The D-Day is here as the world’s top steeds garther at the Meydan Racecourse to vie for top honours at the Dubai World Cup 2024. The event’s 28th edition marks the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing, drawing an elite field of 119 horses from 15 nations.

Record prize money

With a staggering total prize purse of $30.5m up for grabs, including a jaw-dropping $12m for the main event, the “Dubai World Cup,” this year’s edition showcases the world’s best in equine talent and athleticism.

Among the elite competitors are 33 winners of Group 1 races in major championships worldwide, along with five victors from the previous season’s Dubai World Cup.

Notably, Ushba Tesoro, under the skilled guidance of jockey Yuga Kawada, returns to defend its crown, aiming to secure back-to-back victories and etch its name in the annals of racing history.

A rich legacy – Dubai World Cup

Established in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup has evolved into a symbol of excellence and sporting prowess.

Over the years, illustrious champions have graced the winner’s circle, each adding to the event’s storied legacy.

The Dubai World Cup encompasses nine exhilarating races, each offering its own blend of intensity and excitement:

1. Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians ($1m)
2. Group 2 Godolphin Mile ($1m)
3. Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup ($1m)
4. Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint ($1.5m)
5. Group 2 UAE Derby ($1m)
6. Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen ($2m)
7. Group 1 Dubai Turf ($5m)
8. Dubai Sheema Classic ($6m)
9. Dubai World Cup ($12m)

Group 1 draw

	Pgm.	Post			Pgm.	Post
Clapton	1	7		Laurel River	7	12
Crupi	2	1		Military Law	8	4
Defunded	3	9		Newgate	9	6
Derma Sotogake	4	8		Señor Buscador	10	10
Dura Erede	5	3		Ushba Tesoro	11	5
Kabirkhan	6	2		Wilson Tesoro	12	11

Honouring Past Champions

From Cigar in 1996 to Mystic Guide in 2021, each champion has contributed to the event’s enduring legacy, showcasing the best of thoroughbred racing on a global stage.

1996: Cigar, 1997: Singspiel, 1998: Silver Charm, 1999: Almutawakel, 2000: Dubai Millennium, 2001: Captain Steve, 2002: Street Cry, 2003: Moon Ballad, 2004: Pleasantly Perfect, 2005: Roses In May, 2006: Electrocutionist, 2007: Invasor, 2008: Curlin, 2009: Well Armed, 2010: Gloria de Campeao, 2011: Victoire Pisa, 2012: Monterosso, 2013: Animal Kingdom, 2014: African Story, 2015: Prince Bishop, 2016: California Chrome, 2017: Arrogate, 2018: Thunder Snow, 2019: Thunder Snow, 2020: Cancelled – Covid, 2021: Mystic Guide, 2022: Country Grammer, 2023: Ushba Tesoro

Read: All you need to know about the Dubai World Cup: Races, stakes, and dress code

Live stream

Watch the races live from the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai:

Dubai World Cup Odds

This is the field of 12 for the Dubai World Cup, including betting numbers, post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning-line odds.

Note that horses are in betting-number order: unlike in North American tracks, post positions and betting numbers at Meydan are not the same.

Though the Dubai Racing Club does not offer on-track betting for the race, there is international pari-mutuel action through the World Pool and a morning line has been set for that.