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Horse-shaped handles, golden globe: How craftsmen perfect details of Dubai World Cup trophy
Every year, as the world’s finest thoroughbreds race down the Meydan home stretch, the anticipation is not just for the glory of the race but also for when the stunning prize comes out
Few trophies in the world of horse racing carry the prestige and craftsmanship of the Dubai World Cup Trophy. First awarded in 1996, this gleaming prize represents the pinnacle of excellence in a sport where triumph is measured in moments but celebrated for a lifetime.
Designed by the world-renowned British jeweller Garrard, the trophy reflects both luxury and tradition. Crafted from sterling silver and lavishly coated in gold, its intricate detailing pays tribute to the heritage of horse racing while embodying the grandeur of the Dubai World Cup.
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The distinctive handles, shaped like horse heads, and the golden globe atop the cup symbolise the event’s global stature. Resting on a tiered base inscribed with the names of past winners, the trophy is a lasting tribute to those who have conquered the iconic Meydan Racecourse.
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From concept to masterpiece
The creation of the Dubai World Cup Trophy is a journey of artistry and precision. Each year, Garrard’s skilled craftsmen undertake an intricate process to bring this symbol of sporting excellence to life. It all begins with a detailed design sketch, ensuring that every element aligns with the race’s grandeur.
The metal is then shaped through a specialised heating and spinning process, forming the elegant silhouette of the trophy. Master artisans painstakingly engrave intricate patterns, hand-chase the silver, and polish each component to perfection before the final gilding is applied.
The Dubai World Cup Trophy holds a prestigious place among the world’s most revered sporting prizes, standing as a symbol of excellence and triumph. Like the coveted gold trophy awarded to the winner of the Kentucky Derby, it represents the pinnacle of achievement in its sport.
Its prestige echoes that of the Grand National Trophy, the prize for Britain’s most famous steeplechase, and the Fifa World Cup Trophy, the ultimate reward in international football, presented every four years to the world’s best team.
In golf, few trophies are as cherished as the Claret Jug, the prize of The Open Championship, a tournament steeped in history. Similarly, the Dubai World Cup trophy shares its stature with Wimbledon’s iconic silver-gilt trophy, known for its distinctive pineapple design, and The Ashes Urn, cricket’s most storied and fiercely contested prize between England and Australia. Rugby’s Webb Ellis Cup, awarded to the world champions of the sport, and the NHL’s legendary Stanley Cup, with its rich tradition of engraving the names of past winners, further illustrate the legacy of trophies that transcend sport itself.
While the exact worth of the Dubai World Cup trophy remains undisclosed, its real value lies in what it represents: victory at the highest level of international horse racing.
Every year, as the world’s finest thoroughbreds race down the Meydan home stretch, the anticipation is not just for the glory of the race but for the moment when the champion owner, trainer and jockey hold this extraordinary masterpiece aloft — a trophy that embodies competition, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
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