Record entry for Dubai World Cup

Jerry Bailey and Captain Steve win last year's Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race meeting, has attracted a record number of entries for 2002.

A total of 1,181 entries from more than 20 countries have been received for the seven races on 23 March - a rise of 12% on last year.

"We are calling it the Olympic Games of horse racing since so many countries are represented," said Les Benton, chairman of the race's organising committee.

"There is an increase in the number of horses from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, while South Africa and Norway are new to the Dubai World Cup," Benton added.

The seven-race card - worth £10.7m ($15.25m) - features the £4.2m Dubai World Cup race which is run over 2,000 metres on dirt.

The leading contender is Godolphin's Horse of the Year, Sakhee.

The final entry list will be announced on 20 March, with 12-14 runners for the main race.

Benton said organisers have received "favorable indications" that Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Squirtle Squirt and defending sprint champion Caller One would both be entered in the US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen race.