29th Dubai World Cup breaks records and paves way for the future of horse racing
The 29th Dubai World Cup marked a new milestone in international horse racing, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 65,000 spectators and offering an impressive $30.5 million in prize money across nine world-class races. Capping off a thrilling season, the event showcased Dubai Racing Club's commitment to delivering an exceptional racing experience on a truly global stage.
A spectacular closing ceremony featuring a triple Guinness World Record-breaking drone and fireworks display lit up Meydan Racecourse, reinforcing Dubai's reputation for combining sport, innovation, and entertainment.
One of the most anticipated events on the international racing calendar, the Dubai World Cup welcomed a record 170 global broadcasters and nearly 500 accredited media professionals, bringing the excitement from the track to screens globally. From thrilling races to exclusive hospitality, the energy was palpable both on-site and worldwide.
The season's success extended beyond the main event. The Dubai Racing Carnival, which runs from November to March, saw a 34 percent rise in attendance, a testament to Dubai's growing appeal in the sport. Highlights included the much-anticipated Fashion Friday on Jan. 24, where Romantic Warrior secured his 10th Group 1 win in Jebel Hatta. International winners from the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Norway further underlined the carnival's global competitiveness.
This season showcased strong infrastructure and global reach, largely due to Dubai's strategic location and its advanced equine transport and quarantine facilities. These factors position Dubai as a premier hub for international horse racing. Each year, the Dubai Racing Club's International Department imports and quarantines around 3,000 horses. This process facilitates smooth participation for competitors from around the world and strengthens the city's reputation as a leading destination for racing events.
As in previous seasons, innovation was crucial, featuring new technologies such as drone-based coverage and advanced analytics through Total Performance Data. These improvements enhanced the viewing experience and offered valuable insights for fans, trainers, and analysts, all while maintaining the highest safety standards for horses, jockeys, and spectators.
One of the most spectacular viral moments was the drone and fireworks display during the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony. This event not only broke three Guinness World Records but also showcased a commitment to innovation.
'These moments captivate our guests and project Dubai's excellence on a global stage, showcasing what's possible when cutting-edge technology and visionary event design come together,' said Sophie Ryan, head of corporate communications, marketing and brand at Dubai Racing Club.
Beyond the racing, Meydan Racecourse evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle destination. The venue offered luxury suites, exclusive balconies, and high-end culinary experiences from restaurants including The MAINE, Beau, and Cipriani Dolce. Popular events like Ladies' Nights and the Style Stakes fashion competition added flair to the festivities, underscoring Dubai's blend of tradition and modern luxury.
As for fashion, it remains a core part of the racing culture in Dubai. This season's Style Stakes, sponsored by Emaar, elevated the glamor with bold self-expression and cultural flair. From the elegance of Fashion Friday to Emirates Super Saturday, racegoers embraced the spirit of individuality. For the first time, Dubai Racing Club also introduced a Millinery Exhibition, celebrating the artistry of hat-making and offering a new opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to shop one of the most essential elements of the horse racing outfit.
What can we anticipate for the upcoming seasons?
As preparations begin for the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, Dubai Racing Club is deepening global partnerships with organizations like Churchill Downs and The Jockey Club. With new hospitality collaborations on the horizon, the future promises an even more immersive and world-class experience for racing fans. 'The 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026 will deliver the most memorable celebration, setting a new benchmark for the sport,' added Ryan.
As the curtain falls on an unforgettable season, one thing is clear — Dubai Racing Club is not just hosting the future of horse racing; it is defining it.
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Arab News
23-04-2025
- Arab News
29th Dubai World Cup breaks records and paves way for the future of horse racing
The 29th Dubai World Cup marked a new milestone in international horse racing, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 65,000 spectators and offering an impressive $30.5 million in prize money across nine world-class races. Capping off a thrilling season, the event showcased Dubai Racing Club's commitment to delivering an exceptional racing experience on a truly global stage. A spectacular closing ceremony featuring a triple Guinness World Record-breaking drone and fireworks display lit up Meydan Racecourse, reinforcing Dubai's reputation for combining sport, innovation, and entertainment. One of the most anticipated events on the international racing calendar, the Dubai World Cup welcomed a record 170 global broadcasters and nearly 500 accredited media professionals, bringing the excitement from the track to screens globally. From thrilling races to exclusive hospitality, the energy was palpable both on-site and worldwide. The season's success extended beyond the main event. The Dubai Racing Carnival, which runs from November to March, saw a 34 percent rise in attendance, a testament to Dubai's growing appeal in the sport. Highlights included the much-anticipated Fashion Friday on Jan. 24, where Romantic Warrior secured his 10th Group 1 win in Jebel Hatta. International winners from the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Norway further underlined the carnival's global competitiveness. This season showcased strong infrastructure and global reach, largely due to Dubai's strategic location and its advanced equine transport and quarantine facilities. These factors position Dubai as a premier hub for international horse racing. Each year, the Dubai Racing Club's International Department imports and quarantines around 3,000 horses. This process facilitates smooth participation for competitors from around the world and strengthens the city's reputation as a leading destination for racing events. As in previous seasons, innovation was crucial, featuring new technologies such as drone-based coverage and advanced analytics through Total Performance Data. These improvements enhanced the viewing experience and offered valuable insights for fans, trainers, and analysts, all while maintaining the highest safety standards for horses, jockeys, and spectators. One of the most spectacular viral moments was the drone and fireworks display during the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony. This event not only broke three Guinness World Records but also showcased a commitment to innovation. 'These moments captivate our guests and project Dubai's excellence on a global stage, showcasing what's possible when cutting-edge technology and visionary event design come together,' said Sophie Ryan, head of corporate communications, marketing and brand at Dubai Racing Club. Beyond the racing, Meydan Racecourse evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle destination. The venue offered luxury suites, exclusive balconies, and high-end culinary experiences from restaurants including The MAINE, Beau, and Cipriani Dolce. Popular events like Ladies' Nights and the Style Stakes fashion competition added flair to the festivities, underscoring Dubai's blend of tradition and modern luxury. As for fashion, it remains a core part of the racing culture in Dubai. This season's Style Stakes, sponsored by Emaar, elevated the glamor with bold self-expression and cultural flair. From the elegance of Fashion Friday to Emirates Super Saturday, racegoers embraced the spirit of individuality. For the first time, Dubai Racing Club also introduced a Millinery Exhibition, celebrating the artistry of hat-making and offering a new opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to shop one of the most essential elements of the horse racing outfit. What can we anticipate for the upcoming seasons? As preparations begin for the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, Dubai Racing Club is deepening global partnerships with organizations like Churchill Downs and The Jockey Club. With new hospitality collaborations on the horizon, the future promises an even more immersive and world-class experience for racing fans. 'The 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026 will deliver the most memorable celebration, setting a new benchmark for the sport,' added Ryan. As the curtain falls on an unforgettable season, one thing is clear — Dubai Racing Club is not just hosting the future of horse racing; it is defining it.
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Arab News
Dubai World Cup 2025 sets new attendance record
DUBAI: The 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse last weekend attracted a crowd of more than 65,000 racing enthusiasts to set a new record for the venue. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport This year's event also raised the bar in terms of prize money with $30.5 million up for grabs across nine world-class races. The prestigious Group 1 $12 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, was claimed by Hit Show, trained in the United States by Brad Cox, adding another thrilling chapter to the sport's rich legacy. There were also winners from the UAE, UK, and Japan, underscoring the event's international allure. 'This year's Dubai World Cup meeting was nothing short of phenomenal,' said Ali Al-Ali, CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club. 'Attendance surged by 18 percent compared to 2024, a testament to the dedication of our incredible team, sponsors, and partners — and to the growing global excitement surrounding racing in Dubai.' Meanwhile, the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony put on a drone and light show that broke three Guinness World Records — for the second consecutive year: • Largest aerial image of a mammal made by multirotor/drones • Largest flying LED screen formed by multirotor/drones • Largest aerial image of a trophy formed by multirotor/drones The Dubai World Cup was broadcast by 37 channels in 170 countries, with event airing for the first time on Australia's Channel 7 public TV, joining major networks from the US, South America, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the UAE's own Dubai Racing and Yas TV. The Dubai World Cup will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Arab News
31-03-2025
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Jamie Osborne targeting a 2nd UAE Derby triumph with Heart Of Honor on Dubai World Cup night
LONDON: British trainer Jamie Osborne is eying another victory in the Group 2 UAE Derby as he prepares Heart Of Honor for the prestigious $1,000,000 race on Dubai World Cup night on Saturday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Lambourn-based handler, who memorably won the contest with Toast Of New York in 2014, is hoping his latest contender can emulate that success. Osborne's charge has been a regular feature at Meydan throughout the Dubai Racing Carnival, notching two victories before narrowly missing out in his last two outings. The David Redvers-bred colt, from Tweenhills in Gloucestershire, will head into the race with a tactical change — he will wear blinkers for the first time in a bid to sharpen his performance. Adding to the family affair, Heart Of Honor will be partnered by Osborne's daughter, Saffie Osborne, in the high-profile event. Speaking to Great British Racing International, Osborne detailed his hopes for Heart Of Honor's performance. 'Heart Of Honor won his first two races in Dubai and was not disgraced in defeat in his last two races. I think there were factors involved in his last defeat and I don't think he was at his best. We learned a lot about him,' he said. 'I think he just needs to be sharper through the gate and sharper through the first half of his races, and the application of blinkers is to help him with that. We have got him in a better place now than we got him before the Al-Bastakiya. We are hopeful that he will run his best race next Saturday. 'It's great for the owners, who have trusted me to do this. The plan when we bought him was always to bring him to Dubai for a Middle Eastern winter campaign with the hope that he would make it to the derby. Thankfully this plan has worked out so far, but we have got one more mission to accomplish,' Osborne added. Osborne remains the only British trainer to have won the UAE Derby, and he reflected on Toast Of New York's success a decade ago. '(That) win is something that I look back on with pride, and getting the opportunity to do it again this year with Heart Of Honor is special. It's even more special to get to do it with Saffie on board,' he said. 'When Toast Of New York won it, she was 11 years old and was screaming at the television at home. When we arrived home from Dubai, she had made all the banners for his stable and was very excited, so it's thrilling to get the chance to do it again with her,' he added. Osborne has been a regular competitor in Dubai in recent years, sending a steady stream of runners to the Middle East and picking up notable victories with horses such as Cliffs Of Capri and Ouzo. He also landed the Dukhan Sprint in Qatar in 2023 with Emaraaty Ana, placed fourth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup in 2022 with Alignak and finished runner-up on Saudi Cup night in 2020 with Mekong. Osborne said he was enthusiastic about competing in the region. 'Personally, I enjoy coming to race in Dubai and the Middle East during the British off-season, and my clients enjoy racing their horses here, too,' he said. 'We've had a good year this year in Dubai, and my horses have won plenty of prize money finishing placed in big races. We look forward to coming back again next year as it works well before our racing starts here in the UK.'
