One of the biggest horse races on the calendar took place in the UAE this week, with the Dubai World Cup finally able to enjoy its 25th anniversary. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/horse-racing/the-dubai-world-cup-called-off-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-1.995849">Cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic,</a> the silver jubilee event this time round was tinged with sadness due to the passing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai – <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/horse-racing/racing-pays-tribute-to-sheikh-hamdan-bin-rashid-1.1190493">a leading owner and breeder of race horses</a>. Godolphin continued its domination of the main race at Meydan Racecourse with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/horse-racing/mystic-guide-delivers-fitting-victory-for-godolphin-at-25th-dubai-world-cup-1.1192165">Mystic Guide taking the honours</a> in impressive fashion. From Godolphin's American operation, the Michael Stidham-trained runner <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/horse-racing/breeders-cup-could-be-next-big-target-for-dubai-world-cup-winner-mystic-guide-1.1192441">could now target the Breeders' Cup in November</a>. In football, it has been an emotional week for Sweden's veteran attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned to the international scene for the first time in nearly five years. The AC Milan forward, 39, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/tearful-zlatan-ibrahimovic-returns-to-sweden-team-after-five-years-1.1189380">broke down in tears during a press conference</a> earlier in the week, then set up the winning goal as <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/like-my-first-international-match-zlatan-ibrahimovic-sets-up-winner-on-sweden-return-1.1191409">Sweden defeated Georgia</a> in Thursday's World Cup qualifier. This weekend saw the return of Formula One as the new season kicked-off with the Bahrain Grand Prix. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/formula-one-max-verstappen-beats-lewis-hamilton-to-pole-at-bahrain-grand-prix-1.1192155">Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured the opening pole position</a>, but usual service resumed in the main race with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/lewis-hamilton-keeps-max-verstappen-at-bay-to-win-bahrain-grand-prix-1.1192792">Lewis Hamilton winning for Mercedes</a> in a thrilling contest.