When it comes to horse racing in the Middle East, few events rival the grandeur and international prestige of the Dubai World Cup. Held under the iconic lights of Meydan Racecourse, this annual celebration of speed, power, and elegance draws some of the finest racehorses, most talented jockeys, and world-renowned trainers from across the globe. At the heart of this electrifying atmosphere is one man who has become synonymous with winning: Saeed bin Suroor.
A living legend in the world of thoroughbred racing, Bin Suroor is preparing for yet another iconic night at the 2025 Dubai World Cup. This time, his eyes are set on the Dubai Gold Cup—one of the premier Group 2 races on the evening’s card—where he will field two powerful contenders from the world-famous Godolphin stables: Dubai Future and Passion and Glory.
With $1 million in prize money and international prestige on the line, the stage is set for a compelling showdown, where history and horsepower collide.
A Trainer with a Record Like No Other
Saeed bin Suroor is no stranger to success, particularly at the Dubai World Cup. Since the event’s inception in 1996, he has carved his name into the annals of racing history, winning the main race not once, not twice, but an astonishing nine times. These victories, achieved in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019, have positioned him as the most successful trainer in the history of the competition.
Each of these triumphs carried with it not just personal glory, but national pride. Representing the UAE on a stage watched by millions, Bin Suroor’s wins have helped cement Dubai’s place at the pinnacle of the international horse racing circuit.
Now, in 2025, he’s aiming to extend that legacy with another victory—not necessarily in the Dubai World Cup race itself, but in the prestigious Dubai Gold Cup, a 3,200-meter marathon for seasoned stayers that demands stamina, strategy, and an exceptional bond between horse and rider.
Godolphin’s Glory: Dubai’s Royal Blue Empire
The names Dubai Future and Passion and Glory may be familiar to those who follow international racing, particularly the exploits of Godolphin—the elite global racing operation
founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Godolphin has become one of the most successful stables in the history of the sport, with horses competing and winning in prestigious races across continents. But Dubai remains its beating heart, and no event carries more emotional weight than the Dubai World Cup.
With Dubai Future and Passion and Glory, Saeed bin Suroor is bringing experience, depth, and serious talent to the 2025 Dubai Gold Cup. Both horses have showcased class and resilience on the global stage and now return to the desert in pursuit of more silverware.
Dubai World Cup: Where the World Watches the UAE Shine
Since its first edition in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has grown into one of the richest and most glamorous nights in global sport. Held every March at Meydan, the event draws participants and spectators from every corner of the globe. From Europe’s turf experts to America’s dirt track champions, from Japan’s dynamic finishers to Australia’s distance kings—the field is always fierce, and the competition is always elite.
More than just a horse race, the Dubai World Cup is a celebration of the UAE’s rise as a cultural, sporting, and economic powerhouse. It represents the country’s commitment to excellence, hospitality, and international cooperation. The event serves as a platform for showcasing Dubai’s world-class facilities, progressive vision, and its ability to host global spectacles that blend tradition and modernity.
The 2025 edition promises no less. With state-of-the-art training grounds, luxurious amenities for international teams, and one of the most advanced racecourses on Earth, Meydan will once again demonstrate why Dubai is the capital of international flat racing in the region.
The Art of Training: Bin Suroor’s Path to Greatness
What sets Saeed bin Suroor apart from other trainers is not just his long list of wins, but the philosophy he brings to his craft. Born in Dubai and raised in the shadow of the desert’s powerful racing traditions, he combines instinctive understanding of horses with international training expertise. Having worked across continents, from the UK to the UAE and the US, he has mastered the fine balance between science and soul in horse preparation.
In interviews leading up to the 2025 Dubai World Cup, Bin Suroor reflected on how far the event has come since its humble beginnings nearly three decades ago. “It has grown into something truly remarkable,” he said. “Each year, we see more interest from top stables around the world, which speaks volumes about the reputation Dubai has earned. It’s not just a race—it’s a dream destination for everyone in this sport.”
He also emphasized the global following the event now commands. “Fans from across the world tune in to watch their horses compete under the Meydan lights. It’s a spectacle not just for horsemen but for sports lovers everywhere.”
Why the Dubai Gold Cup Matters More Than Ever
While the headline race of the night is always the Dubai World Cup itself, races like the Dubai Gold Cup add vital depth to the overall competition. Run over a challenging distance of 3,200 meters, it tests endurance, timing, and tactical planning. For trainers like Bin Suroor, it represents both a technical and emotional challenge.
Dubai Future, known for his tenacity and long-running stamina, and Passion and Glory, admired for his front-running courage and tactical flexibility, bring distinct strengths to the field. Bin Suroor’s decision to enter both is not just strategic but also a sign of his confidence in their preparation and potential to perform on the big stage.
If either horse claims victory, it will be a personal milestone for Bin Suroor and a proud moment for Godolphin, reaffirming their dominance not just in sprints and mile races, but also in long-distance contests.
What Victory Would Mean for Saeed bin Suroor and UAE
To win at home is always special. But for someone like Bin Suroor, who has spent a lifetime elevating UAE’s name in global racing circles, another triumph at Meydan would symbolize more than personal achievement.
It would be a tribute to the vision of the UAE’s leadership, particularly Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose unwavering support for the sport has turned Dubai into a global racing powerhouse. It would be a message to the world that the UAE is not just keeping pace with international standards—it’s setting them.
And it would serve as an inspiration for young Emirati trainers and jockeys, many of whom look up to Bin Suroor as a pioneer and mentor. His journey from a young enthusiast in Dubai to a world-renowned trainer is a story of perseverance, passion, and national pride.
A Night That Unites the Globe Under Meydan’s Lights
The Dubai World Cup is more than a horse race. It’s a night when cultures meet, dreams race toward glory, and the UAE takes its place in the global spotlight not only as host, but as a formidable force in the sport itself.
As the 2025 event approaches, anticipation grows not just for the world-class action on the track, but for the stories behind the scenes—the grit of the grooms, the calm determination of jockeys, and the genius of trainers like Saeed bin Suroor.
Whether it’s a thrilling photo finish or a dominant display of endurance, one thing is certain: Bin Suroor’s legacy, already etched in gold, is poised for another unforgettable chapter. And once again, all eyes will be on Dubai—not just for the glitter, but for the greatness.
