Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey recalls Dubai World Cup glory ahead of race’s 25th anniversary
The American rode Cigar to victory at Nad Al-Sheba in what was the worlds’s richest race in 1996
Updated 23 March 2021
March 23, 2021 20:54
DUBAI: Jerry Bailey felt like he had struck Olympic gold when he won the inaugural Dubai World Cup on Cigar.
The American horse had been wooed to compete in the new race as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice president of the UAE, attracted talent befitting what was then the world’s richest race at $4 million.
Cigar, with Hall of Fame jockey Bailey on board, did not disappoint as he thrilled the hordes gathered at Nad Al-Sheba with a historic victory for owner Allen Paulson and trainer Bill Mott.