Sports

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

Published

1 year ago

April 7, 2025

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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)

Michael Gomes

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.

Sports

DP World ILT20 Season 4 shatters records with 397 million viewers and 2.5 billion video views

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has officially cemented its status as a global cricket powerhouse. Following the conclusion of Season 4, new data reveals the league has tightened its grip as the second-most watched cricket league in the world, reaching a staggering 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms.

This represents a 7.49% increase over Season 3, fuelled by expansive broadcast syndication and the maiden title victory of the Desert Vipers on January 4, 2026.

Digital dominance: 2.5 billion views

While the TV numbers are impressive, the league’s digital footprint saw an even more explosive surge. DP World ILT20 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, amassed over 2.5 billion video views during the season.

“This season we have further strengthened our position… with significant gains across all platforms,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.

“Our digital content, focusing on both high-stakes action and off-field fan engagement, has truly resonated with a global audience.”

Season 4 statistical highlights

Global Reach: 397 million unique viewers (7.49% YoY growth).
Viral Content: Over 350 social media posts surpassed the 1 million views mark.
Star Power: Features elite talent including Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Joseph Eapen, Managing Partner at GSIQ, noted that for such a young tournament, achieving this level of international relevance is a “highly credible and noteworthy achievement.”

With Season 4 in the books, the league is already looking toward the future. Officials have confirmed that dates for Season 5 will be unveiled in the coming days, promising an even larger spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

News

Dubai airport welcomes travellers with special Dubai World Cup passport stamp

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.

The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.

A grand sporting celebration

The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.

This year’s event promises high-stakes action:

100 horses from top international stables
Nine races across the evening
Total prize pool of $30.5 million

Spotlight on the main race

The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:

“Hit Show” – last year’s winner
“Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
“Imperial Emperor”
“Meidan” – Super Saturday winner

A memorable arrival experience

The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.

With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.

News

Football superstar Erling Haaland invests in Norway Chess to launch global ‘Total Chess’ Championship Tour

Published

3 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Soccer superstar Erling Haaland has announced a major investment in Norway Chess, backing the launch of a new global competition format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour.

The initiative, unveiled in Oslo, aims to transform chess into a more spectator-friendly and widely accessible sport. Haaland has partnered with Norwegian business leader Morten Borge to establish a new company, Chess Mates, which will become a significant stakeholder in Norway Chess.

Haaland said his investment reflects a strong belief in chess as both a mental discipline and a global spectator sport.

“Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead,” he said.

The newly announced Total Chess World Championship Tour is set to feature four tournaments annually across different cities, bringing together the world’s top players. The competition will crown an overall world champion based on combined performance in three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

The tour has been approved by the International Chess Federation for a minimum of 16 years, underscoring its long-term ambition and significance within the global chess calendar.

A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the first full season expected in 2027. Each season will include four events and offer a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million.

Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, welcomed Haaland’s involvement, describing it as a major step forward for the sport.

He said Haaland’s global influence and appeal would help attract new audiences and elevate the profile of chess worldwide, adding that preparations are now in the final stages to secure host cities for the inaugural tour.

With millions of fans worldwide, Haaland’s move into chess investment signals a growing crossover between elite sport and strategic mind games, potentially reshaping how chess is consumed and followed globally.