The prized trophy - the Dubai World Cup, shown here outlined against a desert (night) sky.


Looking back over the grandstands at dusk, Nad Al Sheba race track, World Cup Night 25 March 2005.






Scenes from the opening ceremony (the Racing Club reportedly paid US$150,000 to get four Andalusians across from France to participate. There were flaming chariots down the main straight, dancers ... reminded me of an outdoor version of Cirque de Soleil).


The winner's rug awaits


Kane Hekili’s jockey - Yutaka Take - contemplates his race plan.


A thoughtful pre-race moment for Chiquitin’s rider Michael Kinane.


Ruler of Dubai, H.E.Sh. Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, analayses his runner Elecrocutionist, ahead of the US$6 million Dubai World Cup (the world's richest horse race).


Godolphin's champion jockey, Frankie Dettori


Group 1 winner of the Dubai World Cup, Electrocutionist, in the parade ring prior to the race.


One of Wilko’s connections tastes the possibility of victory 200m from the line (his feet off the ground demonstrating the emotion) - only to be overtaken close to the line by local hero Electrocutionist; another American horse Brass Hat taking second.


Electrocutionist is swamped by the media and excited fans as he returns to scale.