Cigar won the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996.
The first Dubai World Cup was held on March 27, 1996, at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai. Cigar, an American-trained champion ridden by Jerry Bailey, won the 2,000-metre dirt race for trainer Bill Mott. The event was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and rapidly became one of the world’s richest horse races.
Cigar entered the race after a remarkable winning streak in the United States. His Dubai victory was his 16th consecutive win, matching the modern North American record held by Citation. He defeated Soul of the Matter in the inaugural running.
The Dubai World Cup later moved to Meydan Racecourse in 2010. Its surface and race conditions have changed over time, but the 1996 result belongs to Cigar. Dubai Millennium, another famous winner, captured the race in 2000 rather than at its beginning.