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Racing enthusiast Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday issued directives to increase the prize money for the Dubai World Cup horse race.
Sheikh Mohammed, also UAE Prime Minister and Vice President, tweeted that the top prize will be raised to $12 million while total prize money will total $35 million.
While the Dubai World Cup retains plenty of its prestige, it was usurped as the world’s most lucrative race two years ago by the Pegasus World Cup which this year offers a top prize of $16 million.
Sheikh Mohammed also issued directives to increase the total prize money given away at other races held at the Meydan Racecourse to $1.83 million, effective from the 2018-2019 racing season.
Meydan Group chairman Saeed Humaid Al Tayer thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his continuous support for the development of horse racing and the Dubai World Cup, which was launched more than 20 years ago.
He said the increase in the event’s prize money highlights Sheikh Mohammed’s keenness to support the growth of horse racing, and ensure that the UAE has a superior infrastructure for the development of sport in general and horse racing in particular.
In April, Thunder Snow stormed to a shock victory in the Dubai World Cup to give Godolphin their seventh win in the race, after holding off favourite West Coast.
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