The racehorse named Tuz (eng. Ace), from the Dakki Stable owned by Chechen horse owner Hamzat Zakayev, became the winner of the race at the Dubai World Cup, held at Meydan Racecourse on March 30.
The total prize fund for the Dubai Golden Shaheen race, sponsored by Nakheel, amounted to US$2 million. The first-place winner will receive a prize of US$1.16 million.
Tuz is a seven-year-old American horse. He made his debut in 2019 at two Russian races in Pyatigorsk, where he achieved victories. In the same year, Said-Hussein Zakayev, the founder of equestrian sports in the Chechen Republic, gifted the promising racehorse to the Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov.
"This horse was gifted to the Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, by his close associate, friend, and founder of equestrian sports in the region, Said-Hussein Zakayev. Ramzan Akhmatovich previously mentioned that his interest in equestrian sports arose thanks to Said-Hussein. In 2021, Tuz was transported to Dubai, where he continues to compete," said Isa Babuev, the chief trainer of the Akhmat Equestrian Sports Club.
The Dubai World Cup 2024 races not only mark the end of the equestrian season in Dubai but also serve as a major social event. The overall prize fund for the tournament, which includes six Group 1 races and three Group 2 races, amounts to US$30.5 million.
The Dubai World Cup was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The competition features the best thoroughbred horses from around the world.
Traditionally, the Dubai World Cup offers not only competitions among the world's top racehorses but also colourful opening and closing ceremonies, as well as contests for the best hat or attire.