His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently attended the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the iconic Meydan Racecourse.
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.
“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,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
Florent Geroux wins main race
Joining Sheikh Mohammed at the Dubai World Cup were His Highness 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 His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.
Sheikh Hamdan 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-meter dirt track race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, featured 11 elite horses competing for a total purse of $12 million.
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102 horses compete for $30.5 million in prizes
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.
The Dubai World Cup was first held in 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse as part of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s broader vision to position Dubai as a hub for international sport.
