Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the 29th Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on April 5, 2025, joined by senior members of the royal family and leading dignitaries. The evening reaffirmed Dubai's standing as a global centre of equestrian excellence — and delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in the race's history.
A Proud Legacy on the World Stage
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, and Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed, alongside top officials and international racing figures.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the Dubai World Cup's journey since its founding in 1996: "An extraordinary night at the Dubai World Cup, with the participation of the top 100 horses from around the globe, along with the best jockeys and horse owners from all five continents." He added that Dubai takes great pride in the event's unique status among the world's premier horse racing occasions, noting its prize money, quality of competition, and global reach as defining qualities. He also extended his gratitude to the organizers for establishing the Dubai World Cup as the premier racing competition worldwide.
Horse racing, Sheikh Mohammed said, continues to carry cultural pride — a sport that unites nations and peoples.
Hit Show Claims the $12 Million Group 1 Feature
The night's headline race belonged to Hit Show, a five-year-old owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Brad Cox, and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux. Racing at 41-1 odds, Hit Show came from midpack to close with a powerful late rush, prevailing by half a length in a time of 2:03.50 over the 2,000-metre dirt course.
Second place went to Mixto, owned by Calumet Farm and ridden by Frankie Dettori, while Japan's pre-race favourite Forever Young — fresh from winning the Saudi Cup — finished third. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum presented the winner's trophy, which carried a value of US$12 million.
World-Class Competition Across Nine Races
The 29th Dubai World Cup hosted 102 horses representing 13 nations across nine races, with a total prize pool of US$30.5 million. The meeting drew elite breeders, jockeys, trainers, and owners from racing communities around the world, cementing Meydan Racecourse's status as a premier destination on the international racing calendar.
Over 60,000 fans packed the iconic venue, and the event was broadcast live to more than 170 countries. A spectacular closing ceremony featuring state-of-the-art drones capped the night in fitting style.
