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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.

Announcements

Canada Super 60 names Women’s Trophy after cricketing legend Mel Jones

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Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket.
Canada Super 60 is the world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side event to launch with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season. The league will be staged under the roof of the iconic BC Place in Vancouver, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent.

As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition will not only create awareness but also honour trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.

This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones—not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and the ICC has widely recognized her efforts. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021, helping coordinate their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers. In recognition of these efforts, she was honoured with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.

Thanks to her advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad including two who are now living in Canada, following the Canadian government’s support for their refugee applications. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion. Mel Jones on Receiving the Honour said “This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”

The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8–13, 2025.

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Sports

DP World announces 2026 global schedule with record $157.5 million prize money and exciting new venues

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Golf fans, mark your calendars. The DP World Tour has announced its blockbuster 2026 global schedule, featuring 42 tournaments across 25 countries and a record-breaking $157.5 million prize fund (excluding the Majors).

Headlining the season are two exciting highlights:

  • The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship in Barcelona (May 7-10), making its debut at Real Club de Golf El Prat. The event celebrates Spain’s growing importance in world golf ahead of hosting the 2031 Ryder Cup.
  • A brand-new venue for the Amgen Irish Open, which will be staged at Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, from September 10-13.

The 2026 schedule will once again be divided into five Global Swings, the Back 9, and the DP World Tour Play-Offs, culminating with the Race to Dubai finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.

Dubai remains at the heart of the season with three tournaments:

  • The Dubai Invitational (January 15-18)
  • The prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22-25), part of the Rolex Series
  • The season-ending DP World Tour Championship (November 12-15)

Other Rolex Series events include the Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Championship, ensuring fans will see top fields competing for major points and prestige.

Key Changes for Players

The DP World Tour also confirmed updates to its membership structure to create more balance and clarity. Among the changes:

  • Only the top 100 players will keep full cards for 2027 (previously 110).
  • Fewer Qualifying School spots: 15 cards instead of 20.
  • Conditional categories for those finishing just outside the cut-off.

DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings said:

“Our 2026 schedule once again showcases our global talent in global destinations as we celebrate the diversity of the courses and cultures we visit.”


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Events

Hero Dubai Desert Classic launches global Green Incubator Challenge 

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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic isn’t just about world-class golf anymore; it’s about shaping a greener future.

In partnership with Deloitte, the tournament has launched the Green Incubator Challenge, a first-of-its-kind global call for ideas that could transform how sports and entertainment events tackle climate change.

The challenge is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and companies worldwide. Organisers say they’re looking for both fresh concepts and ready-to-deploy solutions that can make events more sustainable.

And here’s the big prize: the winning idea will be rolled out at the 2027 DP World Tour and Rolex Series tournament — giving it a global platform.

To help participants succeed, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic team and Deloitte will provide expert mentoring, guidance, and evaluation, ensuring that the solutions are not only bold but also practical and scalable.

“Through this challenge, we aim to identify visionary ideas that will shape the future of sustainable events globally,” said Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

The initiative is also part of the DP World Tour’s Green Drive programme, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.

Key Dates 

  • November 18 – Shortlist announced
  • December 19 – Three finalists revealed
  • 2026 Tournament – Final pitches to expert judges

With this challenge, Dubai is sending a clear message: the future of global events must be sustainable, and innovation starts here.

To register for the challenge, visit https://dubaidesertclassic.com

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