Dubai World Cup postponed amid coronavirus outbreak | CNN

Dubai World Cup postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

By George Ramsay, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 1:32 PM EDT, Sun March 22, 2020
Jockey Christophe Soumillon rides Thunder Snow across the finish line to win the Dubai World Cup horse race at the Dubai World Cup in the Meydan Racecourse on March 31, 2018 in Dubai. / AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Dubai World Cup returns with record $35M purse
01:12 - Source: CNN
Coronavirus and Sport 16 videos
Jockey Christophe Soumillon rides Thunder Snow across the finish line to win the Dubai World Cup horse race at the Dubai World Cup in the Meydan Racecourse on March 31, 2018 in Dubai. / AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Dubai World Cup returns with record $35M purse
01:12
Now playing
- Source: CNN
HYOGO, JAPAN - APRIL 22: Kimie Bessho, 73, the table tennis Paralympian, is photographed in Hyogo, Japan, on Apr 22, 2021. Bessho is known as the butterfly lady as she wears colorful clips in her hair.
Video Ad Feedback
Kimie Bessho: The Butterfly Lady of Paralympic table tennis
03:26
Now playing
- Source: CNN
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 22: People wearing face masks walk past the Olympic Rings on January 22, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. With just six months to go until the start of the Games, it has been reported that the Japanese authorities have privately concluded that the Olympics could not proceed due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Spokesmen from the IOC and Japanese government have since rejected the report. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Final Olympics preparation underway in Tokyo
02:13
Now playing
- Source: CNN
crossfit workouts tease
Video Ad Feedback
The best home workouts designed by the fittest people on the planet
02:08
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Olympic Rings are seen near the National Stadium, the main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Tokyo on January 8, 2021, as Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Tokyo plows ahead with Olympics
02:31
Now playing
- Source: CNN
A stack of Asahi Shimbun newspapers are seen at a convenience store in Washington, DC, on August 6, 2019. (Photo by Alastair Pike / AFP) (Photo by ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
This Japanese newspaper is sponsoring the Olympics. Its editors want the event canceled
01:38
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Spectators walk into Melbourne Park ahead of the first round matches at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.(AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
Video Ad Feedback
Australian Open: Amid pandemic, grand slam begins with 30,000 fans attending
02:09
Now playing
- Source: CNN
FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2020, file photo, a man wearing a protective face mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walks with the Olympic rings in the background in the Odaiba section in Tokyo. Opposition to the Tokyo Olympics is growing with calls for a cancellation as virus cases rise in Japan. The International Olympic Committee and local organizers have already said another postponement is impossible, leaving cancellation, or going ahead, as the only options. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)
Video Ad Feedback
Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics will not need a vaccine to participate, organizers say
01:57
Now playing
- Source: CNN
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Sofia Kenin of the United States poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after her Women's Singles Final match against Garbine Muguruza of Spain> on day thirteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Sofia Kenin: 2020 Australian Open champion opens up
03:06
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Olympic Rings are seen near the National Stadium, the main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Tokyo on January 8, 2021, as Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Japan determined to hold Tokyo Olympics despite cancellation rumors
02:49
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Amanpour Nadal
Video Ad Feedback
Rafael Nadal calls for 'wider perspective' from players ahead of Australian Open
14:25
Now playing
- Source: CNN
An unidentified tennis player exercises in her hotel room in Melbourne in January 17, 2021, where players are quarantining for two weeks ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Australian Open: Controversy surrounds tournament as players complain of lack of practice
03:32
Now playing
- Source: CNN
A man walks along a corridor past an official Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics advertisement board in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo on November 30, 2020. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Tokyo considers State of Emergency amid Olympics preparations
03:32
Now playing
- Source: CNN
Paul Juda of the US competes on the pommel horse during the Friendship and Solidarity Competition gymnastics event in Tokyo on November 8, 2020, the first major international sporting event in the Japanese capital since the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Tokyo 2020's Olympic gymnastics test run
03:24
Now playing
- Source: CNN
A woman walks past a Tokyo 2020 poster during a test of potential spectator and games screening measures ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, now postponed until July 2021 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, in Tokyo on October 21, 2020. (Photo by Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP) / TO GO WITH OLYMPICS PACKAGE (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Video Ad Feedback
Third wave of Covid-19 looms in Japan as country preps for Olympic games
01:49
Now playing
- Source: CNN
summoners cup riot worlds tease
Video Ad Feedback
How I quarantined for two weeks to play video games for 100M people
03:16
Now playing
- Source: CNN
CNN  — 

The 25th running of the Dubai World Cup, one of the highlights of the racing calendar, has been postponed until next year amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Organizers had announced earlier this week that the event would go ahead without paid hospitality spectators on March 28, but took the decision Sunday to push it back until 2021.

With $35 million up for grabs across nine races, the Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest race day which includes a $12 million purse for the showpiece Group 1 race.

Christophe Soumillon riding Thunder Snow wins the Dubai World Cup.
Christophe Soumillon riding Thunder Snow wins the Dubai World Cup.
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Thunder Snow's victory was confirmed by a photo finish.
Thunder Snow's victory was confirmed by a photo finish.
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (L) receives the trophy after his horse Thunder Snow wins Dubai World Cup.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (L) receives the trophy after his horse Thunder Snow wins Dubai World Cup.
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Coal Front, ridden by Jose Ortiz, wins the Group 2 Godolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 30, 2019.
Coal Front, ridden by Jose Ortiz, wins the Group 2 Godolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 30, 2019.
Michael Mcinally/Cal Sport Media/Newscom
Christophe Lemaire riding Almond Eye celebrates after winning the Dubai Turf at the Dubai World Cup on March 30 in Dubai.
Christophe Lemaire riding Almond Eye celebrates after winning the Dubai Turf at the Dubai World Cup on March 30 in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
Julien Auge rides Al Shamoos during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30, in Dubai.
Julien Auge rides Al Shamoos during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30, in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
XY Jet with jockey Emisael Jaramillo wins the $2.5-million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200m in Dubai on March 30.
XY Jet with jockey Emisael Jaramillo wins the $2.5-million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200m in Dubai on March 30.
Martin Dokoupil/AP
The Meydan Racecourse is reflected in a window during the Dubai World Cup on March 30. The Dubai World Cup is one of the highest endowed events in the horse racing calendar.
The Meydan Racecourse is reflected in a window during the Dubai World Cup on March 30. The Dubai World Cup is one of the highest endowed events in the horse racing calendar.
ALI HAIDER/EPA/REX/Shutterstock
Jockey William Buick of Britain rides Old Persian on the way to win the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Jockey William Buick of Britain rides Old Persian on the way to win the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Ali Haider/EPA/REX/Shutterstock
Horses gallop into the first turn in the $2.5-million Group 2 UAE Derby over 1900m in Dubai.
Horses gallop into the first turn in the $2.5-million Group 2 UAE Derby over 1900m in Dubai.
Martin Dokoupil/AP
A fan looks on during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
A fan looks on during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
William Buick riding Blue Point wins the Al Quoz Sprint during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
William Buick riding Blue Point wins the Al Quoz Sprint during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
Jockey Jose Ortiz on Coal Front reacts after winning the Godolphin Mile race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Jockey Jose Ortiz on Coal Front reacts after winning the Godolphin Mile race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
ALI HAIDER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Jockey Tadhg O'Shea, right, rides AF Maher on the way to winning the Dubai Kahayla Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Jockey Tadhg O'Shea, right, rides AF Maher on the way to winning the Dubai Kahayla Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Ali Haider/EPA/Rex/Shutterstock
Two fans take a selfie at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
Two fans take a selfie at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
A groundsman prepares the course before a race during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
A groundsman prepares the course before a race during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
Jockeys on their horses compete at the Dubai Kahayla Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on March 30.
Jockeys on their horses compete at the Dubai Kahayla Classic race during the Dubai World Cup 2019 at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on March 30.
Ali Haider/EPA/Rex/Shutterstock
Dubai world cup 0330

READ: USA Track and Field call for Olympics delay

READ: Lewis Hamilton is ‘well’ following isolation after he was pictured with Idris Elba, who tested positive for coronavirus

“To safeguard the health of all participants, the higher organizing committee of the Dubai World Cup has decided to postpone the 25th edition of the global event to the next year,” said a statement on the Dubai government website.

“Further to the UAE government’s precautionary measures against the virus, we believe it is our duty to help protect the well-being of residents and guests.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders of the Dubai World Cup, and we hope to welcome all participants and guests next year.”

Last year, Thunder Snow became the first two-time winner of the Dubai World Cup following a photo finish with Gronkowski at the Meydan Racecourse.