Cigar lights up the inaugural Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba.

Sixteen straight wins, four million dollars, one night in the desert. Cigar made history feel inevitable.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision became reality on 27 March 1996, when the first Dubai World Cup was staged at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. The race carried a purse of $4 million, making it the richest horse race in the world overnight. American champion Cigar, ridden by Jerry Bailey and trained by Bill Mott, won by half a length to extend his legendary winning streak to 16 consecutive victories. The inaugural occasion drew international runners from the United States, Europe, and Asia, immediately establishing Dubai as a serious destination for flat racing at the highest level.













