Dubai holds unique status among world's premier horse racing events: Mohammed
- 06 Apr 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday attended the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the iconic Meydan Racecourse.
Joining Sheikh Mohammed at the prestigious global event were Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said that the enduring global interest in the Dubai World Cup since its launch in 1996 reflects the UAE’s distinguished standing across a range of sectors, including sports. He highlighted the nation's rise as a global destination for horse racing, driven by world-class infrastructure, organisational excellence, and strong international partnerships that bring together leading owners, trainers, and jockeys from around the world.
Sheikh Mohammed stated: "We take great pride in the Dubai World Cup’s unique status among the world’s premier horse racing events, whether in terms of prize money, quality of competition, or global reach. The Dubai World Cup has become a global event where cultures converge, serving as a reminder that sport has the power to bring people closer and unite nations. Horse racing will always be a proud part of our heritage and a meaningful link between our past and the future we strive to build.”
After the race, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid congratulated the winners.
In his post on platform X, Sheikh Mohammed wrote: "An extraordinary night at the Dubai World Cup, with the participation of the top 100 horses from around the globe, along with the best jockeys and horse owners from all five continents.
"Congratulations to Qatar and my brother Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on winning the main race of the Dubai World Cup with the horse "Hit Show."
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the horse owners and jockeys for making this evening truly remarkable.
"We take pride in this spectacular event for the UAE, which was broadcast live to over 170 countries worldwide. We look forward to welcoming you again next year in good health and high spirits."
Welcoming guests attending the 29th Dubai World Cup, Sheikh Mohammed noted the event’s growing stature on the international sporting calendar. He also acknowledged the efforts of the organising team in ensuring the success of the event and supporting Dubai’s growing role in the global horse racing community.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed presented the Dubai World Cup trophy to the winner of the main Group1 race Hit Show, ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, trained by Brad Cox, and owned by Wathnan Racing. The 2000 metre dirt track race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, featured 11 elite horses competing for a total purse of $12 million.
The 29th Dubai World Cup attracted an outstanding field of top-ranked horses from around the globe, representing some of the most prominent owners, breeders, and trainers in the sport. A total of 102 horses from 13 countries competed across nine races, for a total prize money of $30.5 million, including the $12 million awarded in the final race.
Distinguished attendees at the event included Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Also present were Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, alongside a number of dignitaries, leading horse owners, breeders, and racing enthusiasts from around the world.
The Dubai World Cup was first held in 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, as part of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s broader vision to position Dubai as a hub for international sport.
WAM