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The 29th renewal of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse delivered a spectacular showing of world-class racing, drawing a mammoth crowd of over 65,000 enthusiasts and setting new benchmarks in global sports entertainment.
Widely celebrated as the planet's most magnificent race day, this year's meeting raised the bar with a staggering US$30.5 million in prizemoney spread across nine top-class races. The prestigious Gr.1 US$12 million Dubai World Cup was claimed by Hit Show, trained in the United States by Brad Cox, adding another thrilling chapter to the sport's rich legacy. Winners also hailed from the UAE, UK, and Japan, underscoring the event's truly international appeal.
"This year's Dubai World Cup meeting was nothing short of phenomenal," said HE Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club. "Attendance surged by 18% 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."
The electrifying closing ceremony once again raised the bar for live entertainment, capturing the imagination of attendees and viewers alike with a jaw-dropping 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
These cutting-edge visual spectacles, culminating with a fireworks display that was nothing short of magical, reflected Dubai's relentless innovation and commitment to creating unforgettable moments.
The Dubai World Cup's influence extended far beyond Meydan, captivating a massive global audience via TV, digital platforms, and in-flight entertainment. Broadcast across 37 channels in 170 countries, the event was aired for the first time on Australia's Channel 7 public TV, joining major networks from the United States, South America, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Hong Kong, and the UAE's own Dubai Racing and Yas TV.
All eyes now turn to 2026, as the Dubai World Cup prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, 28 March 2026. With expectations soaring and history in the making, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the world of international horseracing.