Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's horse Prince Bishop won the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, the horse's fourth attempt within five years and first win. Sheikh Hamdan also owns the the race, which has been dubbed "the richest race in the world." Sheikh Hamadan donated the $6 million winnings to the Dubai Autism Centre, a non-profit organization that he is also the chairman of.
“I am pleased to announce that I have donated the Dubai World Cup prize to the Dubai Autism Center,” wrote Sheikh Hamdan on his Twitter page .
“I am optimistic for what the Dubai Autism Center will achieve socially and medically for children with autism.”
At eight years old, the horse Prince Bishop wasn't pegged to win the race considering his relatively old age. The horse also only placed ninth at last year's Dubai World Cup and prior to that, never placed in the event. Second place winner California Chrome from the United States was the international favorite to win the race.
Remaining towards the back for the majority of the race, Prince Bishop pulled into the lead at the last bend. Lea and Candy Boy finished third and fourth respectively, both horses hailing from the US.
Australian singer and actress Kylie Minongue, who performed at the closing party of the event made headlines with her flashy red Jean Paul Gaultier sportswear and stellar performance. Minongue also took the opportunity to tour around Dubai and take a desert safari.
Socialites attending the event definitely came to be seen, sporting elegant and sometimes absurd hats that caught the attention of local and international media as well as social media users, following the event.