The stage is set for a thrilling edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting, with horses from 13 countries and a remarkable 35 individual Group or Grade 1 winners set to compete at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, April 5th. The prestigious nine-race card, offering a combined $30.5 million in prize money, promises world-class competition featuring returning champions and rising stars.
At the heart of the action is the $12 million Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline), where last year’s winner USHBA TESORO will attempt to defend his title against a formidable field. Among his main challengers is FOREVER YOUNG, the standout three-year-old who has already conquered the 2024 G2 UAE Derby and the G1 Saudi Cup, emerging as Japan’s latest sensation on the international stage.
The $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic could witness history, as REBEL’S ROMANCE seeks to become the first horse to win this race twice. The Godolphin star faces a strong contingent of Group 1 winners, including Japan’s DANON DECILE, DUREZZA, and CERVINIA, ensuring a fiercely competitive renewal of this prestigious turf contest.
Another highlight is the $5 million Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), where ten-time Group 1 winner ROMANTIC WARRIOR will take on defending champion FACTEUR CHEVAL and Godolphin’s NATIONS PRIDE, in what is expected to be one of the most compelling clashes of the evening.
Speed will be on display in the night’s two major sprints. The G1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments) features South African-bred and now US-based ISIVUNGUVUNGU, taking on British Group 1 winners REGIONAL and AUDIENCE. Meanwhile, the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) sets up a showdown between defending champion TUZ and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner STRAIGHT NO CHASER.
The evening also includes three Group 2 contests, featuring top-class competition across different distances. The Godolphin Mile (sponsored by Emaar) welcomes US Grade 1 winner RAGING TORRENT, while the Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors) and the UAE Derby (sponsored by Jumeirah) will provide further international intrigue.
Opening the prestigious card is the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Zabeel Feed) for Purebred Arabians, a race that boasts seven Group 1 winners among its likely contenders.
Reflecting on the strength of this year’s fields, Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, expressed his enthusiasm: “The strength and depth of horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup meeting this year is superb. We are delighted to have horses from 13 racing jurisdictions represented, including several returning champions. We wish everyone safe travels and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Dubai for the most exciting day of our year.”
With an extraordinary lineup of global stars set to compete, the Dubai World Cup meeting is once again poised to deliver a night of unforgettable racing at Meydan Racecourse.
Check the list of likely fields below :
