Dubai World Cup: The Million-dollar Price Tag To Maintain A Champion Horse Revealed

Owning a racehorse, particularly one capable of competing at the World Cup level, is a venture for the ultra-wealthy. But beneath the glamour, how much does it actually cost to maintain a Dubai World Cup horse?

Buying a horse

Acquiring a horse capable of competing at the Dubai World Cup level requires significant investment.

Prices for top-quality racehorses can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on factors such as pedigree, racing record, and potential.

Prospective owners may choose to purchase these breeds at auctions or acquire proven racehorses through private sales. In either case, the initial investment can be substantial.

According to Hound & Hound holds the title of the most expensive horse in history sold for $70 million to Coolmore Ireland in 2000.

Meydan City, another Thoroughbred racehorse was sold in 2006 for $11.7 million, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, was one of the most expensive horses sold at the time.

Accommodations for racehorses

Dubai offers some of the world’s most luxurious stables, featuring climate-controlled barns, private paddocks, and even swimming pools for equine athletes.

Monthly costs include stable fees, bedding, feed, and general care. These premium facilities can cost thousands of dollars per month.

Some owners opt for private estates with custom-built barns, but the construction and maintenance costs can soar depending on the level of customisation.

The Meydan Hotel offers stable tours for those interested to get an inside look into the day of a racehorse.

The tour starts at AED350 per person and offers breakfast with views of the horses during their morning trackwork, guided stable tours, understanding of how the horses are prepared for raceday, behind the scenes and more.

Food

Racehorses require specialised nutritionists design personalised diets to maximise performance.

This can include a mix of grains, hay, vitamins, and minerals, along with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Veterinary supervision and regular blood tests ensure the horse is receiving exactly what it needs. These dietary expenses can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per month.

Trainers, farriers, and vets

Keeping a horse in top racing condition requires a dedicated team of professionals. Top trainers reportedly receive high salaries upwards of $20,000, responsible for overseeing the horse’s exercise routine and overall fitness.

Saeed Bin Suroor has gathered the most World Cup wins as a trainer, bagging the titles in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019. He has trained the horses of Godolphin Racing, which holds the title of the most wins by an owner.

Overall, he has recorded over 2,000 race wins around the world.

Equine farriers, tasked with meticulous hoof care, can cost several thousand dollars per visit.

Veterinarians play a crucial role, providing preventative care, monitoring for injuries, and administering treatment if necessary. Their fees can add up quickly, especially with the advanced diagnostics and therapies available.

Travel

Many World Cup horses are shipped in from across the globe, requiring expert transportation via climate-controlled equine trailers or even chartered flights.

These logistics can cost tens of thousands of dollars per trip.

The final, often underestimated, cost is performance-enhancing supplements and therapies.

While strictly regulated, cutting-edge techniques like shockwave therapy and hyperbaric chambers are used by some owners to give their horses that extra edge. These treatments can cost tens of thousands of dollars per session.

While the Dubai World Cup is undoubtedly a prestigious event that showcases the finest horses, trainers, and owners from across the globe, the cost of owning and maintaining a horse at this level is an endeavor reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

This year’s race is scheduled to take place on March 30 with $30.5 million in total prize money across nine races and a dual Guinness World Record closing ceremony.

Tickets for general admission starts at AED20 for the general public for the outdoor grandstand seating, private suites are all sold out and VIP experiences are available for around AED4,000 per person.