Dubai World Cup 2025: New Champion, Global Spotlight, and Over 1 Billion Viewers

DUBAI: The Dubai World Cup 2025 wrapped up in style at the stunning Meydan Racecourse, bringing together the best in the world of horse racing. This year’s event was the 29th edition and once again proved why it is one of the biggest sporting events in Dubai.

A Night of Champions and Celebrations

More than 100 horses from 13 countries competed in nine exciting races for a massive $30.5 million in prize money. The main race ended with a big surprise as “Hit Show”, owned by Qatar’s Wathnan Racing and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, won the top prize of $12 million—the biggest prize in horse racing worldwide.

Over 60,000 fans filled Meydan Racecourse, enjoying world-class entertainment, vibrant energy, and flawless event organisation. The race was broadcast with high-quality visuals to a global audience of over 1 billion viewers in 170 countries, through TV, online platforms, and even in-flight screens.

Dubai Leads the Global Horse Racing Scene

Since its launch in 1996 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai World Cup has become one of the most respected international horse races. Meydan, opened in 2010, continues to be a world-class venue thanks to its modern design and top-notch facilities.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager of the Emirates Racing Authority, said the event reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of making Dubai a global hub for horse racing and international sports.

Highlights of the 2025 Dubai World Cup

• “Hit Show” claimed the Dubai World Cup title, making history for Qatar.
• “Dubai Future”, trained by UAE legend Saeed bin Suroor, won the Dubai Gold Cup, proving that even older horses can shine.
• “Dark Saffron”, another Emirati horse, took home the Dubai Golden Shaheen, adding to the UAE’s success.
• Japan’s “Soul Rush”, ridden by Cristian Demuro, delivered one of the night’s most dramatic finishes in the Dubai Turf race.

Jockey Florent Geroux expressed his joy, saying, “I always ride Hit Show the same way—he never lets me down. Everything went perfectly last night.”

UAE’s Vision and Global Message

Al Shehhi praised the event’s role in showing the UAE’s values of tolerance, unity, and global friendship. He also thanked the Dubai Racing Club, led by Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, for delivering a truly world-class experience.

Abdulaziz Al Maraziq, Executive Director of Dubai Stud, highlighted the high level of global competition and the surprise results that kept fans on the edge of their seats. He praised the win of “Dubai Future” at age nine, calling it a “great example of training and perseverance.”

Dubai World Cup A Symbol of Excellence

The Dubai World Cup 2025 confirmed once again that Dubai is at the heart of the international horse racing world. With record-breaking prizes, legendary performances, and a powerful global message, it remains a key event on the world sports calendar.

Also Read: Mohammed bin Rashid Attends 29th Dubai World Cup at Meydan