| Group 2 race | |
| Location | Meydan Racecourse Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1994 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,600 metres |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Purse | $250,000 (2015) |
The Al Maktoum Mile, is a horse race run over a distance of 1,600 metres (1 mile) in late December on dirt at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Previously known as the Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 1 it was the first of three races in the Al Maktoum Challenge series which serve as trial races for the Dubai World Cup.
It was first run in 1994 on dirt at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. It was transferred to Meydan in 2010 where it was run on the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface. In 2015 the synthetic surface at Meydan was replaced by a dirt track.[1]
The race began as an ungraded stakes race before attaining Listed status in 1996. The race was elevated to Group 3 level in 2002 and became a Group 2 event in 2013.
The distance of the race changed from 1600 metres (8 furlongs). For the 2023–24 racing season the event was renamed to the Al Maktoum Mile and moved to be held in late December.[2]