His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the esteemed 'Fashion Friday' event at the Meydan Racecourse, a significant feature of the Dubai Racing Carnival and a prominent event in the region's horse racing schedule. The occasion showcased top-tier horses from around the world gearing up for the 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup, set for April 5, 2025. The event comprised nine races spanning various group classifications, with 99 horses vying for prizes totaling AED10.53 million. The evening's highlight was the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, the primary race of the night, along with races like the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint over 1,200 meters. The evening also featured the Al Khail Trophy, a race covering 2,810 meters, and opened with the Al Maktoum Challenge for Purebred Arabian horses, a Group 2 race that set the stage for intense competition. 'Fashion Friday,' established in 2024, has garnered significant acclaim, attracting top international horses and solidifying Dubai's status as a leading global hub for horse racing. The event included races from Group 2 and Group 3 categories, such as the Al Fahidi Fort, the Blue Point Sprint, and the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes, which saw the participation of the 2024 Dubai World Cup victor, Laurel River, as part of the title defense preparations. Among the notable races was the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, the seventh race of the evening, serving as a key build-up to the Dubai Turf, with a competitive field that included defending champion Kabirkhan.
