Dubai World Cup 2023 brings together 129 horses from 13 countries

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Meydan Racecourse will host the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.

.@HHShkMohd in a welcoming message to the guests of the Dubai World Cup: This global event embodies within it the noble values of equestrian and its knights who come from all countries of the world to compete for the precious titles in the evening. pic.twitter.com/ip3cEIZCNo

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 24, 2023

The 27th Dubai World Cup has brought together 129 horses from 13 countries. A total of 78 international and 51 Emirati horses including those from the fabled Godolphin stable, will be contesting for a total prize pot of AED 112 million (US$30.5 million).

خيول العالم في تدريباتها النهائية على مضمار ميدان، استعداداً لكأس دبي العالمي 2023 غداً.

Track work at Meydan Racecourse ahead of the Dubai World Cup 2023 tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OAFSxlEK3z

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 24, 2023

For the worldwide equestrian community, the Dubai World Cup represents the pinnacle of excellence not just in racing but also in many streams of the thoroughbred industry.

Since its inception, the Dubai World Cup has produced some of the sport’s fiercest contests and most memorable feats.

Under the patronage of @HHShkMohd.. the 27th edition of the #DubaiWorldCup is set to kick off tomorrow at Meydan Racecourse. Top horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world will participate, competing for a total prize of $30.5 million. pic.twitter.com/5iWRKaWr6Z

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 24, 2023

In 2000, Godolphin’s Dubai Millennium won one of the tournament’s most cherished triumphs while in 2008 another American star Curlin won by one of the biggest margins of victory in the Cup’s history. Three years later, in 2011, Victoire Pisa and Transcend gave Japan a first win and a 1 – 2 finish in the coveted race. In 2012, Godolphin returned to the victory podium with Monterosso placed first and Capponi second. In 2017, world champion Arrogate wowed the world with an impossible last-to-first victory while in 2018 and 2019, Thunder Snow won top honours becoming the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice. In 2021, Mystic Guide recorded a 13th win for UAE connections, 11 of which were for Team Godolphin.

The massive increase in prize money for the 2021-2022 racing season reinforced Dubai’s status as an international horse racing hub. Further, several new initiatives by the largest local industry stakeholders, estimated to be worth USUS$400 million (AED1.47billion), are giving a strong impetus to the global industry.