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Dubai World Cup draws over 1 billion viewers as ‘Hit Show’ wins historic $12 million top prize at Meydan

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The 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup delivered a night to remember, with over 1 billion worldwide tuning in on Saturday night to watch the action live from Meydan Racecourse and a record-breaking $30.5 million prize pool up for grabs.

Topping the night’s drama was a historic win in the $12 million main event, the richest race in global horse racing, as “Hit Show”, representing Qatar’s Wathnan Racing and ridden by Florent Geroux, surged to a sensational victory.

Watched by more than 60,000 fans in the stands and broadcasted across 170 countries, the event once again reinforced Dubai’s position as a powerhouse in horse racing.

“This is exactly how I imagined it,” Geroux said after the race. “I always ride Hit Show the same wa, and he always gives me everything he’s got.”

The race wasn’t short on drama. Geroux kept a close eye on rival Forever Young throughout, and when the moment came, he powered through with perfect timing.

A Global Spectacle

Broadcast across the world, the Dubai World Cup once again proved why it’s a highlight on the global racing calendar. From world-class organisation to cinematic broadcasts and family-friendly fan zones, the event had something for everyone.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager of the Emirates Racing Authority, praised the event as a reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The event has positioned the UAE as a global leader in equestrian sports. “The Dubai World Cup continues to stand out globally, uniting the best horses, jockeys, and trainers,” Al Shehhi said.

He also applauded the Dubai Racing Club, led by Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, for delivering a flawless event that wowed international guests and elevated the UAE’s reputation on the world stage.

Victories for the UAE and Japan

While “Hit Show” stole the spotlight, Team UAE had its reasons to celebrate. Local favourite “Dubai Future”, trained by Emirati legend Saeed bin Suroor, took home the title in the Dubai Gold Cup, defying the odds at nine years old.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s ‘Dark Saffron’ claimed glory in the prestigious Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, shining a light on the country’s growing prowess in international racing.

In one of the most emotional moments of the night, Cristian Demuro rode Japan’s “Soul Rush” to a stunning photo-finish win in the Dubai Turf, flipping the heartbreak of last year’s narrow loss into a triumphant victory.

“Last year, I lost by a nose,” Demuro said. “This year, I won by a nose. Luck was on my side.”

Meydan’s Legacy

Fifteen years after it opened, Meydan Racecourse remains one of the most advanced and prestigious venues in the world. Its cutting-edge facilities and high-level hospitality continue to draw top-tier talent and fans from across the globe.

Abdulaziz Al Maraziq, Executive Director of Dubai Stud, summed it up best: “The Dubai World Cup is now a symbol of excellence, not just in racing, but in organisation, hospitality, and international appeal.”

(Source: Wam)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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DP World ILT20 donates tournament gear to children in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket applications to open on September 10

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Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.

“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”

Key tournament dates

  • Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 Mexico City
  • Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey

The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.

What fans can expect

  • 48 national teams competing
  • Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
  • 6.5 million fans expected to attend
  • First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025

Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament

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Jannik Sinner triumphs over adversity to win first Wimbledon Title

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Jannik Sinner made history on Sunday by defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to claim his first Wimbledon title, becoming Italy’s first-ever singles champion at the All England Club. The 23-year-old world No. 1 overcame months of personal and professional challenges to lift his fourth Grand Slam trophy and his first since returning from a doping-related ban.

Sinner’s victory marks a remarkable comeback after a turbulent start to the year. Though he won the Australian Open in January, his career was briefly clouded by controversy when he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol. Tennis authorities later cleared Sinner of fault, stating the substance entered his system via a massage cream applied by a member of his support team. Despite the ruling, he served a voluntary three-month suspension imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), returning to competition in May.

“Very emotional, even if I don’t cry,” Sinner told reporters after his win. “Only me and the people who are close to me know what we have been through on and off the court. It has been everything except easy.”

Sunday’s victory was especially sweet as it came just weeks after Sinner lost a heart-wrenching French Open final to Alcaraz, where he had three match points. The Wimbledon win also snapped a five-match losing streak against the Spaniard.

Sinner credited his team, including Australian coach Darren Cahill, for helping him regain focus and confidence.

“We’ve tried to push every practice session, even if I was struggling at times mentally,” he said. “I feel like when I play the match, I can switch off and just play. That helped me a lot.”

Cahill praised Sinner’s resilience, noting the Italian’s mental strength in overcoming the Roland Garros disappointment.

“You could see from his first match here that he wasn’t carrying any baggage from Paris. That’s not easy to do,” said Cahill. “For him to wipe that away and bring this mentality is 100% credit to him.”

Sinner himself reflected on the lessons learned in Paris, saying the loss made him more determined.

“I always tried to be honest with myself and to accept it,” he said. “If you lose a Grand Slam final that way, it’s much better than when someone just outplays you.”

With his Wimbledon win, Sinner cements his place among tennis’s elite, proving that mental fortitude can be just as crucial as physical talent in the journey to greatness.

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