The 28th edition of the Dubai World Cup, held on March 30th, 2024 at the Meydan Racecourse, has become a memory, but what a memory it is! This spectacular night of racing lived up to its reputation, offering heart-pounding competition, record-breaking prize money, and dazzling entertainment.
A Dominant Victory for Laurel River
The main event, the $12 million Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline), saw a commanding performance by Laurel River, ridden by jockey Tadhg O’Shea and trained by Bhupat Seemar. Owned by Juddmonte Farms, Laurel River delivered a powerful run, leaving the competition in its dust. You can relive the excitement by searching for replays of the race on YouTube:
Prior to his Dubai World Cup win, Laurel River trained under Bob Baffert in the US. This past summer, Juddmonte Farms transferred him to Dubai-based trainer Bhupat Seemar. This bold move paid off spectacularly, showcasing Laurel River’s adaptability and Seemar’s training expertise.
A night of diverse victories: All the races and results
But the Dubai World Cup night wasn’t a one-horse show! The event boasted a staggering total prize purse of $30.5 million spread across nine world-class races. Here’s a breakdown of all the races and their winners:
Race 1 – Dubai Kahayla Classic (Group 1) – DIRT
Winner: Tilal Al Khalediah (UNR)
Trainer:N Alkahtani
Jockey: A Al Furaydi
Race 2 – Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Emaar (Group 2) – DIRT
Winner: Two Rivers Over (USA)
Trainer: D O’neill
Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
Race 3 – Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) – TURF
Winner: Tower Of London (IRE)
Trainer: A P O’Brien
Jockey: R L Moore
Race 4 – Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments (Group 1) – TURF
Winner: California Spangle (IRE)
Trainer: M A Cruz
Jockey: B Avdulla
Race 6 – Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored By Nakheel (Group 1) – DIRT
Winner: Tuz (USA)
Trainer: B Seemar
Jockey: T P O’Shea
Race 7 – Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (Group 1) – TURF
Winner: Facteur Cheval (IRE)
Trainer: J Reynier
Jockey: M Guyon
Race 8 – Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) – TURF
Winner: Rebel’s Romance (IRE)
Trainer: C Appleby
Jockey: W Buick
Race 9 – Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) – DIRT
Winner: Laurel River (USA)
Trainer: B Seemar
Jockey: T P O’Shea
Beyond the races: Celebrating the Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup isn’t just about competition – it’s a celebration of equestrian excellence and cultural heritage. The event featured a dazzling closing ceremony that even broke two Guinness World Records!
The Dubai World Cup culminated in a spectacular fashion with a Guinness World Record-setting aerial drone display during its closing ceremony. An ambitious 33-minute show featured 4,000 advanced drones that crafted breathtaking three-dimensional sculptures in the sky, captivating both attendees at the venue and global viewers.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, shared his enthusiasm for the 2024 Dubai World Cup, the 28th edition of the event, which saw horses from 14 countries compete across nine races, drawing global interest and extensive media coverage. The team at the Dubai Racing Club had dedicated the season to meticulous preparations, embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring a memorable and record-breaking World Cup night.
If you’re considering attending the Dubai World Cup next year, don’t miss this comprehensive guide about the event. I cover everything from securing your tickets to the must-attend social and fashion events. You will also find insider tips for maximizing your experience at this prestigious horse racing event.
If you’re interested in learning more about the previous edition, I’ve written an article that reviews all the races and results of the Dubai World Cup 2023.
With a night of thrilling contests, unmatched prize money, and an unforgettable celebration, the 2024 Dubai World Cup cemented its position as a premier event in the equestrian calendar of the UAE. Be sure to bookmark the Dubai Racing Club website to stay updated on the exciting races they organize throughout the year!
