The Skywards frequent flyer program gave away a total of 1.5 million miles at the recent Dubai World Cup to the lucky winners of its “Thanks a Million” raffle promotion, which raised Dhs217,000 (US$59,000) for charity.

UK-based S. Waller won the top prize of one million Skywards miles.

The two other prizes of 250,000 Skywards miles each were won by Yasser Al Fardan and Monica Pugarin, who are both from Dubai

The primary beneficiaries of the event, Riding for the Disabled, teaches riding to some 50 children and young adults with disabilities ranging from autism to cerebral palsy.

The proceeds of this year’s Thanks a Million draw will be added to the Dhs400,000 already raised in previous draws at the Dubai World Cup for the building of an indoor arena to enable the young riders to continue their therapy during the hot summer months.