Dubai World Cup

Set in the middle-eastern sands there the roots of thoroughbred racing trace their ultimate ancestry, the Dubai World Cup is racing’s newest international prestige meeting. The day’s card was the richest in the world in 2002 at $15 million and $6 million of that was allotted to the day’s final event, the biggest purse in all of racing. Owners from around the world flock to this event that was created 1996.

The first running was a huge sensation and American thoroughbred champion Cigar won the event on his way to an undefeated retirement. Called by it’s director the “Olympic Games of Horse Racing” the event regularly features horses from over 15 countries and every year more nominations are received, ensuring an enduring tradition in the future.

The event also serves as a showcase for the world-renowned horseracing facilities in the desert kingdom. Some of the most advanced horse breeding in the world currently takes place in Arabian countries where horse ownership is an ancient tradition that has been rekindled with vigor. Many of the best horses in the world are now owned and run by Middle Easterners who use the Dubai World Cup to spread goodwill and a common love of the horseracing culture through their hospitality.