Other actors including Vidya Balan and Ishaan Khattar were also present
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Welcome to our Dubai World Cup live blog!
Join Khaleej Times at Meydan Racecourse for our dedicated live blog and 'quick' results page.
Over the next nine and a half hours we will give you all the latest information together with expert views on the nine races as the action happens at Dubai's flagship racecourse.
The 26th edition of the Dubai World Cup is set to be another incredible event with total prize money of over $30.5 (Dh112.03) million, a $5 (Dh18.37) million increase from last year's event.
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9:11pm: A spectacular closing ceremony
As the curtain comes down on the iconic Dubai World Cup, the night sky over the Meydan Racecourse comes alive with fireworks and drone shows.
Using customised drones – each carrying a remotely programmable LED light on board the platform’s undercarriage – a series of shapes and sequences filled the sky above the world’s widest LED screen.
A dazzling light show, viewed from the grandstand, mirrors the love for horses and racing in the region.
The closing ceremony fireworks is the precursor to the after-race concert featuring Becky Hill and Rudimental.
8:37pm: Race 9 — Country Grammer wins Dubai World Cup
Sensational night for Dettori
What a sensational night for jockey Frankie Dettori, a night he will remember for a long time. The enigmatic Italian won the Dubai World Cup for the fourth time, onboard Country Grammer, to go level with Jerry Bailey.
It was even more remarkable considering he was called in at the last moment to partner Country Grammer after Flavien Prat opted to ride Hot Rod Charlie.
Dettori previous three triumphs came with the famous Dubai Millennium (2000), Moon Ballad (2003) and Electrocutionist (2006).
And as he returned to the winners enclosure, the 51-year-old did his trademark and now-famous ‘Flying Dismount.’
Race 9 Result:
Country Grammer (Bob Baffert/Frankie Dettori)
Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O’Neill/Flavien Prat)
Chuwa Wizard (Ryuji Okubo/Yuga Kawada)
10 ran
8:05pm: Race 8 — Shahryar wins Longines Dubai Sheema Classic
Japan on a roll at Meydan. Their domination has continued with a fifth victory in eight races on the card. The latest being Hideaki Fujiwara’s Shahryar success in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, Cristian Demuro guiding him home in style.
Yibir, for Charlie Appleby and William Buick, was second, while Authority took third for Tetsuya Kimura and Christophe Lemaire.
Race 8 Result:
Shahryar (Hideaki Fujiwara/Cristian Demuro)
Yibir (Charlie Appleby/William Buick)
Authority (Tetsuya Kimura/Christophe Lemaire)
15 ran
7:38pm: Best dressed lady
Winner takes it all:
7:34pm: Race 7 — A Dead-heat
Both Lord North and Panthalassa win Dubai Turf
Lord North Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori
Lord North Trainer: J Gosden
Panthalassa Jockey: Yutaka Yoshida
Panthalassa Trainer: Y Yahagi
Prize money: $5,000,000
Neither the state-of-the-art cameras positioned at the finish, nor the magnifying glasses of the adjudicators in the judge’s room could separate the first two homes in the $5 (Dh18.37) million Dubai Turf, a race that boasts a history of heart-stopping finishes.
6:47pm: Race 6 — Switzerland wins Dubai Golden Shaheen
First winner for local connections as Bhupat Seemar’s Switzerland stuns the rest of his rivals in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, Tadhg O’Shea producing a ride out of the text books aboard the RRR Racing owned 8yo Speightstown gelding.
Race 6 Result:
Switzerland (Bhupat Seemar/Tadhg O’Shea)
Red Le Zele (T/Yasuda/Yuga Kawada)
Dr Schivel (M Glatt/Flavien Prat)
14 ran
6:30pm: The best dressed man
Winner: Carlo Gioffredi
Winner takes it all:
6:14pm: Race 5 — Crown Pride wins UAE Derby
A third winner for Japan as Crown Pride steals the Group 2 UAE Derby honours for trainer Koichi Shintani and rider Damian Lane.
Bhupat Seemar would have been disappointed as his Summer Is Tomorrow set the pace before fading in the final 200m and finishing second, but ahead of third placed Island Falcon, trained by Saeed bin Suroor.
Race 5 Result:
Crown Pride (Koichi Shintani/Damian Lane)
Summer Is Tomorrow (Bhupat Seemar/Mickael Barzalona)
Island Falcon (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave)
16 ran
5:38pm: Race 4 — A Case Of You wins Al Quoz Sprint
Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint
A Case Of You makes a case for himself with another upset on the card as he defeats Man Of Promise in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint. A superb dash home along the standside rail from the Adrian McGuiness trained and Ronan Whelan driven 4-year-old.
Race 4 Result:
A Case Of You (Adrian McGuiness/Ronan Whelan)
Happy Romance (Richard Hannon/Sean Levey)
3. Man Of Promise (Charlie Appleby/William Buick)
16 ran
5:30pm: Winner of most creative outfit
Winner: Miah Lanes from the Philippines
Winner from the Style Sweepstakes 'Most Creative Outfit' Miah Lanes' dress, a fully sustainable outfit, was made of jute which was recycled from coffee bean bags.
Winner takes it all:
4:59pm: Race 3- Stay Foolish win Dubai Gold Cup
Stay Foolish upsets Godolphin’s Manobo putting an end to his unbeaten run after winning the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup.
What an awesome ride by Christophe Lemaire aboard the Yoshito Yahagi trained Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap winner who edged forward in the final strides to deny Manobo virtually on the line.
Race 3 Result:
Stay Foolish (Yoshito Yahagi/Christophe Lemaire)
Manobo (Charlie Appleby/William Buick)
Al Madhar (Musabbeh Al Mheiri/Antonio Fresu)
13 ran
4:47pm: Winner of the most creative hat
Winner: Charli
Nationality: British
Charli from the UK truly stood out and won the ‘Most Creative Hat’ category along with some amazing prizes.
Winner takes it all:
4:26pm: Sheikh Mohammed arrives at Meydan Racecourse
Just as Japan's Bathrat Leon produces a shock result in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrived at the Meydan Racecourse.
4:22pm: Race 2- Bathrat Leon wins Godolphin Mile
From the land of the rising sun emerges one that rises to handsomely stage a massive, massive upset in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile.
And that name is Bathrat Leon, a 4yo Kizuna colt trained by legendary Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi. Guided superbly by Ryusei Sakai, he showed a solid kick in the straight to win by a length and a quarter from Ahmed Al Shemaili’s Adrie De Vries ridden Desert Wisdom.
Race 2 Result:
Bathrat Leon (Yoshito Yahagi/Ryusei Sakai)
Desert Wisdom (Ahmed Al Shemaili/Adrie de Vries)
Storm Damage (Saeed bin Suroor/Christophe Soumillon)
16 ran
3:50pm: Race 1- First Classs from US wins Dubai Kahayla Classic
And we have our first winner of the day as First Classs won his match race with Kerless Del Roc to win the PA Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic sponsored by Ithra Dubai.
What a win for Alban de Mieulle and Ronan Thomas, as First Classs edged Kerless Del Roc after they went hoof to hoof in the home straight.
Race 1 Result:
First Classs (Alban de Mieulle/Ronan Thomas)
Kerless Del Roc (Ahmed Al Mehairbi/Pat Cosgrave)
Hadi de Carrere (Thomas Fourcy/Olivier Peslier)
3:34pm: Race 1 in less than 10 mins
The richest race meeting in the world of horse racing will see nine races over turf and dirt at the Meydan Racecourse today.
The action kicks off at 3:45 pm with the Dubai Kahayla Classic, a Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians. The $ 1 million dirt battle over 2000 metres was first held in 1996 at the Dubai World Cup.
Ever since its inception in 1996, the Dubai Kahayla Classic has been won by some of the best purebred Arabian horses.
Today, as many as 16 horses have been entered for the Kahayla Classic at Meydan with Hadi De Carrère being the top favourite.
3:30pm: Khaleej Times is the event's media partners
With about 15 minutes to go to the first race of the 26th renewal of the Dubai World Cup, we would like to remind our readers and those tuning in that Khaleej Times is the event's media partners.
Our team will continue to bring you all the action LIVE right through the evening. And leading our coverage is the seasoned Leslie Wilson Jr, who has reported every Dubai World Cup since its inception in 1996.
3:20pm: Dubai Style Stakes contender
Dubai World Cup at Meydan combines unparalleled racing action and a night of fashion extravaganza with Dubai glitterati congregating to witness the richest horse race in the world.
Few events can compete with the scenery and excitement that the Dubai Racing Club offers at the Meydan Racecourse.
3:15pm: Pick the winner
Pick right, win big... all you have to do is pick the horse that will win each of the races that are part of the competition and the ones that will finish in perfect order in the Trifecta and Superfecta, and you could walk away with big, big cash prizes.
2:58pm: Loyal visitor
Australian racing journalist Peter Ellis has never missed an edition of the Dubai World Cup since 2002, with 2020 the only year he had to sit out as the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
A legend at his craft, Ellis is one of the most respected names in racing journalism around the world and thinks of the Dubai World Cup as one of the best racing events worldwide.
2:39pm: Less than 60 minutes to go
Less than 60 minutes to go before the start of the first race, the $1,000,000 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians.
The action kicks off at 3:45 pm with the Dubai Kahayla Classic, a Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians. The $ 1 million dirt battle over 2000 metres was first held in 1996 at the Dubai World Cup.
Today, as many as 16 horses have been entered for the Kahayla Classic at Meydan with Hadi De Carrère being the top favourite.
2:14pm: Meydan is bursting with excitement
As the gates open, guests throng the Meydan Grandstand, eager to catch a glimpse of world-class racing, VIPs, celebrities and to enjoy a day filled with fashion, food, music and entertainment.
Organisers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that anyone, from tiny tots to adults and senior citizens, will be engaged and entertained.
There is something for everyone over six exciting hours at Meydan on race day.
1:58pm: Celebrating glitz and glamour!
The most anticipated event in Dubai's sporting and social calendar, the Dubai World Cup, gives the fashionistas a perfect opportunity to dress their best.
Few events can compete with the scenery and excitement that the Dubai Racing Club offers at the Meydan Racecourse.
The Dubai World Cup Style Stakes will take place in the fashion garden at apron views where contestants, both male and female will go head-to-head in a number of fashionable categories.
Categories and schedule
| Creative Hat | 4:25pm |
| Creative Outfit | 5:00pm |
| Best Dressed Man | 5:40pm |
| Best Dressed Lady | 6:15pm |
| Best Dressed Couple | 6:50pm |
1:35pm: The gates are open
The current edition of the cup will take place amidst the return to normalcy for the first time in two years, with last year’s edition being held without an audience, while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The day’s racing showcases not just an international field of the world’s best in racing, but also exemplified how the sport unites all as one.
1:12pm: Emirati legend chases the perfect 10 at the Dubai World Cup
The $12 million Dubai World Cup is the grand finale of the Dubai World Cup meeting tonight (8:30 pm). It’s the richest race in the world and, just like every year, it has drawn the world’s best racehorses once again.
The 2,000-metre turf race will see 10 horses break from their respective gates to launch an epic battle for the biggest prize fund in the world.
While, American superstar Life Is Good is the top favourite, Chuwa Wizard of Japan is back for another tilt at glory, having finished second to last year’s winner Mystic Guide.
But it’s Saeed bin Suroor, the legendary Emirati trainer, that will be eying his place in the pantheon of racing immortals.
The most successful trainer in the Dubai World Cup with nine race wins, Bin Suroor is aiming for the perfect 10 with Real World tonight.
The Emirati got a shot in the arm after Real World drew Gate 6 at the post-position draw.
Life Is Good still holds the edge, but the favourable draw has now put Bin Suroor in the perfect position to make history.
Did you know?
1pm: Racing enthusiasts line-up for a treat
Racing enthusiasts in the UAE are lining up at the Meydan Racecourse as it opens doors to the public after a gap of two years.
The current edition of the cup will take place amidst the return to normalcy for the first time in two years, with last year’s edition being held without an audience, while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The grandstand, which is over a mile in length and can accommodate over 60,000 spectators, is expected to be jam-packed as horse racing lovers and fans are gearing up for the start of the 26th Dubai World Cup.
12:30pm: Yibir carries Godolphin hopes
The stakes are even higher at the Dubai Sheema Classic (7: 55 pm), the eighth race of the Dubai World Cup. This turf race will be fought over 2,410 metres at Meydan.
The support act for the $12 million Dubai World Cup will have a new champion after reigning champion Mishriff ’s connections opted against making the short trip from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Dubai.
Nonetheless, the Dubai Sheema Classic almost has a full house of 15 runners, which oozes class. The field has a good mix of runners headlined by Godolphin’s Yibir. Another one of the famous Dubawi’s sons, Yibir comes into this 12-furlong affair on turf on the back of a scintillating victory in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Did you know?
With a prize fund of $6 million, the Dubai Sheema Classic is one of the richest turf races in the world.
12:20pm: A marquee event for fashionistas
Meydan Racecourse is not just about horse racing; it's a social village with activities, entertainment for all.
Few events can compete with the scenery and excitement that the Dubai Racing Club offers at the Meydan Racecourse, with off-track prizes being competed for with as much enthusiasm and style as the horses running for glory at Meydan.
Apron Views is the open-to-all-ticket holders' social village with activities and entertainment options a plenty.
Paddock View, which is located on the fourth floor of the Meydan Grandstand, is the main restaurant and offers an international buffet option (with various drinks packages), and access to an outdoor balcony.
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12:15pm: A battle between Lord North and Schnell Meister
The stakes will be higher when 14 horses line up for the Dubai Turf, the seventh race of the Dubai World Cup at 7:20 pm today.
The $5 million race over 1,800 metres is expected to produce a riveting battle as Lord North has returned to defend his Dubai Turf title.
But he is likely to face a tough challenge from Schnell Meister.
Did you know?
Saeed bin Suroor is the most successful trainer in the Dubai Turf. The legendary Emirati trainer has won this race six times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013, 2018)
12:10pm: All eyes on Dr. Schivel
As many as 13 horses will vie for the honours in the Dubai Golden Shaheen. The sixth race of the Dubai World Cup night starts at 6:45 pm.
The North Americans have a strong contingent of horses with Dr. Schivel, with the highest official rating of 119, one of the top favourites for the $2 million dirt contest over 1,200 metres.
Did you know?
Launched in 1993, the Dubai Golden Shaheen became a part of the Dubai World Cup in 1996. It attained Group 1 status, the highest standards in horse racing, in 2002.
11:55pm: Pinehurst is the horse to beat in the fifth race
The $1 million UAE Derby (6:10 pm) is the fifth race on the Dubai World Cup night. A full field of 16 horses has been entered for this dirt race over 1,900 metres.
Legendary UAE trainer Saeed bin Suroor has saddled the maximum number of winners in the G2 UAE Derby, but he may not have things his own way on Saturday.
A strong international field led by a trio of American-trained colts led by Pinehurst, will be Suroor’s biggest obstacle today.
Did you know?
Mendelssohn recorded the fastest time in this race. The 2018 winner of the UAE Derby clocked 1:55.18.
11:45am: ‘Blink and you miss’
The Al Quoz Sprint, the day’s fourth race, will take place at 5:35 pm. This 1.5 million battle on turf over 1,200 metres is for the world’s fastest horses.
Of all the nine races in this rich Dubai World Cup card, this is undoubtedly the one that can be termed as ‘blink and you miss.’
Man Of Promise is the big favourite for this sprint today.
Did you know?
Frankie Dettori is the most successful jockey in the Al Quoz Sprint. The legendary Italian jockey has won this race seven times ((1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012)
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11:30am: All roads lead to Meydan
The excitement is back with a bang and the stage is all set at Dubai’s iconic Meydan Racecourse today.
The majestic venue plays host to a world-class day of racing highlighted by the 26th renewal of the $30.5 (Dh112.03) million Dubai World Cup meeting.
Featuring nine glittering races, including a $1 (Dh3.67) million event for Purebred Arabian horses, the day is a heady mix of high-class racing, glorious Arabian tradition, haute couture, culinary delights, and pulsating entertainment as the grand finale.
11:27am: Delays expected on Meydan Road today
A delay is expected on Meydan Road today from 2pm to midnight due to the Dubai World Cup.
In a tweet, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) urged motorists to use alternative roads and start their journey early to reach their destination on time.
11:25am: Al Nefud the favourite for the Godolphin Mile
The $1 million Godolphin Mile is the second race today (4:20 pm). A full field of 16 horses has been entered for this 1,600 metres Group 2 dirt race.
Al Nefud, who was purchased at the Racing in Dubai Sale last September, will be the top contender for this race.
Did you know?
The Godolphin Mile was first staged in 1994 and it became a part of the Dubai World Cup meeting at the inaugural edition of the world’s richest race day in 1996.
11:10am Which is the first race today?
11am : Here's the lineup of races taking place today
| Dubai Kahayla Classic Sponsored By Ithra Dubai | Race 1 — 3:45pm | $1,000,000 |
| Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Nakheel | Race 2 — 4.20pm | $1,000,000 |
| Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors | Race 3 — 4:55pm | $1,000,000 |
| Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments | Race 4 — 5.35pm | $1,500,000 |
| UAE Derby Sponsored By Mubadala | Race 5 — 6.10pm | $1,000,000 |
| Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored By Atlantis Dubao | Race 6 — 6:45pm | $2,000,000 |
| Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World | Race 7 — 7:20pm | $5,000,000 |
| Longines Dubai Sheema Classic | Race 8 — 7:55pm | $6,000,000 |
| Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline | Race 9 — 8.30pm | $12,000,000 |
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