Mohammed bin Rashid attends Dubai World Cup 2024’s 29th edition

Mohammed bin Rashid Attends 29th Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse

A Celebration of Heritage, Global Excellence, and Sporting Unity

DUBAI, 5 April 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was present at the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, highlighting the UAE’s strong dedication to horse racing and its prominent role on the global sporting stage.

Accompanying him at this internationally renowned event were senior members of Dubai’s leadership, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council; and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

In his address, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that the continued global enthusiasm for the Dubai World Cup since its inaugural run in 1996 highlights the UAE’s exceptional position across various global sectors, notably sports. He praised Dubai’s transformation into a world-class equestrian destination—fueled by state-of-the-art infrastructure, meticulous organisation, and strong international collaborations that attract top talent in the field.

“We are proud of the Dubai World Cup’s iconic place among the world’s leading horse racing events,” he said. “It’s more than just a race—it’s a global meeting point where culture, heritage, and sporting excellence come together. This event reflects our history and the ambitious future we are shaping.”

As a symbol of that excellence, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the Dubai World Cup trophy to the winners of the main Group 1 race—Hit Show, ridden by Florent Geroux, trained by Brad Cox, and owned by Wathnan Racing. Emirates Airline sponsored the 2,000-metre dirt race, which featured 11 elite athletes and had a prize fund of US$12 million.

This year’s Dubai World Cup had an outstanding field, with 102 horses from 13 countries racing in nine races for a record US$30.5 million in total prize money. The event drew some of horse racing’s most significant figures, including well-known owners, breeders, and dignitaries from around the world.

Among the esteemed attendees were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed, as well as Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club.

A Legacy of Vision and Passion.

Since its beginning in 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup has represented Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s aim of transforming Dubai into a global sports superpower. It continues to highlight the UAE’s rich equestrian heritage and dedication to bringing the globe together through sport and cultural pride.