On Saturday, 25th March, the Meydan Racecourse will host the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting, which brings together the world’s best racehorses, jockeys, and trainers. With a total prize purse of US$30.5 million, including the coveted US$12 million Dubai World Cup race, and its equally prestigious undercard races, the event is expected to draw a huge crowd.
As one of the world’s top locations for international sports events, the Dubai World Cup was established in 1996. Its world-class hospitality and rich heritage in horse riding make Dubai an ideal host for such an international event. Dubai continues to be a significant focal point for the global equestrian fraternity as it supports the horse racing industry.
Among the nine races on the card is the G1 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, which features defending champion Country Grammer, who is seeking to become only the second dual winner of the race. Panthalassa, joint winner of the Saudi Cup and Dubai Turf, is one of eight Japanese runners. After graduating from the Dubai World Cup Carnival, Algiers carries local hopes.
One of the main supporting races, the US$6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, features seven Group 1 winners, including defending champion Shahryar and Equinox. In the US$5 million Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), Lord North, the joint-winner in 2022 and outright winner in 2021, seeks a third title. Among the strong Japanese contingent is 2022’s third-place winner Vin De Garde and Japanese Derby winner Do Deuce.