Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Attends 29th Dubai World Cup, Celebrates UAE’s Global Sporting Legacy
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, graced the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, reaffirming the UAE’s enduring commitment to excellence in international sport.
Accompanying H.H. Sheikh Mohammed at the prestigious global horse racing event were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.
In his remarks, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the Dubai World Cup’s global impact since its inception in 1996, attributing its success to the UAE’s world-class infrastructure, organizational capabilities, and international collaborations in the sport of horse racing.
“The Dubai World Cup is a symbol of unity, excellence, and heritage. It brings together cultures and communities through the power of sport, reinforcing Dubai’s place as a global hub for equestrian excellence,” said H.H. Sheikh Mohammed. “We are proud of how this event reflects the vision and values of the UAE.”
The highlight of the evening was the Group 1 Dubai World Cup race, with Hit Show, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Brad Cox, and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, taking home the top honors. The 2000-meter dirt race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, featured 11 elite contenders vying for the coveted title and a grand prize of US$12 million.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the championship trophy to the winning team, applauding the exceptional talent and sportsmanship on display.
The 2025 edition of the Dubai World Cup brought together a remarkable 102 horses from 13 countries, competing in nine races for a total prize pool of US$30.5 million—one of the largest in the world of horse racing. The event drew some of the world’s top breeders, owners, and jockeys, cementing Dubai’s position on the international racing calendar.
Also in attendance were several distinguished members of the royal family and senior officials, including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, and a host of dignitaries, global racing enthusiasts, and equestrian stakeholders also graced the grand event.
The Dubai World Cup was first launched at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in 1996 as part of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s visionary initiative to position Dubai as a global sports destination. Today, nearly three decades later, it continues to embody the UAE’s ambitions, cultural pride, and pursuit of excellence on the world stage.
