The stage is set for a blockbuster evening at Meydan as the world’s best racehorses, jockeys, and trainers make their final preparations ahead of Saturday’s Dubai World Cup meeting, featuring the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Among the headline acts is the Japanese champion USHBA TESORO, who aims to become the first horse in history to reclaim the Dubai World Cup crown. The 2023 winner enjoyed what will be the final workout of his storied career on Friday morning, drawing admiration from a packed track. Trainer Noboru Takagi described the moment as fitting, saying, “He just likes it here. It’s the perfect place for him to have his final start. He has been an amazing horse.”
Local hopes rest with trainer Bhupat Seemar, who prepares a strong hand with IMPERIAL EMPEROR and WALK OF STARS. Seemar, who won this race with LAUREL RIVER last year, remains optimistic despite that horse’s absence. “We’ve got two very nice subs,” he said. “Imperial Emperor is improving and very uncomplicated. Walk Of Stars is quirky but immensely talented—if he’s in the mood, he’s got stamina and class.”
In the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, CALIF will be attempting the 2400m trip for the first time under Adrie de Vries. Having previously raced with distinction across Europe, the six-year-old looked sharp in training. “It’s going to be his toughest test ever,” de Vries admitted, “but we’re confident he’ll stay the trip. He looks a picture.”
In the Dubai Turf, a strong international field includes William Haggas’ duo MALJOOM and TERM OF ENDEARMENT. Assistant trainer Maureen Haggas reported both horses had settled in well despite the warm weather. Meanwhile, Japanese runner MEISHO TABARU, known for his relentless front-running style, arrives in Dubai after missing a slot in the Osaka Hai and is reportedly in strong form after a sharp gallop.
Topping the bill in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen is the eight-year-old TUZ, also trained by Seemar. Unbeaten this season and brimming with confidence, Tuz will face Japan’s AMERICAN STAGE in what promises to be a highly competitive sprint.
The Al Quoz Sprint sees UK raider REGIONAL return to action after a long layoff. Trainer Ed Bethell is cautious but hopeful, noting that “he’s bright and happy, though it’s been a while since his last run.” Up-and-coming sprinter WEST ACRE, trained by George Scott, enters with impressive wins in both the Blue Point Sprint and Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. While he steps up to 1200m—a distance he hasn’t won over—Scott believes the extra furlong won’t be a concern, calling it “a one-off cup final” scenario.
The $1.5 million UAE Derby sees Seemar send out GALACTIC STAR, a lightly raced but talented colt. Seemar believes he has the speed and ability to handle the step up in grade.
The Godolphin Mile could deliver another fairytale moment for Nicolas Caullery, whose KING GOLD caused a major upset earlier in the Carnival when he beat Laurel River. Joined by stablemate FORT PAYNE, Caullery sees this as a chance to confirm their form against a strong field that includes Japan’s PEPTIDE NILE and UAE-based MUFASA, who broke a track record in his last start.
Veteran trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, who has an illustrious Dubai World Cup record, saddles DUBAI FUTURE and PASSION AND GLORY in the Dubai Gold Cup. Dubai Future, a nine-year-old, is lightly raced but in top condition, and will attempt two miles for the first time. Passion And Glory steps up in distance after placing second in the Dubai City Of Gold.
Tom Clover makes his World Cup Night debut with AL NAYYIR in the same race, describing his horse as “training lovely.” Meanwhile, Seemar is hopeful TRAFALGAR SQUARE can bounce back after a disappointing run in Saudi Arabia.
The card opens with the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, where VICA GRINE will aim to improve on his fourth-placed finish in the Obaiyah Arabian Classic. Trainer Elisabeth Bernard is confident but acknowledges the stronger field here at Meydan.
With horses flying in from Japan, the UK, France, the UAE, and beyond, the 2025 Dubai World Cup night promises high-class action, unforgettable moments, and perhaps a historic swan song for USHBA TESORO.
