The American wagering handle on the 2010 Dubai World Cup card increased almost $800,000, or approximately 22 percent from the previous year, reported AmWest Entertainment, the North American simulcast service provider tasked with the continent’s signal distribution from Meydan. Overall wagering on the Dubai International Racing Carnival was up 17% on a per-day basis, or 9.1% in total. This increase was also significant given that there was one less day of racing at the 2010 Carnival than 2009.
These numbers are nothing short of a coup for interested parties. The fair Tapeta surface, incredible field sizes, and a wide array of wagering opportunities and outlets served as a catalyst for this unprecedented success. “In a world of diminishing returns, the fan participation generated by Dubai racing—and the corresponding excitement of the sheer sport against the pageantry of the spectacular new Meydan Racecourse—is a striking example of horse racing at its best,” said Nelson Clemmens, chief executive officer of AmWest Entertainment, in a Tuesday press release.
The Dubai World Cup card did offer one additional race for wagering than in previous years, a fact that may have helped the overall numbers but still not enough to account for $800,000 in added handle. If anything, the added race assisted in pushing the schedule of races back to allow for more of the wagering public to recognize the opportunity. The first thoroughbred race of the night, the Al Quoz Sprint (G3), went off at 9:25 A.M. in New York and 6:25 A.M. in Los Angeles.
While not confirmed, many expect the size and scope of the 2011 Carnival could increase, offering even greater opportunity to partake going forward.