Dubai Racing Club, York Racecourse forge new international partnership

Dubai Racing Club has announced a new partnership with York Racecourse that will further strengthen the pathway for Europe’s leading middle-distance horses to compete at Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai Racing Carnival.

Under the agreement, the winner of the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes, one of Britain’s most prestigious races for three-year-olds held during York’s renowned Ebor Festival, will receive an automatic entry into the Group 2 Dubai City of Gold on Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse on February 27, 2027, along with international shipping freight provided by Dubai Racing Club.

First run in 1950, the Great Voltigeur Stakes has long been recognised as a key stepping stone for elite middle-distance performers and boasts an honour roll featuring many of the sport’s most celebrated horses.

The Dubai City of Gold has similarly established itself as one of the world’s premier trials for the $6 million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, one of the flagship races on Dubai World Cup night.

Last season’s Dubai City of Gold was won by Godolphin’s exceptional Rebel’s Romance, the nine-time Group 1 winner whose international success has made him one of the most accomplished racehorses of his generation.

The connection between the two races is already well established, with Postponed (2016) and Old Persian (2019) both completing the Great Voltigeur–Dubai City of Gold double before going on to compete successfully on the international stage.

Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, said: "The Dubai Racing Carnival continues to strengthen its position as a truly international racing programme, and partnerships such as this create meaningful opportunities for the world’s best horses to compete on the global stage."

"By creating a direct pathway from York to Meydan, we are providing connections with another opportunity to compete internationally while enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the Dubai City of Gold," he added.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse, said: "The Great Voltigeur Stakes has long been recognised as one of Europe’s leading trials for middle-distance horses, and this exciting initiative provides winning connections with a valuable opportunity to extend their campaign onto the international stage at Meydan."

Welcome onboard @yorkracecourse! 🤝

The G2 Great Voltigeur now gives automatic entry to the G2 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan. More 👇#DubaiCarnival https://t.co/hRle30bqJs pic.twitter.com/xtCLoQs9Q7

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) July 9, 2026