The Dubai World Cup 2025 at Meydan Racecourse opened in style with three thrilling races that set the tone for a spectacular evening of international horse racing. The card began with the Dubai Kahayla Classic, followed by the Dubai Gold Cup and the Godolphin Mile, each delivering standout performances and compelling storylines that highlighted the depth of talent assembled at this world-renowned event.
The curtain-raiser to Dubai World Cup night, the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic, was contested over 2000 metres on a fast dirt track and featured some of the top Purebred Arabians in the world. FIRST CLASSS (US), an 8-year-old grey gelding by Dahess, took centre stage with a powerful display under jockey Connor Beasley. Trained by Doug Watson, FIRST CLASSS stopped the clock at 2:12.65 to win. TILAL AL KHALEDIAH (SA), trained by Nasser Mutlaq Alkahtani and ridden by Adel Al Furaydi, mounted a strong late challenge but had to settle for second. Third place went to MUBEED (AE), trained by Jaber Bittar and ridden by Ray Dawson, who finished nearly eight lengths behind the winner. DJAFAR (FR) came in fourth for trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri and jockey Silvestre De Sousa, recording a time of 2:16.00, while TARIQ (FR), ridden by Maxime Guyon for Majed Al Jahoori, secured fifth in 2:16.25. The race reinforced the dominance of FIRST CLASSS in the Purebred Arabian division and marked a stellar beginning to World Cup day for trainer Doug Watson.
The second race of the evening, the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, tested stamina over 3200 metres on turf. On a sunlit afternoon with good track conditions, DUBAI FUTURE (GB) produced a vintage staying performance to claim the win in 3:21.50. The 9-year-old bay gelding, was given a well-judged ride by Silvestre De Sousa for trainer Saeed bin Suroor. DOUBLE MAJOR (IRE), a 5-year-old, chased hard but finished 2.16 lengths behind in second place under the jockey Maxime Guyon and trainer Christophe Ferland. EPIC POET (IRE) followed in third, trained by David O’Meara and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, a further length and a half back. PASSION AND GLORY (IRE), under the trainer Saeed bin Suroor, finished fourth with jockey Oisin Murphy in a time of 3:22.04, just over three and a half lengths behind the winner. TRAWLERMAN (IRE), trained by John & Thady Gosden and ridden by William Buick, completed the top five in 3:22.13. The Dubai Gold Cup once again proved to be a true test of staying prowess, and DUBAI FUTURE’s class and consistency shone through in a fiercely contested field.
The third race of the night, the Group 2 Godolphin Mile, brought the dirt milers into focus over 1600 metres. RAGING TORRENT (USA), a 4-year-old bay colt, delivered a commanding performance under star jockey Lanfranco Dettori. Trained by Doug O’Neill, it had a dominant win in 1:36.69. KING GOLD (FR), an 8-year-old grey trained by Nicolas Caullery and ridden by Adrie de Vries, stayed on gamely for second. KAZU PETRIN (JPN), a 5-year-old, trained by Manabu Ikezoe and ridden by Cristian Demuro, took third place, finishing just behind the runner-up. STEAL SUNSHINE (USA), trained by Robert Di Bona and piloted by Christophe Lemaire, ran fourth with a time of 1:37.65, 6.54 lengths behind the leader. MENDELSSOHN BAY (USA), trained by Bhupat Seemar and ridden by Richard Mullen, completed the top five in 1:37.86. RAGING TORRENT’s front-running style and acceleration in the stretch proved unbeatable, making him one to watch in future mile contests.
The first three races of the Dubai World Cup day provided a high-quality opening to an evening of racing that builds up to the main event carrying a staggering total purse of USD 12,000,000. With thrilling finishes, international flair, and proven champions, Meydan once again delivered on its promise of world-class racing under the lights.
