On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the global horse racing community will experience an unprecedented day of top-tier events across three continents. This remarkable convergence includes the prestigious Dubai World Cup, the iconic Grand National at Aintree, and the commencement of the Indian Racing Carnival at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
The Dubai World Cup, hosted at Meydan Racecourse, stands as a pinnacle in the international racing calendar. The day’s festivities feature nine races, commencing at 4:35 PM with the Dubai Kahayla Classic (G1) for Purebred Arabians over 2000m on dirt, offering a purse of USD 1 million. Subsequent highlights include the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) at 5:10 PM, a 3200m turf race with a USD 1 million prize, and the Godolphin Mile (G2) at 5:45 PM, covering 1600m on dirt for the same purse. Speed enthusiasts will be captivated by the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) at 6:20 PM, a 1200m turf dash worth USD 1.5 million. The UAE Derby (G2) at 7:00 PM, a 1900m dirt race for 3-year-olds, also carries a USD 1 million purse. The excitement escalates with the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at 7:40 PM, a 1200m dirt sprint boasting a USD 2 million prize. The evening’s climax features the Dubai Turf (G1) at 8:15 PM over 1800m on turf for USD 5 million, followed by the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at 8:50 PM, a 2410m turf contest with a USD 6 million purse. The grand finale, the Dubai World Cup (G1), unfolds at 9:30 PM, where elite thoroughbreds compete over 2000m on dirt for an astounding USD 12 million, reinforcing its status as one of the richest races globally.
Concurrently, the Grand National Day at Aintree promises an exhilarating lineup of races. Gates open at 10:00 AM, with the first race commencing at 1:20 PM—the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) over 3m ½f. The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) follows at 1:55 PM, covering 2m 4f for emerging talents. At 2:30 PM, the William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Premier Handicap), also known as the Freebooter Handicap, spans 3m 1f. The prestigious Ivy Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) over 3m ½f takes place at 3:05 PM. The day’s highlight, the Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, starts at 4:00 PM, challenging runners over 4m 2½f in one of the world’s most renowned races. The excitement continues with the Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1, 2m) at 5:00 PM and concludes at 5:35 PM with the Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2, 2m 1f). All the races will be broadcasted on ITV channel.
In India, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai will host the Indian Racing Carnival, blending the thrill of horse racing with festive celebrations. Top horses will compete in prestigious races, vying for substantial prize money. This event promises an extravagant experience for racegoers, meticulously organized to deliver unparalleled excitement and showcase the best of Indian horse racing.
