Horse racing:The Dubai World Cup, hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the world's richest horse race, boasting a $6 million purse.
Next year, it will be held on Saturday March 28th at Nad Al Sheba racecourse, and Leopardstown Tours (www.leopardstowntours.com, 01-2958901) are offering a three-day package to watch the Dubai World Cup and five more top-class races in the style and comfort befitting such a glamorous event. Entrance is included, with the bonus of a buffet dinner served on the terrace during racing. Accommodation will be at the five-star Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. Prices are from €2,499 per person, including flight from the UK, escorted transfers and admission to the racecourse, and a hospitality package.
Golf
Keeping up the elite sports theme, Club Travel (www.clubtravel.ie, 1570-719880) has a limited number of packages to the big kahuna of golf's majors, the Masters Tournament at Augusta next April. Can Padraig Harrington score three majors in a row? Or will a young pretender like 2008 champion Trevor Immelman rise to snatch the coveted title? Or will the indomitable Tiger Woods recover from injury in time to claim his fifth Masters? Flights leave Dublin on Wednesday, April 8th, returning on Monday, April 13th, and the package includes five nights BB at the Holiday Inn Augusta, four-day entrance tickets to the tournament, two days luxury hospitality at Masters Home (including open bar, hors d'oeuvres, breakfast and lunch) and daily transfers to the course, all for €5,899 per person.
Soccer
Abbey Travel (www.abbeytravel.ie, 01-8047100) is offering a Newstalk November Special, whereby if you book any Manchester United, Liverpool or Celtic package before the end of November, you will receive €50 cash back per person if your team wins a European trophy this year. Given Liverpool and Manchester United's record in the competition in the past few years, it might make for a nice bonus for any lucky fan come May.