The Dubai Racing Club has announced an international partnership with the British racecourse York, in a move aimed at enhancing the participation of Europe's elite middle-distance horses in races at Meydan racecourse, by providing a direct qualification pathway to the Dubai Racing Carnival and through to Dubai World Cup night.

Under the partnership, the winner of the Great Voltigeur Stakes, Group 2, will qualify directly for the Dubai City of Gold, Group 2, held as part of Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan racecourse on 27 February 2027. The Dubai Racing Club will also cover the international shipping costs for the winning horse, helping to bring Europe's best middle-distance horses to the Dubai Racing Carnival.

The Great Voltigeur Stakes, run annually as part of the Ebor Festival at York racecourse, is one of Britain's most prestigious races for three-year-olds, while the Dubai City of Gold represents one of the key qualifying races for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Group 1, which carries a prize of $6 million and is held on Dubai World Cup night.

Ali Al Ali, Executive Director and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, affirmed that this partnership opens the door for Europe's best middle-distance horses to compete on the international stage, noting that York racecourse is one of Britain's most prominent racing venues and that the Great Voltigeur Stakes has over many years produced a host of champions in this category.

He added that the direct link between York and Meydan provides owners and trainers with a new opportunity for international competition and contributes to strengthening the competitive field in the Dubai City of Gold. For his part, William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse, expressed his delight at launching the partnership, affirming that the Great Voltigeur Stakes has established itself as one of Europe's leading middle-distance races, and that this initiative gives winning owners and trainers the chance to continue competing on the international stage by participating in races at Meydan.