Dubai World Cup: The richest race day returns with $35 million prize purse

Boasting the most expensive prize purse in horse racing, it’s no wonder the Dubai World Cup attracts the very best of the equine world.

Held at the Meydan Racecourse, the prestigious meeting marks the end of the UAE racing season, bringing together the world’s top jockeys, trainers and thoroughbreds.

On Saturday, a cool $35 million will be up for grabs across the six Group 1 and three Group 2 races, culminating in the showpiece Dubai World Cup – a suitable finale for such a glamorous setting.

READ: Dubai ruler wins Melbourne Cup after 30 years and millions of dollars

Meydan Racecourse, Dubai —

Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a first-class racing destination.

St. Moritz, Switzerland —

St. Moritz is known for world-class skiing, glitz, glamor and...horse racing? The venue for the White Turf event, held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Instead, it's held on a frozen lake.

Flemington Racecourse, Australia —

Flemington is Australia's oldest metropolitan racecourse and home to the famous Melbourne Cup. The revamped venue was first used in 1840 when the town of Melbourne was just five years old.

Piazza del Campo, Italy —

Simply put, there is no racecourse in the world quite like the Piazza del Campo in Italy. Its origins date back to medieval times when jockeys rode buffalo. The piazza is packed with spectators with racing around the outside.

Happy Valley, Hong Kong —

Happy Valley Racecourse was built in 1845 to provide horse racing for expat Britons living in Hong Kong. It's surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers -- giving visitors an unusually beautiful scenic view.

Ascot, England —

Just the name "Ascot" conjures visions of royalty, elegance, high fashion and world-class racing. The racecourse was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne, and Royal Ascot is still one of the most celebrated meetings on the calendar.

Chantilly, France —

Spectacular and timeless, historic Chantilly sits in front of the 16th-century Chateau de Chantilly and the majestic Great Stables (pictured) amid forests 30 miles north of Paris.

Laytown Races, Ireland —

Laytown Races is the only official beach race in Europe. Situated on the Irish coast, the 150-year-old tradition attracts more than 5000 regular visitors every year. Horses race along the sands on a makeshift course.

Goodwood Racecourse, England —

The rolling Sussex countryside unfolds in front of one of the most iconic venues in flat racing. Goodwood has hosted racing since 1802 and offers the perfect setting for the famous Glorious Goodwood meeting.

Cheltenham Racecourse, England —

Cheltenham is a shrine to jump racing against the idyllic backdrop of the Cotswold hills. It hosts the prestigious Cheltenham Festival every March, the highlight of the world's jump racing calendar.

The world's most beautiful racecourses

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Gwen Stefani

Dubai has hosted the lucrative racing day every year since it was launched by ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1996.

Initially held at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the event moved to the magnificent Meydan Racecourse in 2010, allowing it to flourish into the huge social and sporting spectacle it is today.

Stretching for nearly a mile along the home straight, the impressive grandstand can hold 80,000 spectators and is a suitable venue for such a prestigious event – with ticket prices rising to more than $1,200.

The facility boasts a nine-hole golf course as well as luxury five-star hotel, including roof top swimming pool, which positions residents at the heart of the action.

“This is a once-seen-never-forgotten behemoth, shown to best effect after dark, when the distinctive crescent-shaped roof that rests atop this iconic building stands illuminated beneath the desert night sky,” wrote Nicholas Godfrey on AtTheRaces.com.

“It would be hard to envisage a more atmospheric venue.”

However, it’s not just world-class racing on offer during the spectacle. In recent years, some of the world’s biggest pop stars have headlined a concert that starts after the final race.

This year about 60,000 racegoers will see Gwen Stefani join an illustrious alumni which includes Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue and Janet Jackson.

“Meydan,” after all, is Arabic for “A place where people congregate.”

READ: How young Qatari sheikh shook up horse racing

READ: The Gran Premio Latinoamericano – The Champions League of horse racing

The newly created Saudi Cup in February 2020 will offer a purse of $20 million with a first prize of $10 million.

Eye-popping prizes —

The Pegasus World Cup was the richest horse race in 2018, with an improved prize fund of $16 million. The event was re-imagined for 2019 with a reduced pot of $9M for the dirt race and $7M for a separate turf race.

Dubai World Cup —

The $12 million Dubai World Cup was usurped by the Pegasus, but still offers an eye-watering $7.2 million for the winner. Godolphin's Thunder Snow won in 2018 and 2019.

The Everest —

Now considered Australia's richest race, The Everest is also the world's richest race over turf with the prize pot almost $10M. The race's prize fund is set to rise even further in 2020.