Sheikh Mohammed Attends Prestigious ‘Fashion Friday’ Event at Meydan Racecourse
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, graced the ‘Fashion Friday’ event at Meydan Racecourse, a premier highlight of the Dubai Racing Carnival and a standout in the region’s horse racing calendar.
The evening brought together the world’s elite horses, preparing for the 29th Dubai World Cup, set to take place on 5 April 2025. With nine thrilling races across various group categories, the event showcased 99 top-class competitors vying for a total prize pool of AED 10.53 million.
Racing Highlights
The Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, a key preparatory race for the Dubai World Cup, was the evening’s centrepiece. Spanning 2,000 metres on the dirt track, it offered prize money of AED 3.68 million and featured defending champion Kabirkhan.
Another marquee event was the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, a significant lead-up to the Dubai Turf. Contested over 1,800 metres on turf, the race offered a total prize of AED 1.85 million.
The evening also included a variety of Group 2 and Group 3 races, such as:
- The Al Fahidi Fort, run over 1,400 metres.
- The Blue Point Sprint.
- The Firebreak Stakes, featuring 2024 Dubai World Cup champion Laurel River in preparation for a title defense.
- The UAE 2000 Guineas for three-year-olds.
Standout events included the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint over 1,200 metres and the Al Khail Trophy, a grueling race over 2,810 metres.
The evening opened with the Al Maktoum Challenge for Purebred Arabian Horses, a Group 2 race that set the tone for an exceptional night of world-class racing.
Global Recognition
Since its inception in 2024, ‘Fashion Friday’ has become a highly anticipated event, attracting top international horses and solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for horse racing and training.
This year’s event not only showcased exceptional talent but also served as a key milestone on the road to the Dubai World Cup 2025, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leader in the global equestrian arena.
