It is ranked by Marlin magazine as having the gulf's richest purse, reaching a peak of $1.5 million in 2008.
In addition, this tournament now has the richest purse in golf, $6 million, with $1.08 million going to the winner.
This versatility explains why Irwin has long hoped to enter Animal Kingdom in the 10-furlong World Cup, which has the world's richest purse, $10 million.
Pelling's horses have won two of the last three editions of the race, which offers the richest purse for state-bred horses.
There were Ron the Greek, Flat Out and To Honor and Serve, all with brilliant coats reflecting their robust condition, as they completed preparations for Saturday's $5 million Classic, the richest purse in the 15-race Cup.
In response to player concerns about pay at Grand Slam tournaments, Australian Open organizers increased prize money to a record $31.1 million for 2013, a $4.15 million increase, making it the richest purse in tennis history.
Watkins Glen offered the sport's richest purse, blazing autumnal foliage and a legendary starter in a lavender suit with a big cigar who jumped in the air to wave flags to start and end the race.
The race, on a warm and breezy afternoon in the Des Moines suburbs, featured the triathlon circuit's richest purse, with $700,000 going to the participants, including a $200,000 prize for the elite men's and women's winners.
McIlroy has had a busy two months, playing in a number of lucrative unsanctioned events including the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters where he won golf's richest purse of $2m £1.3mm).
They come to Royal Ascot for the prestige more than the money — there are richer purses most weekends at home.
