, the potential is immense.”
Henri Pouret, Deputy CEO of France Galop, echoed the enthusiasm: “This is more than symbolic. We’re creating a framework for real sporting exchange—of talent, infrastructure, and audience. Our commitment to innovation is stronger when we move together.”
Why This Matters for Racing Fans
More than just a ceremonial announcement, this partnership lays the groundwork for a consistent, high-quality international racing experience. Fans in both hemispheres will now see clearer pathways for horses, enhanced media coverage, and greater continuity between race meetings. Owners and trainers also benefit from better scheduling coordination and aligned conditions, creating real incentive to travel and compete abroad.
Both organizations continue to broaden their global strategies. France Galop manages more than 6,800 races annually, while Dubai Racing Club drives international attention through events like the Dubai World Cup and the growing Racing Carnival. With world-class infrastructure at Meydan and deep turf tradition in Deauville, this partnership forms a potent axis of global racing influence.
More Steps Toward a Unified Racing Future
In today’s racing landscape, where digital access allows fans to follow horses and form lines globally, initiatives like this are not just timely—they’re essential. France and Dubai share a foundation of sporting integrity, equine welfare, and audience-first strategy, making this collaboration both logical and progressive.
For more on how international partnerships are shaping racing, read our International Season Recap.
With Deauville’s summer season already underway and Meydan preparing for an action-packed start to 2025, this partnership sends a clear message: the future of racing is collaborative, borderless, and just getting started.
