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Gulf Insider
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
Dubai World Cup 2025: 9 Races, $30.5m Prize Pot, 102 Horses
Meydan Racecourse will host Saturday the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup 2025, with the participation of 102 horses from 13 countries, competing in nine races with a total prize pool of $30.5m, including $12m for the main ninth race, the Dubai World Cup. Meydan Racecourse opens its doors at 2.30pm, with the first race, the Group 1 'Dubai Kahayla Classic', starting at 4.35pm, while the main race, the Dubai World Cup, will be held at 9.30pm. All eyes will be on the main race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), amid fierce competition between 11 elite thoroughbred horses (Group 1). The global elite is represented by the Japanese horse 'Ushba Tesoro', and the top contender 'Forever Young', the 2024 UAE Derby champion, and the 2025 Saudi Cup winner. Competing for the title are also Imperial Emperor, Walk of Stars, Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, Rattle N Roll, Mixto, El Maracolo, Katona, and Heat Show. The evening begins with the first race, the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for pure-bred Arabian horses, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), with a prize pool of $1m and the participation of 15 horses. The second race, the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, will feature 10 thoroughbred horses over a distance of 3,200m (turf), with a prize pool of $1m, while 14 thoroughbred horses will participate in the third race, the Group 2 Godolphin Mile over a distance of 1,600 meters (dirt track), with a prize pool of $1m. The fourth race, the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint, over a distance of 1,200m (turf), will feature 11 thoroughbred horses (Group 1), with a prize pool of $1.5m, while the fifth race, the Group 2 UAE Derby, over a distance of 1,900m (dirt track), will feature nine thoroughbred horses (Group 2), with a prize pool of $1m. A total of 12 thoroughbred horses will participate in the sixth race, the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, over a distance of 1,200m (dirt track), with a prize pool of $2m. Eleven thoroughbred horses (Group 1) will compete in the seventh race, the Group 1 Dubai Turf, over a distance of 1,800 meters (turf), with a prize pool of $5m. Nine thoroughbred horses will compete in the eighth race, the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, over a distance of 2,410 metres (turf), with a prize pool of $6m.
Arabian Business
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Arabian Business
Dubai World Cup 2025: 9 races, $30.5m prize pot, 102 horses
Meydan Racecourse will host Saturday the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup 2025, with the participation of 102 horses from 13 countries, competing in nine races with a total prize pool of $30.5m, including $12m for the main ninth race, the Dubai World Cup. Meydan Racecourse opens its doors at 2.30pm, with the first race, the Group 1 'Dubai Kahayla Classic', starting at 4.35pm, while the main race, the Dubai World Cup, will be held at 9.30pm. All eyes will be on the main race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), amid fierce competition between 11 elite thoroughbred horses (Group 1). Dubai World Cup 2025 The global elite is represented by the Japanese horse 'Ushba Tesoro', and the top contender 'Forever Young', the 2024 UAE Derby champion, and the 2025 Saudi Cup winner. Competing for the title are also Imperial Emperor, Walk of Stars, Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, Rattle N Roll, Mixto, El Maracolo, Katona, and Heat Show. The evening begins with the first race, the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for pure-bred Arabian horses, over a distance of 2000m (dirt track), with a prize pool of $1m and the participation of 15 horses. The second race, the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, will feature 10 thoroughbred horses over a distance of 3,200m (turf), with a prize pool of $1m, while 14 thoroughbred horses will participate in the third race, the Group 2 Godolphin Mile over a distance of 1,600 meters (dirt track), with a prize pool of $1m. The fourth race, the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint, over a distance of 1,200m (turf), will feature 11 thoroughbred horses (Group 1), with a prize pool of $1.5m, while the fifth race, the Group 2 UAE Derby, over a distance of 1,900m (dirt track), will feature nine thoroughbred horses (Group 2), with a prize pool of $1m. A total of 12 thoroughbred horses will participate in the sixth race, the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, over a distance of 1,200m (dirt track), with a prize pool of $2m. Eleven thoroughbred horses (Group 1) will compete in the seventh race, the Group 1 Dubai Turf, over a distance of 1,800 meters (turf), with a prize pool of $5m. Nine thoroughbred horses will compete in the eighth race, the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, over a distance of 2,410 metres (turf), with a prize pool of $6m.
Dubai Eye
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Dubai World Cup to kick off on Saturday
The Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to kick off on Saturday at the Meydan Racecourse with the participation of 102 horses from 13 countries. They will compete in nine races with a total prize of $30.5 million, including $12 million dedicated for the main race. The first race begins at 4:35 p.m., while the main race is expected to start at 9:30 p.m. and spans 2,000 metres on sand amid fierce competition. The world's elite are represented by the Japanese horse "Oshiba Tesoro" and the leading candidate "Forever Young", the 2024 UAE Derby champion and winner of the 2025 Saudi Cup. Imperial Emperor, Walk of Stars, Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, Rattle 'n' Roll, El Maracolo, Mixto, Katona, and Heat Show also compete for the title. The evening kicks off with the first race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic, a Group 1 race over 2,000 meters of sand, featuring 15 purebred Arabians and carrying a prize purse of $1 million. The second round, the Dubai Gold Cup (Group 2), will be held with the participation of 10 Thoroughbred Arabians, over a distance of 3,200 metres on grass, with prizes of $1 million. The third round, the Godolphin Mile (Group 2), will be held with the participation of 14 Thoroughbred Arabians, over a distance of 1,600 metres on sand, with prizes of $1 million. The fourth round, the Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1), will feature 11 Thoroughbreds (Group 1) over a distance of 1,200 metres on grass, with prizes totalling $1.5 million. The fifth round, the Emirates Derby, will feature 1,900 metres on sand, with 9 Thoroughbreds (Group 2) participating, with prizes totalling $1 million. Twelve purebred Arabian horses will participate in the sixth race, the Dubai Golden Shaheen, Category 1, over a distance of 1,200 meters on sand, with prizes worth $2 million. Eleven purebred Arabian horses will also compete in the seventh race, the Dubai Turf, over a distance of 1,800 meters on grass, with prizes worth $5 million. Nine purebred Arabian horses are competing in the eighth race, the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1), over a distance of 2,410 meters on grass, with prizes worth $6 million.
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Shyla Seemar: A trainer's daughter, a racing heart, and a front-row seat to greatness
As the lights dim in the IMAX theatre at the Meydan Hotel for the Dubai World Cup post-position draw, a hush falls over the crowd. Anticipation fills the air as the names of the 11 contenders are called out by renowned television hosts Rishi Persad and Laura King, with each gate assignment shaping the destiny of racing's most prestigious night. Among the trainers, owners, and racing enthusiasts, one young girl stands out as the draw unfolds - not just for her bright eyes and radiant charm, but for the support she offers to the man at the heart of it all — her father, UAE Champion trainer Bhupat Seemar. Shyla has grown up immersed in the world of racing. She rides ponies with the same joy and admiration that fuels her father's love for horses while her mother, Caroline, plays an active role in the daily operations of Zabeel Stables, riding trackwork for Bhupat in the early mornings, deepening the family's connection to the sport. For Shyla, there is no greater thrill than watching her father's horses thunder down the track. But this Saturday its the Dubai World Cup, the pinnacle of UAE racing where Bhupat will send out two strong contenders, Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars, with hopes of claiming back-to-back victories in the prestigious event. 'I get excited whenever Dad has a runner, but this is different,' Shyla says, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. 'It's the Dubai World Cup. It's bigger. Every day, I feel the excitement building.' Last year, Shyla witnessed history as her father's horse, Laurel River, stormed to victory in the Dubai World Cup. It was a moment that left an indelible mark on her heart. 'It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life,' she recalls. 'Seeing my dad achieve something so incredible and being there in that moment—it was unforgettable. The emotions were electric at Meydan, and I'll never forget how happy he was.' Shyla knows the feeling of victory well. She carries the pride of being her father's daughter as a cherished treasure. Always by his side, she is more than just a supporter—she's his good luck charm, a symbol of the love and dedication that binds their family to the sport. 'I'm not usually nervous,' she admits. 'But this time, I know Saturday will be different. I'll be overwhelmed when Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars take their places at the gates because I want so much for Dad to win again.' For Shyla, the wait until Saturday feels endless. The countdown to the Dubai World Cup is filled with anticipation, hope, and the dream of another unforgettable moment with her father. No matter the outcome, she knows her place will always be by his side—sharing in the triumphs, the challenges, and, above all, the love for the sport that unites them.
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Seemar's stars set for $12m Dubai World Cup showdown from opposite gates
Dubai's two leading contenders for Saturday's $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1), Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars, will break from opposite ends of the 11-horse starting gate. But their handler, Bhupat Seemar, the reigning UAE Champion, remains confident that the draw will not compromise their chances. Imperial Emperor, widely considered the main challenger to Forever Young, the strong Japanese favourite, will start from Gate 10. Meanwhile, his stablemate and equally formidable contender, Walk of Stars, landed the inside post in Gate 1 following Wednesday morning's highly anticipated 'Post Position' draw at Meydan Racecourse. Seemar dismissed any concerns about the draw, emphasising his gallopers' adaptability saying, "It suits both horses, so we're not worried.' However, the draw has set up an intriguing scenario for the Dubai-based challengers who have demonstrated their class on Meydan's dirt track. Imperial Emperor, ridden by 12-time UAE champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea, has proven his ability to overcome wide draws, having won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic, a key prep race for the Dubai World Cup. from Gate 11. His stablemate, Walk of Stars, will be guided by former Dubai World Cup-winning rider Mickael Barzalona, whose inside position could provide early tactical advantages in the 2,000-metre contest. Seemar expressed confidence in their starting spots: "Walk of Stars has a lot of gate speed and will likely use the inside gate to his advantage, while Imperial Emperor is an uncomplicated push-button horse - he's won from wide draws before, so his position is not a concern. You can put him anywhere in the gate.' While acknowledging the challenge of facing Forever Young, the 2023 UAE Derby (G2) winner and this year's $20 million Saudi Cup hero, Seemar remains optimistic. "We know he's one of the best horses in the world, but you've got to be in the race to win it. Both our horses will give their best- let's see what happens. This is horse racing, some of the biggest favourites have been beaten in the past,' he added tongue-in-cheek. O'Shea, who guided Laurel River to a sensational 8 ½ length victory over 2023 Dubai World Cup sensation Ushba Tesoro, who has returned for a third crack at the $12 million prize, in last year's Dubai World Cup, is looking to make history with consecutive wins. "Imperial Emperor has drawn wide every time he's run on dirt, so this is nothing new for him. Laurel River won from Gate 12 last year, so I'm not too concerned. If he gets a clean break we can give him some space and help him find a good position." The significance of the draw Meydan's dirt track has historically favoured middle-to-high draws, as they allow horses to avoid early congestion. However, Walk of Stars' gate speed and Imperial Emperor's adaptability give Seemar and O'Shea confidence in their chances. "It all comes down to race tactics and how it will play out. You also have to factor in tack conditions on the day, and, of course, a little bit of racing luck," Seemar said Meanwhile, Yoshito Yahagi, Japan's multiple-time JRA champion trainer, was delighted with Forever Young's prime Gate 5 draw. The son of superstar sire Real Steel — who won the 2016 Dubai Turf at Meydan — has already made his mark on the international stage and is known for his sharp racing mind and tenacity. "He's a horse with a winning mentality and a fantastic attitude," Yahagi told Khaleej Times. "He's in peak condition and is very healthy heading into Saturday's race. We are very pleased with him and hope he runs another big race." Yahagi, who has trained some of Japan's most formidable horses- including Real Steel, and the now-retired Panthalassa, winner of the 2022 Dubai Turf and Saudi Cup—believes Forever Young may be the best horse he has ever trained. Other notable draws were handed to 2023 Dubai World Cup champion Ushba Tesoro (Gate 4) Wilson Tesoro (3), Rattle N Roll (2), Ramjet (9), Mixto (9), Hit Show (7), Katonah (11) and Il Miracolo (6). Trends and insights from the draw Historically, four-year-olds have performed well in the Dubai World Cup, with eight victories and 17 placings from 80 entrants. In contrast, horses older than six have managed only five wins, suggesting an advantage for younger contenders like Forever Young. The Japanese runner was a close third in last year's Kentucky Derby behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone, reinforcing his status as a major threat. With a high-class field and an intriguing spread of post positions, Saturday's Dubai World Cup is shaping up to be another thrilling spectacle. Whether the draw will be a decisive factor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Dubai's finest take on the world.
