Run since 1996, first at Nad Al Sheba and currently at Meydan, the Dubai World Cup is the worlds richest race in racing. The US had dominated the race with 8 (9 if you include Street Cry's even though he was moved to Godolphin) wins in the race. However, all of those where on dirt. Since the move to Tapeta, it has become more of internationally leveled with two of the past three winners being born outside of either Europe and North America. The following is just a few of the winners of this prestigious race.
2000- Dubai Millnium (GB): He only lost once in his career (Epsom Derby) and he never won Cartier Award (Europe's version of the Eclipse Awards). It's been reported that he was Sheik Mohammed's favorite horse.
2007- Invasor (ARG):His lone loss in his career was in 2006 in the UAE Derby (which he was eligible for as a Southern Hemisphere 3yo). Not only was he able to win the race, but also turn the tables on Discreet Cat who the year before won the UAE Derby.
1996- Cigar: Already a superstar back home in the States when he won inaugural DWC, this was win 14 in his sixteen straight win streak. Cigar was the first of what is currently 4 Breeders' Cup Classic winners to turn their win into Dubai World Cup wins the next year. The other three are Pleasantly Perfect, Invasor (ARG) and Curlin.
2000- Dubai Millnium (GB): He only lost once in his career (Epsom Derby) and he never won Cartier Award (Europe's version of the Eclipse Awards). It's been reported that he was Sheik Mohammed's favorite horse.
2007- Invasor (ARG):His lone loss in his career was in 2006 in the UAE Derby (which he was eligible for as a Southern Hemisphere 3yo). Not only was he able to win the race, but also turn the tables on Discreet Cat who the year before won the UAE Derby.
2009-Well Armed: Dubai had been a place of joy and heartbreak for his connections. An injury suffered in the UAE Derby two years before required surgery that had complications and almost cost him his life. After a poor showing in the BC Dirt Mile, people where doubting him. However, he and his rider Aaron Gryder showed that what had happened in that race was a fluke. They where able to turn the tables on Albert the Great who had win he Mile. It was also the last time the race was held on dirt.
2011- Victoire Pisa (JPN): Just weeks after a horrible earthquake and tsunami, rocked the country of Japan, they needed a hero. They got it from an unlikely source. Not only did Japan win the race, but they finished second too with Japan Cup Dirt winner Transend.
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