The Dubai World Cup 2025 unfolded on April 5, showcasing a thrilling day of horse racing at the Meydan Racecourse, where champions were crowned across multiple prestigious events. This year’s edition was particularly notable as it featured a blend of seasoned competitors and rising stars, with several Japanese horses making a significant impact.
The day kicked off with the Dubai Golden Cup (G2) at 22:10, where the 9-year-old horse Dubai Future, ridden by S. Desousa, clinched victory. This marked a remarkable comeback for Dubai Future, who had taken the entirety of 2024 off before returning to the track and winning the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (G3) in February 2025. With this victory, Dubai Future secured his second consecutive graded race win. Desousa’s win in the Dubai Golden Cup also holds historical significance, as it was his first victory in this event since 2013, when he rode Cavalryman to glory.
Following this, the Godolphin Mile (G2) commenced at 22:45. Raging Torrent, under the guidance of renowned jockey L. Dettori, emerged victorious. Raging Torrent had previously made headlines by winning the G1 race after competing in the 2024 BC Sprint and the Malibu Stakes, making this win a notable addition to his resume. Japanese competitor Kazuto Dashion showed impressive form, finishing third, while Peptido Nail struggled, crossing the line in 11th place.
Next up was the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) at 23:20, where the speedy mare Believing, ridden by W. Buick, took the win. Believing had been a strong contender in the European sprint circuit in 2024, frequently clashing with the top sprinter, Blood Cell, and this win further solidified her reputation. Win Carnelian from Japan put up a strong fight, finishing just behind in second place.
The UAE Derby (G2) at midnight saw Admire Daytona, ridden by C. Lemaire, take the crown. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the fourth consecutive win for Japanese horses in this race, following in the footsteps of Lani, Crown Pride, and Delma Sotogake. Admire Daytona edged out Heart of Honor in a thrilling finish, with Don Iron and Shin Foil Ever securing third and fourth places, respectively.
At 24:40, the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) showcased the local talent, with Dark Saffron claiming the victory. Despite being rated the lowest among the competitors, Dark Saffron’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, overcoming the odds to win. Nakatomi finished in second place, while Tads, who had been favored in Japan with odds of 1.8, came in third.
The Dubai Turf (G1) at 25:15 witnessed yet another victory for Japan, as Soul Rush, ridden by C. Demuro, narrowly defeated Hong Kong's top horse, Romantic Warrior, in a nail-biting finish. This victory marked the seventh win for Japanese horses in the Dubai Turf, showcasing their dominance in this prestigious event. Margeum completed the podium in third place.
In the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at 25:50, Danon Decile, under the skilled guidance of Yuga Kawada, triumphed, further adding to the success of Japanese horses on this grand stage. Kalandargan and Do It Asset followed closely behind, finishing second and third, respectively. This win was particularly sweet as it marked the sixth time a Japanese horse has won this race, following notable champions like Gentildonna and Equinox.
Finally, the day culminated with the Dubai World Cup (G1) at 26:30, where Hit Show, with odds of 58.0, stunned the crowd by clinching the title. Ridden by F. Geroux, Hit Show managed to catch the frontrunner, Mixst, in the final moments of the race, marking Geroux’s first victory in the Dubai World Cup after previously finishing second in 2017. Forever Young, also representing Japan, finished a commendable third.
The Dubai World Cup Day 2025 not only highlighted the prowess of international horses but also showcased the depth of talent coming from Japan, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the horse racing world. With multiple wins across the card, the Japanese contingent left an indelible mark on this year’s event, and fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for these remarkable athletes.
