The most prestigious race in the world? Absolutely not, and nor is it ever likely to be. Depending on your country of origin you would probably argue the Epsom Derby, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup and Melbourne Cup would hold that title.

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But the most valuable race in the world? Absolutely. The Dubai World Cup (and meeting) has established itself on the international racing stage as a ‘cash-rich’ event few can avoid targeting – given the right horse.

The World Cup made the perfect start, way back in 1996, attracting the ‘best dirt racehorse in the world’ in the form of Cigar. He did not disappoint, landing the inaugural running of the 200om contest.

Just 12 months later, albeit five days later than originally planned after torrential rain, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enjoyed success with 1996 Japan Cup winner Singspiel.

Two World Cups, two serious international winners – the world was seriously taking note. And, on reflection, the image of Sheikh Mohammed mimicking ‘cutting his throat’ to signify the 1997 Dubai World Cup would not take place on the Saturday as intended, is a lasting one in the history of the race.

This was in despite of Sheikh Mohammed summoning numerous helicopters to, as it transpired fail, in drying out the Nad Al Sheba track with the breeze created by their rotor blades.

There have been significant highlights since, probably highlighted by Dubai Millennium in 2000 – renamed, when unraced, by Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin team, specifically with this race in mind.

It proved a masterstroke and the Godolphin star outclassed his opposition. No horse has ever won the race twice, something Godolphin’s African Story will attempt to remedy tonight.

That said, it is somewhat of a non-statistic as only 1998’s SilverCharm has tried to win the race a second time. Given its status as the world’s most valuable horse race, the Dubai World Cup is always going to attract a quality cast. And it certainly has this this year.

But, where does it stand in worldwide rankings for an individual horse race? That is actually hard to answer – do connections win the Epsom Derby or the Kentucky Derby and immediately announce the Dubai World Cup as next year’s main target? No, would be my answer.

However, on the flipside, the timing of the race and meeting in March is ideal if looking ahead to other targets later in the year, be it in Europe, America, Hong Kong or Japan.

Ruler Of The World, trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, won the Epsom Derby in 2013 before lining up here, unsuccessfully, 12 months ago while last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes victor California Chrome, is at Meydan tonight, focused on the $10m pot.

It may well be prize money outweighing prestige but, given the same dilemma, wouldn’t you do the same? And what is abundantly clear is that, over 20 race meetings, the World Cup has come an awful long way.

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