Chengdu Dubai International Cup to begin on April 2, 2017

The world's best jockeys are set to gather in Chengdu's Wenjiang district on April 2, 2017, to take part in the 2017 Chengdu Dubai International Cup Meydan Classic.

Athletes will compete across five major races, including the Wenjiang Sprint (1,400 meters), Guangsha Mile (1,600 meters), Meydan Handicap (2,418 meters), Wenjiang Meydan Classic (1,600 meters) and Chengdu-Dubai International Cup (2,218 meters).

Five Chinese jockeys will also take part in this year's competition, vying for a winning spot against visiting internationals in two races–the Wenjiang Sprint and Guangsha Mile. The 2017 Chengdu Dubai International Cup Meydan Classic will be the first year Chinese jockeys compete.

A winning prize of 3.75 million yuan ($544,821) will be on offer on the day.

"I've been to the race course in Wenjiang; the facilities are excellent and I'm looking forward to the races," British jockey Adam Maclean said.

Ma Liankai, a Chinese jockey, said he appreciated the opportunity to compete against first-class jockeys from around the globe. "The experience will help us catch up with the world's best," he said.