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Gulf News
04-05-2025
- Climate
- Gulf News
Jordan evacuates tourists from Petra after flood hits
Jordan's meteorological authority published a video showing flash floods hitting the city Last updated: AFP Related Stories Video: Rolls Royce joins Dubai Police's patrol fleet 2m read Jockey Florent Geroux ends long wait at Meydan 3m read Hit Show wins $12 million Dubai World Cup 4m read Jordan invites GCC residents to its heritage sites 2m read
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Dubai World Cup 2025: Spectacular event, new champion and billion viewers worldwide
The 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup concluded on Saturday night at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, showcasing a thrilling spectacle of horse racing excellence. A total of 102 horses from 13 countries competed across nine races, with a combined prize pool of $30.5 million. The main event saw a historic victory as "Hit Show,' representing Wathnan Racing (Qatar) and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, claimed the $12 million top prize-the highest purse in global horse racing. The 29th edition delivered excitement and excellence on every front, from fiercely contested races to world-class organisation and a vibrant crowd of over 60,000 spectators at the venue. Drones light up the sky depicting UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid at the end of the Dubai World Cup horse race at Meydan Racecourse. AFP The event was broadcast with cinematic precision using dozens of cameras, accompanied by a host of engaging activities that captivated a diverse global audience. With more than 1 billion viewers across 170 countries tuning in via TV, digital platforms, and in-flight entertainment, the Dubai World Cup once again demonstrated Meydan's enduring appeal as a global hub for purebred and Arabian horse racing-blending tradition, sport, and modernity in the heart of the UAE. Florent Geroux with Hit Show wins $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse. AP More than 15 years after its grand opening in 2010, Meydan Racecourse continues to uphold its reputation as one of the world's premier racing venues, thanks to its cutting-edge infrastructure and world-class facilities. Since its inception in 1996, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup has consistently grown in prestige. Several of its races have earned a place among the Top 100 global horse races, a testament to its elite standing and rich heritage. Jockey Florent Geroux riding on Hit Show celebrates after winning the Dubai World Cup horse race. AFP The 2025 edition reaffirmed the Dubai World Cup as the crown jewel of the international racing calendar, underlining the UAE's position as a global centre for the equestrian industry and its continuing leadership in hosting world-class sporting events. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager and Board Member of the Emirates Racing Authority and Vice-Chair of the Asian Racing Federation, emphasised that the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup has reinforced the event's ongoing success and longevity. He stated that it is a vivid reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who envisioned the UAE as a global leader and central hub for horse racing. Drones light up sky depicting Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid at the end of the Dubai World Cup horse race. AFP In statements to the Emirates News Agency, Al Shehhi said, "The Dubai World Cup continues to stand out globally, bringing together the elite of horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys. With its world-class organisation, massive spectator turnout, and hundreds of millions of viewers following the nine races-offering a total prize pool of $30.5 million, including $12 million for the main race-it remains a global benchmark in the industry.' General view of a goodbye message displayed after the final race atMeydan Racecourse. Reuters He further highlighted the role of Meydan Racecourse, with its state-of-the-art facilities, modern infrastructure, and highly skilled teams, in welcoming people from around the world in a uniquely diverse sporting celebration. Jockey Florent Geroux riding on Hit Show celebrates after winning the Dubai World Cup horse race. AFP "It's a scene that mirrors the UAE's global standing and embodies the nation's humanitarian message-one of tolerance, harmony, love, and mutual respect,' he said. Al Shehhi also praised the Dubai Racing Club, chaired by Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, for its outstanding efforts in organising the event. "The Club delivered a world-class race day experience, enriched the evening with exciting side events, and ensured all logistical and operational needs for attendees were met with excellence-presenting an honourable image of the UAE and Dubai to the world.' Al Shehhi extended his congratulations to Qatar's Wathnan Racing for the impressive victory of "Hit Show,' ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, in the main race of the evening. He also praised the strong performance of the UAE's own "Dubai Future,' trained by renowned Emirati World-renowned trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, who claimed the title of the Dubai Gold Cup. Florent Geroux pats Hit Show after winning $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m at Meydan Racecourse. AP In addition, he commended the Emirati horse 'Dark Saffron' for winning the prestigious Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen race for purebred Thoroughbreds, celebrating yet another standout moment for Emirati racing on the international stage. Jockey Florent Geroux, who clinched the Dubai World Cup title aboard "Hit Show', shared his excitement after the win, "I always ride Hit Show the same way I did last night-and he's always given me a great feeling. Everything unfolded in the best-case scenario I had envisioned. I had my eye on the rival horse, Forever Young, throughout the race.' Jockey Cristian Demuro, who delivered a thrilling last-second victory with Japan's 'Soul Rush in the seventh race - Dubai Turf, one of the most dramatic moments of the Cup, reflected on his emotional win, "Last year, I was beaten by a nose (on Namur, second to Facteur Cheval). This year, I won by a nose. The luck was with me today'. Drones and fireworks light up the sky at the end of the Dubai World Cup horse race at Meydan Racecourse. AFP Abdulaziz Al Maraziq, Executive Director of Dubai Stud, emphasised that the Dubai World Cup continues to solidify its global leadership year after year, thanks to the calibre of elite international horses it attracts and the thrilling competition for titles across all races. He stated, "Meydan Racecourse has become a focal point of global attention, drawing top-tier participants from around the world. This year's races were marked by intense competition and surprising outcomes that defied expectations.' Racegoers watch a firework display after the final race at Meydan Racecourse. Reuters Commenting on the victory of "Dubai Future,' owned by Godolphin and trained by renowned Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor, in the second race despite being nine years old, Al Maraziq said, "Some horses reach their peak and deliver exceptional performances even at an older age. It all comes down to the skill and success of the trainer-and what 'Dubai Future' achieved is a testament to that excellence, experience, and outstanding training.' WAM
Khaleej Times
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Long shots rewrite the Dubai World Cup script ay Meydan
Under the bright lights of Meydan Racecourse and before a capacity crowd exceeding 60,000, the 29th Dubai World Cup unfolded not as a coronation for the fancied horses but as a sobering reminder of how unpredictable top-level sport can be. In a single evening, favourites fell like chess kings being cornered by pawns, reputations were updated, and new heroes were immortalised into global racing consciousness. The $12 million feature race brought the curtain down on a memorable night with a result few would have predicted. Hit Show, a five-year-old American colt trained by Eclipse award-winning handler Brad H. Cox and ridden by Kentucky-based French rider Florent Geroux, delivered a performance of tactical boldness and stamina to win the Dubai World Cup at odds of 80/1. He was expected to be a participant, nothing more. Instead, he led a reshuffling of the world's pecking order in dirt racing. The much-vaunted Japanese contender Forever Young backed into 4/9 favouritism, could not muster a meaningful response in the final 400 metres after looming large at the top of the stretch, which was less an indictment of the colt's ability than a demonstration of the residual toll exacted by his energy-sapping Saudi Cup victory four weeks earlier. His third-place finish behind Hit Show and fellow American Mixto underscored the punishing demands of international competition at this level. Geroux, who rode Hit Show with quiet calculation rather than fireworks, admitted post-race that his initial ambition was simply to hit the board. "I was aiming for a place. But he kept finding more. It's rare, that kind of determination." It was a defining moment not just for the horse, but for Wathnan Racing of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who were making their Dubai World Cup debut. Their arrival on the international racing stage could not have been more emphatic. As for Walk of Stars, the UAE's chief hope in the World Cup itself, a strong gate draw and a smart ride by French ace Mickael Barzalona saw him run with credit. His fourth-place finish — just behind three battle-hardened international raiders — was a result of professionalism, not flair. 'He did everything right,' said trainer Bhupat Seemar. 'No excuses. That's the level we're playing at now.' Across the undercard, a consistent theme emerged: local and regional stables, often overshadowed in these global gatherings, refused to play supporting roles. Doug Watson, a long-established name in UAE racing and multiple-time champion trained, opened the evening by turning over the much-feared Saudi challengers in the $1m Dubai Kahayla Classic (G1) with First Class, a result that instantly determined the narrative for the evening. In the $2m Golden Shaheen Sprint, Ahmed bin Harmash - who purchased Dark Saffron for $120,000 at the 2024 Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, saw his new stable star make history when he was ridden heroically by Conor Beasley to become the first three-year-old to win marquee sprint contest. Japanese runners, typically formidable in international festivals like the Dubai World Cup, found plenty of success — though not always where expected. Lesser popular Admire Daytona disrupted a strong bunch of three-year-olds in the UAE Derby, securing a potential ticket to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and reminding observers that the road to Louisville can start in Dubai. The withdrawal of Japanese standout Liberty Island left a vacuum in the turf races, but fellow Japanese galloper Danon Decile filled the gap with a composed win in the $6m Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) The most dramatic of Japan's three victories came in the $5m Dubai Turf (G1), where Soul Rush dismantled a field led by Hong Kong's 10-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, a horse previously considered near-invincible at this distance, to win by the proverbial nose. Local challenger Maljoom representing championship-bound Australian handler Michael Costa's Jebel Ali yard, ran a blinder to finish a creditable third. The comeback of the night belonged to Emirati handler Saeed bin Suroor, who returned to prominence with Dubai Future in the $1m Dubai Gold Cup. The Godolphin veteran, a dominant force in the Dubai World Cup with an unparalleled nine victories, reminded racing of his enduring relevance. Dubai Future, a nine-year-old son of top Darley sire Dubawi, has been beset with injuries time after time forcing him to miss a huge chunk of his career. Having returned this season following a 427-day layoff to win the Nad Al Sheba Trophy at the Carnival, Dubai Honour stepped up to two miles for the first time and ran with authority, vindicating Bin Suroor's patient approach and masterly training skills. 'It is not easy for any horse to be sound their whole life, and he had a few setbacks, although they were nothing major,' said Bin Suroor.'It took a while but thank God he has come back. Now we will take him to France next month for the G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier.' Dubai Honour was ridden by former British champion jockey Brazilian Silvestre de Sousa who 12 years ago teamed up with Bin Suroor to win the Gold Cup with Cavalryman. If the evening confirmed anything, it is that racing at this tier tolerates no complacency. Favourites are good for media headlines, but they win nothing on paper. Horses considered outmatched in form took their chance and exposed the fragility of pre-race assumptions. There is no strightforward script in this sport, and the 2025 Dubai World Cup affirmed that with every unexpected result. It was a night not about predictability, but about every possibility — where preparation, opportunity, and perhaps just a touch of good fortune, united to restructure the flat-racing landscape.
Emirates 24/7
06-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Mohammed bin Rashid attends 29th Dubai World Cup
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today attended the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. Joining His Highness at the prestigious global event were His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance. Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the enduring global interest in the Dubai World Cup since its launch in 1996 reflects the UAE's distinguished standing across a range of sectors, including sports. He highlighted the nation's rise as a global destination for horse racing, driven by world-class infrastructure, organisational excellence, and strong international partnerships that bring together leading owners, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. His Highness stated: 'We take great pride in the Dubai World Cup's unique status among the world's premier horse racing events, whether in terms of prize money, quality of competition, or global reach. The Dubai World Cup has become a global event where cultures converge, serving as a reminder that sport has the power to bring people closer and unite nations. Horse racing will always be a proud part of our heritage and a meaningful link between our past and the future we strive to build.' Welcoming guests attending the 29th Dubai World Cup, His Highness noted the event's growing stature on the international sporting calendar. He also acknowledged the efforts of the organising team in ensuring the success of the event and supporting Dubai's growing role in the global horse racing community. Main race winner crowned His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum presented the Dubai World Cup trophy to the winner of the main Group1 race Hit Show, ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, trained by Brad Cox, and owned by Wathnan Racing. The 2000 metre dirt track race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, featured 11 elite horses competing for a total purse of US$12 million. Global showcase of equestrian excellence The 29th Dubai World Cup attracted an outstanding field of top-ranked horses from around the globe, representing some of the most prominent owners, breeders, and trainers in the sport. A total of 102 horses from 13 countries competed across nine races, for a total prize money of US$30.5 million, including the US$12 million awarded in the final race. Distinguished attendees at the event included His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Also present were Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, alongside a number of dignitaries, leading horse owners, breeders, and racing enthusiasts from around the world. The Dubai World Cup was first held in 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, as part of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's broader vision to position Dubai as a hub for international sport. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
