The Dubai World Cup is among the world's biggest horse racing events, with a total of more than $30 million in prize money. Pictured, 2024 winner Laurel River, with jockey Tadhg O'Shea, leads horses into the first turn at the main race.
The Dubai World Cup is among the world's biggest horse racing events, with a total of more than $30 million in prize money. Pictured, 2024 winner Laurel River, with jockey Tadhg O'Shea, leads horses into the first turn at the main race.
Martin Dokoupil/AP
The Dubai World Cup was created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The first event, pictured, was held in 1996 at Nad al Sheba Racecourse.
The Dubai World Cup was created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The first event, pictured, was held in 1996 at Nad al Sheba Racecourse.
Matthew Ashton/EMPICS/PA Images/Getty Images
Jerry Bailey, riding Cigar, celebrates after edging out Soul of the Matter to win the first Dubai World Cup by a half-length.
Jerry Bailey, riding Cigar, celebrates after edging out Soul of the Matter to win the first Dubai World Cup by a half-length.
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The event has always been synonymous with style and glamour. Pictured, spectators show off their outfits at the 1998 event.
The event has always been synonymous with style and glamour. Pictured, spectators show off their outfits at the 1998 event.
Rabih Moghrabi/AFP/Getty Images
In 2008, American jockey Robby Albarado rode Curlin to victory by more than seven lengths, a new record at the time.
In 2008, American jockey Robby Albarado rode Curlin to victory by more than seven lengths, a new record at the time.
Steve Crisp/Reuters
The Nad al Sheba Racecourse was demolished and replaced by the $1-billion Meydan Racecourse, which hosted its first Dubai World Cup in 2010. Meydan boasted the world's largest grandstand, stretching some 1.6 km.
The Nad al Sheba Racecourse was demolished and replaced by the $1-billion Meydan Racecourse, which hosted its first Dubai World Cup in 2010. Meydan boasted the world's largest grandstand, stretching some 1.6 km.
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The Meydan had the world's first five-star trackside hotel, cementing the event's association with glamour. Pictured, women register for a fashion competition run by a local magazine, in 2010.
The Meydan had the world's first five-star trackside hotel, cementing the event's association with glamour. Pictured, women register for a fashion competition run by a local magazine, in 2010.
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Brazilian Tiago Pereira, riding Gloria De Campeao, celebrates after winning the 2010 Dubai World Cup.
Brazilian Tiago Pereira, riding Gloria De Campeao, celebrates after winning the 2010 Dubai World Cup.
Caren Firouz/Reuters
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrive at Meydan Racecourse in 2011.
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrive at Meydan Racecourse in 2011.
Abdullah Muhsen/Reuters
The World Cup attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Pictured, racegoers at the 2011 event.
The World Cup attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Pictured, racegoers at the 2011 event.
Abdullah Muhsen/Reuters
African Story, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, wins the Dubai World Cup in 2014.
African Story, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, wins the Dubai World Cup in 2014.
Francois Nel/Getty Images
Fireworks explode over Meydan Racecourse in 2019.
Fireworks explode over Meydan Racecourse in 2019.
Michael Mcinally/Cal Sport Media/AP
The coronavirus pandemic meant the 2020 event was canceled. The World Cup went ahead the next year, with empty seats displaying signs to enforce social distancing.
The coronavirus pandemic meant the 2020 event was canceled. The World Cup went ahead the next year, with empty seats displaying signs to enforce social distancing.
Christopher Pike/Reuters
Horses and riders race during the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for purebred Arabians over 2,000m in 2022.
Horses and riders race during the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for purebred Arabians over 2,000m in 2022.
Ebrahim Noroozi/AP
Frankie Dettori rode Country Grammer to victory at the World Cup in 2022.
Frankie Dettori rode Country Grammer to victory at the World Cup in 2022.
Mahmoud Khaled/Getty Images
A view of Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai World Cup in 2023.
A view of Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai World Cup in 2023.
Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images/Getty Images
A racegoer wears a large hat at the 2023 event.
A racegoer wears a large hat at the 2023 event.
Christopher Pike/Getty Images
Yuga Kawada, riding Ushba Tesoro, celebrates winning the 2023 World Cup.
Yuga Kawada, riding Ushba Tesoro, celebrates winning the 2023 World Cup.
Christopher Pike/Getty Images
Trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O'Shea kiss the trophy after winning the Dubai World Cup in 2024.
Trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O'Shea kiss the trophy after winning the Dubai World Cup in 2024.
Rula Rouhana/Reuters