UAE Derby
After an absence of more than a year, Dubai Destination returned for a minor stakes race over one mile at Nottingham Racecourse on 4 June 2003. He took the lead a quarter of a mile from the finish and won easily by six lengths at odds of 2/5. Two weeks later, Dubai Destination was sent to Royal Ascot where he was one of ten horses to contest the Queen Anne Stakes which was being run for the first time as a Group One race. He was made the 9/2 second favourite behind Hawk Wing, whilst the other contenders included Where Or When (Queen Elizabeth II Stakes), Tillerman (Celebration Mile), Desert Deer (Sandown Mile), Victory Moon (UAE Derby) and Right Approach. Dettori restrained Dubai Destination towards the rear of the field before making progress approaching the final turn. He took the lead two furlongs out and drew away to win by four lengths from Tillerman with Right Approach three quarters of a length back in third. The runner-up was later disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance.