“TO safeguard the health of all participants, the higher organising committee of the Dubai World Cup has decided to postpone the 25th edition of the global event to the next year.

“Further to the UAE government’s precautionary measures against the virus, we believe it is our duty to help protect the well-being of residents and guests. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders of the Dubai World Cup, and we hope to welcome all participants and guests next year.”

In those 86 words, the world’s richest raceday was no more for 2020. With just days remaining until the supposed off for the 25th Dubai World Cup, the organisers took the tough decision to wait another year to stage the milestone meeting, and the Emirates Racing Authority also called off all remaining meetings for the 2019-20 season.

Statistics for the season, in all three categories of jockeys, trainers and owners, are based on the number of victories recorded, and combine thoroughbred and purebred Arabian racing.

Had the season continued, it was still odds-on that Irishman Tadhg O’Shea would have captured his eighth riders’ championship after a brilliant season. With two Dubai World Cup night victories under his belt, O’Shea was due to have his first mount in the big race this year on War Story.

Cut short

O’Shea said this week: “Unfortunately out of everyone’s control our season has been cut short, but our health and wellbeing is more important. I want to thank the boss Khalid Al Nabooda, Ernst Oertel and Zabeel Racing Stables (Satish Seemar) for all your support this season. It really means a lot, and without your continued support an eighth jockey championship would not have been possible.” Satish Seemar beat Doug Watson to the trainer’s title, his sixth championship, while the mighty force that is Godolphin had to settle for second place behind leading purebred Arabian owner Khalid Al Nabooda for the owner’s crown.