Bhupat Seemar Brings Depth and Experience to World Cup Night Assignment

There is a quiet confidence about Bhupat Seemar as the Dubai World Cup 2026 approaches, and it is not without reason. In just a few seasons since taking out his licence in 2022, the dual UAE Champion Trainer has built a record many would envy, highlighted by victories with Switzerland and Tuz in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and a memorable triumph in the $12 million feature itself with Laurel River.

This year, Seemar arrives at Meydan with numerical strength and depth, saddling a remarkable 15 runners across the card — more than any of his contemporaries. At the heart of his challenge are two familiar names in the main event, Imperial Emperor and Walk Of Stars, both returning for a second attempt at the world’s richest race.

“Imperial Emperor is definitely doing a lot better than last year,” Seemar reflects. “He felt like a tired horse then, so we’ve freshened him up.” Walk Of Stars, meanwhile, has progressed steadily through the campaign. “He improved with every run this season, so they’re both coming into the race in good shape.”

Dubai World Cup 2026: Facing the World’s Best

The task, however, is formidable. Standing in their way is Forever Young, widely regarded as the world’s leading dirt performer, with top-level victories spanning the Saudi Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Seemar is pragmatic in his assessment. “He’s the best horse in the world — you can’t take anything away from him. He’s danced every dance. It’s good to have a horse like that here and to run against him.”

Beyond the headline act, Seemar’s strength in depth is particularly evident in the sprint division. Tuz, a former Dubai Golden Shaheen winner, returns as a seasoned campaigner looking to reclaim his crown. Now nine, his preparation has been carefully managed. “We didn’t want to run him as often as last year,” Seemar explains. “He’s probably in the form of his life. He wasn’t fully fit last time, but he’s where we want him now.”

He is joined in the 1200-metre contest by Drew’s Gold, unbeaten since joining the yard, and Mufasa, a talented but still enigmatic performer. The latter has caught the attention of top jockey Ryan Moore, who was keen to retain the ride after a troubled passage last time. “If Ryan Moore says that, it must be a good sign,” Seemar notes with a smile.

The UAE Derby presents another strong hand, with four runners representing the stable. Among them is Six Speed, winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas and already a points earner on the Kentucky Derby trail. Connections are now aiming higher. “He’s brilliant and has plenty of speed,” Seemar says. “The big question is whether he’ll stay the trip, but if he does, he becomes a very serious contender.”

Course winners Rammaas and Lino Padrino add further solidity, while Salloom remains the wildcard — a horse of evident ability but unpredictable temperament. “He’s just quirky,” Seemar admits. “He should have had more runs, but for his behaviour in the stalls. He’s been doing a lot of gate schooling, though. If he behaves, he has a lot of talent.” For all the scale of his operation on racing’s biggest stage, Seemar remains measured in outlook. “You do the best you can. After that, it’s up to the horses and the jockeys.”