Dubai’s prominence in global horse racing has received yet another boost with the announcement of partnership between the Dubai Racing Club and the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. This agreement will grant winners of four elite Group 1 races at the Dubai World Cup meeting, automatic entry into the Breeders’ Cup, one of the sport’s most prestigious international events.
The Dubai World Cup, scheduled for April 5, 2025, at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, is already known for attracting the finest equine talent from around the world. With the inclusion of four of its top races in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, this collaboration further elevates Dubai’s status as a hub for world-class competition.
Winners of the prestigious G1 Dubai races will automatically qualify for corresponding Breeders Cup races, the races include Dubai World Cup whose winners will automatically qualify for Breeders’ Cup Classic, while Dubai Golden Shaheen winners will get spot in Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Similarly the winners of Longines Dubai Sheema Classic will gain entry in Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf and Dubai Turf winners will automatically qualify Breeders’ Cup Mile
Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, described this development as a pivotal moment for international racing. He emphasized that strengthening ties between two of the world’s most prestigious racing events would not only enhance competition but also provide a clear pathway for elite horses to compete on a global scale. He also expressed gratitude to the Breeders’ Cup team for their collaboration and looked forward to seeing Dubai’s champions race in America while welcoming Breeders’ Cup winners to Dubai in 2026.
Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that this partnership underscores the continued progress towards the unification of global racing. He highlighted the mutual pursuit of excellence shared by both organizations and expressed excitement over the opportunity to welcome top talent from Dubai to Del Mar, where this year’s Breeders’ Cup will be held.
The benefits of this agreement extend beyond automatic qualification. The Breeders’ Cup will cover the entry fees for Dubai’s winning horses, ensuring seamless participation in the championship. Additionally, travel allowances will be provided for horses based outside North America, further easing the logistical challenges of international competition. To claim these benefits, winners must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of October 20, 2025.
Similarly, the reciprocal nature of this arrangement ensures that the four corresponding Breeders’ Cup race winners will gain direct entry into the 2026 Dubai World Cup meeting. This exchange strengthens the global appeal of both events, ensuring that top-class competitors from across the world have access to unparalleled racing opportunities.
The highly anticipated Breeders’ Cup will take place on October 31 – November 1, 2025, at Del Mar, California. With the finest horses from Dubai now set to compete on the American stage, racing enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating display of talent and skill. This collaboration between the Dubai Racing Club and Breeders’ Cup Limited marks a significant step forward in enhancing the international scope of horse racing, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading force in the sport.
