Former jockey Michelle Cameron was the lucky winner at Riccarton Park Racecourse of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai-sponsored trip for two to Dubai on Saturday.
Cameron, who rode over 70 winners before hanging up the boots to start a family, was thrilled to draw the New Zealand 2000 Guineas favourite Catalyst in the pre-race draw, which determined the winner of the prize.
“It made the race that much more exciting to watch, I knew he was a great chance of winning but you never know in horse racing,” said Cameron.
Cameron said she would be taking her husband Kyle on the trip with her and she is hoping her family will be able to split baby-sitting duties of their two young daughters Mackenzie (5) and Katelyn (1).
“It’s pretty amazing, it’s never even been on my bucket list because I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do it.”
“I’ve haven’t been to any international race-meetings, we always said it’s something that we would look to do when the kids have grown up.
Created through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai World Cup race meeting is the world’s richest with total prizemoney of US$35 million.
The 25th edition of this prestigious race meeting takes place on Saturday March 28, 2020.
The meeting features six Group One races and three Group Two races, with the US$12 million Gr.1 Dubai World Cup the pinnacle event.
Cameron will enjoy two return Emirates flights from New Zealand to Dubai, Airport pickup and transfer to the 5-star Meydan Hotel for 5 nights, two tickets to the Dubai World Cup Barrier Draw, two tickets to Breakfast with the Stars, two tickets to the Gala Reception and hospitality in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Private Box overlooking Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup night.
Cameron is still heavily involved in racing and is a key team member of her twin brother Andrew Carston’s racing stable at Riccarton Park, where Al Basti Equiworld Dubai is a major sponsor.
“Al Basti Equiworld’s sponsorship is fantastic,” Cameron said. “The Best Turned Out prizes are a great incentive for the grooms to make sure the horses look good so they’re in with a chance of winning the cash prizes.”
In addition to two Trips for two to the Dubai World Cup and the Best Turned Out prizes at Riccarton Park, Wellington Races and Hawke’s Bay Racing, Al Basti Equiworld sponsor the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Duabi NZ 2000 Guineas, Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld NZ Oaks, all New Zealand-based jockeys and the NZTR General Trust Fund which supports injured licence holders. ENDS
About Al Basti Equiworld
Established in 1998 Al Basti Equiworld is the leading distributor of horse feeds, feed supplements and veterinary medicines in the Middle East.
Al Basti Equiworld sponsors and supports equestrian activities in the UAE, USA, New Zealand, Germany, France, UK and Ireland. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the company’s sponsorship portfolio includes a number of high-profile jockeys including Ryan Moore and Oisin Murphy amongst 11 others, as well as racing yards including Joseph O’Brien and Robert Cowell. Al Basti Equiworld also sponsors the Discover Newmarket tourism initiative and the owners and trainers facilities at both York and Newmarket racecourses. Additionally, at York racecourse, Al Basti Equiworld sponsors the catering for all stable staff and jockeys, as well as a physiotherapist at all meetings.
Al Basti Equiworld international portfolio includes the sponsorship of all jockeys in New Zealand as well as the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks and NZ 2000 Guineas. In the USA sponsorship includes the weekly ‘Run of the Week’ and ‘Best Turned Out’ awards and the racing channel TVG.
Al Basti Equiworld is a major supporter of Greatwood, the only organisation that uses ex-racehorses to educate disadvantaged children and young adults with special educational needs.
