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The Dubai World Cup Carnival gets underway with back-to-back race meetings on Thursday and Friday at Meydan.

Nearly half the expected runners have arrived at Meydan for the carnival that culminates with the Dubai World Cup on March 31.

Many of racing's most prominent horsemen will once again be represented with a mix of new names also looking to claim some of the nearly US$39 million in prizemoney to be offered during the 16 race meetings.

A total of 73 runners have already arrived and represent racing interests from nine countries including the UK, France, Spain, Brazil, Singapore, Ireland, South Africa, Bahrain and Norway.

More will be arriving during the run-up to the Dubai World Cup with another 50 expected in early January

Some of the marquee runners already at Meydan include the reigning Dubai Duty Free champion Presvis, Singapore International Cup winner Gitano Hernando, Kings Stand Stakes winner Prohibit, Bold Silvano, Master Of Hounds and Musir.

Those expected include Wigmore Hall, Margot Did, Green Destiny, Dubawi Gold, Better Be The One, Planteur and Overdose.

This weekend also plays host to the 3rd annual Meydan Masters International Jockeys' Challenge, where 12 of the world's top jockeys are set to compete against each other in a series of four races.

“This is always an exciting time of year with the start of the Carnival and the wonderful build up to the Dubai World Cup,” said Meydan chairman and CEO Saeed H Al Tayer.

The Medan Masters International Jockeys' Challenge is an invitational event that brings the world's top 12 riders to Meydan to compete in a series of four races held over the two-day period.

Points are earned based on best finishes in those races with a champion named after the completion of the four events. The 2010 winner was Richard Hills of Great Britain and the champion of 2011 was Calvin Borel of the United States.