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Christchurch-based racegoer Bevan Souness almost missed collecting a trip for two to the Dubai at Riccarton Park Racecourse on Saturday.
The 71-year-old retiree was on course celebrating his son’s stag do when officials put out numerous calls on the loud speaker, all of which were deafened by the celebrations of his son’s party.
When he did finally get the message, he had no idea what it was about until Mohammed Al Basti, representing Al Basti Equiworld Dubai, presented him with a trip for two to the 2019 Dubai World Cup.
“I just can’t believe it,” Souness said. “This is too much for me it’s overwhelming.”
While Souness was surprised he expected his wife Jo would be even more surprised.
“She’s a nurse and she’s doing a course today otherwise she would have been here with me,” said Souness. “I don’t have my phone with me to call her, so I will have to tell her when I get home.”
Sponsored by Al Basti Equiworld Dubai, the United Arab Emirates leading distributor of horse feeds, supplements and veterinary medicines and the sponsors of Saturday’s feature race, the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Bevan and his wife Jo will enjoy a magnificent prize package.
Featured elements include two return Emirates flights from New Zealand to Dubai, Airport pickup and transfer to the 5-star Meydan Hotel for 6 nights, two tickets to the Dubai World Cup Barrier Draw, two tickets to Breakfast with the Stars, two tickets to the Gala Reception plus hospitality in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Private Box overlooking Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup night.
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 meeting features six Group One races and three Group Two races, with the US$12 million Gr.1 Dubai World Cup the pinnacle event. The 2019 edition of the Dubai World Cup takes place on Saturday March 30.
Racing fans will get another chance to join Bevan and Jo in Dubai by attending a meeting at Wellington Races between now and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks Day on March 16, where a second winner will be drawn.