The Dubai World Cup draws many of the best horses in the world each year with huge purses and a festive atmosphere. This year’s World Cup is set for Saturday – get up to speed on the annual desert showpiece with the eight quick facts from America's Best Racing below.
1. The total purse for the Dubai World Cup is $10 million. Another $19 million is up for grabs in the seven other Thoroughbred stakes on the card, making it the richest night of racing on the planet.
2. A total of 11 American-trained horses have won the race, including the first edition (Cigar, 1996), and the most recent edition (Arrogate, 2017).
3. Two jockeys have seven World Cup wins between them: Jerry Bailey (four) and Frankie Dettori (three). No other jockeys have won the race more than once in its 22 runnings.
4. Forever Unbridled could become the first filly or mare ever to win the race if she is successful on Saturday. The race is scheduled to be her final career start before retiring to become a broodmare. Chilean-bred mare Furia Cruzada is also slated to compete in the race.
5. Trainer Bob Baffert has won the race three times, including last year with Arrogate. He brings probable favorite West Coast to this year’s edition, as well as Mubtaahij.
6. There will be no on-track betting at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday. Gambling is illegal in Dubai, but several overseas outlets will offer betting on the race.
7. Half of the 10 expected Dubai World Cup starters are American-trained: Forever Unbridled, Gunnevera, Mubtaahij, Pavel, and West Coast. Two more starters that might be familiar to U.S. fans: 2017 Kentucky Derby starter Thunder Snow and 2017 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Talismanic.
8. The last two horses named American Horse of the Year both ran in that year’s Dubai World Cup: California Chrome, first in 2016, and Gun Runner, second in 2017.
Check out more horse racing betting breakdowns and insight at America's Best Racing.
