The Dubai World Cup is the biggest horse race in Dubai. The Emirates Racing Authority organizes the event at Meydan Racecourse annually. The Dubai World Cup has a total prize pool of $30.5 million and $12 million for the main race. It is a Group 1 Race that runs over 2,000 meters on dirt. The Dubai World Cup attracts world-class horses and internationally-recognized jockeys.
The History of the Dubai World Cup
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Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid inaugurated the Dubai World Cup in 1996. Nad Al Sheba Racecourse hosted the event until 2009. Then, the government moved this horse racing event to Meydan Racecourse in 2010.
The Dubai World Cup quickly gained popularity and attracted top international jockeys, trainers, and horses. Cigar, an American horse, won the inaugural race. Jerry Bailey was the jockey who rode Cigar.
Today, the Dubai World Cup has become one of the richest horse races in the world, with a purse of over $12 million.
According to experts at Dubai-casino.co, horse racing, cricket, and football are the most popular sports in the UAE. However, horse racing has surpassed other sports due to its cultural and regional influence. Moreover, the Dubai World Cup has made this a successful sport financially, socially, and globally.
All Dubai World Cup Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey |
| 1996 | Cigar | Jerry Bailey |
| 1997 | Singspiel | Jerry Bailey |
| 1998 | Silver Charm | Gary Stevens |
| 1999 | Almutawakel | Richard Hills |
| 2000 | Dubai Millennium | Frankie Dettori |
| 2001 | Captain Steve | Jerry Bailey |
| 2002 | Street Cry | Jerry Bailey |
| 2003 | Moon Ballad | Frankie Dettori |
| 2004 | Pleasantly Perfect | Alex Solis |
| 2005 | Roses in May | John Velazquez |
| 2006 | Electrocutionist | Frankie Dettori |
| 2007 | Invasor | Fernando Jara |
| 2008 | Curlin | Robby Albarado |
| 2009 | Well Armed | Aaron Gryder |
| 2010 | Gloria de Campeao | Tadhg O’Shea |
| 2011 | Victoire Pisa | Mirco Demuro |
| 2012 | Monterosso | Mickael Barzalona |
| 2013 | Animal Kingdom | Joel Rosario |
| 2014 | African Story | Silvestre de Sousa |
| 2015 | Prince Bishop | William Buick |
| 2016 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza |
| 2017 | Arrogate | Mike Smith |
| 2018 | Thunder Snow | Christophe Soumillon |
| 2019 | Thunder Snow | Christophe Soumillon |
| 2020 | Cancelled (COVID-19) | |
| 2021 | Mystic Guide | Luis Saez |
| 2022 | Country Grammer | Frankie Dettori |
| 2023 | Ushba Tesoro | Yuga Kawada |
| 2024 | Laurel River | Tadhg O’Shea |
Other Prominent Horse Races in Dubai
Dubai hosts several horse racing events in addition to the Dubai World Cup. These include Dubai Golden Shaheen, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Derby, and Dubai Turf. These horse racing events are an integral part of the Dubai World Cup Night.
In addition, the Dubai World Carnival has famous races like the Ipi Tombe Stakes and Thunder Snow Challenge. Al Ain Grandstand & Racecourse and Jebel Ali Racecourse are other racecourses in Dubai that offer year-round racing.
Are There Any Female Jockeys Who Have Won in Dubai?
No female jockey has won the horse racing World Cup in Dubai. However, Chantal Sutherland was the first female jockey who competed in the 2012 race. Moreover, Saffie Osborn made history by becoming the first female jockey to win a horse racing event at Meydan Racecourse in 2024.
Final Words About Dubai Horse Racing Biggest Race
The Dubai World Cup is a single-day event with nine races: eight Thoroughbred contests and one Purebred Arabian contest. The event also features prestigious races like the Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen, and UAE Derby, making it a highlight of the global horse racing calendar.