On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse showcased a spectacular evening of horse racing, with a staggering prize pot of $30.5 million across nine thrilling races. The highlight of the night was the Grade 1, $12 million Dubai World Cup, where American horse Hit Show, ridden by Florent Geroux, pulled off a stunning upset to claim victory.
Hit Show, trained by Brad Cox and owned by Wathnan Racing, won the prestigious race in a time of 2:03.50, finishing just ahead of Mixto, who had been a strong contender throughout the race. With odds at 41-1, Hit Show's victory was unexpected, as he surged past Mixto in the final furlong, earning a winner's purse of $6.96 million.
Mixto, ridden by the legendary Frankie Dettori and trained by Doug O’Neill, took second place, securing a cash prize of $2.4 million. Meanwhile, the Japanese horse Forever Young, who was the favorite and had previously won the Saudi Cup, finished third under jockey Ryusei Sakai, earning $1.2 million. The Saudi horse Walk of Stars rounded out the top four.
Florent Geroux expressed his disbelief at the win, stating, "Only at the (sixteenth pole) did I think I could win when I passed a lot of horses. Forever Young was my target, and he was not traveling at all. I tried to find another horse to follow. From there my horse was game. For some reason, he just runs for me all the time. He is amazing." The victory marked a significant achievement for trainer Brad Cox, who was unable to attend the event but celebrated from afar, saying, "It’s unbelievable. I would have loved to be there... it’s a great accomplishment, and we have a great team that allows us to spread ourselves out and travel when the opportunities are there."
The Dubai World Cup was not just about the main event; several other races featured impressive performances. In the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Japan's Danon Decile, ridden by Keita Tosaki, claimed victory over 2,410 meters, finishing in 2:27.05 and earning $3.48 million. This win added to Japan's growing reputation in international racing.
In a nail-biting finish, Soul Rush, also from Japan, triumphed in the Dubai Turf, covering 1,800 meters in a time of 1:45.84, and pocketing $2.9 million. Under jockey Cristian Demuro, Soul Rush proved his mettle, showcasing a late surge that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Dark Saffron, another highlight of the night, won the Dubai Golden Shaheen, finishing the 1,200-meter sprint in 1:11.41. Ridden by Connor Beasley, Dark Saffron's victory was unexpected, as he outperformed several favorites to take home $1.16 million. Beasley’s skillful ride was crucial in securing this win.
Meanwhile, the Al Quoz Sprint saw British mare Believing, trained by George Boughey and ridden by William Buick, clinch victory in a time of 1:07.77, earning $870,000. This win marked Believing's first Group 1 victory, showcasing her potential on the international stage.
In the Dubai Gold Cup, Dubai Future, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, emerged victorious over 3,200 meters, finishing in 3:21.50 and claiming a prize of $580,000. This victory was particularly significant as it marked a successful return for Dubai Future, who had previously faced soundness issues and a lengthy layoff.
First Classs, trained by Doug Watson and ridden by Connor Beasley, won the Dubai Kahayla Classic, becoming the first horse to reclaim the title after previously winning in 2022. With a finishing time of 2:12.65, First Classs added another prestigious win to his record, highlighting the horse's consistency and resilience.
The evening was filled with excitement and drama, as fans witnessed thrilling races and remarkable performances from both established stars and rising talents. The Dubai World Cup not only celebrated the best in horse racing but also served as a platform for international competitors to showcase their skills.
As the night concluded, the racing community reflected on the significance of the Dubai World Cup as a premier event in the global racing calendar. With Hit Show's victory, the stage is now set for the Breeders' Cup Classic on November 1, 2025, at Del Mar, where he will be among the favorites, furthering his impressive career.
The Dubai World Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for its substantial prize money but for the unforgettable moments and the stories of triumph that unfolded on the track, leaving fans eagerly anticipating next year's event.
