Horses from 13 countries, including 35 individual Group or Grade I winners, are set to contest the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting to be held at Meydan on Saturday, 5 April.
Dubai Racing Club has announced Likely Fields for all nine races, which combined are worth $30.5million in prize money.
The $12million Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline) features a showdown between 2023 winner Ushba Tesoro and Forever Young, winner of the 2024 Gr2 UAE Derby and the Gr1 Saudi Cup.
Forever Young takes on Ushba Tesoro (Pic – Dubai Racing Club/Liesl King)
The $6million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic will see Rebel’s Romance aim to become the first horse to win this race twice. He faces a likely six other Gr1 winners, including Japan’s Danon Decile, Durezza and Cervinia.
Six Gr1 winners could clash in the $5million Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World) including ten-time Gr1 winner Romantic Warrior who will face defending champion Facteur Cheval and Godolphin’s Nations Pride.
The card’s two sprints also look hugely exciting, with South African-turned US star Isivunguvungu among the field for the Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments), as are British Gr1 winners Regional and Audience.
Speed star Isivunguvungu with his connections and fan club after winning the Gr1 Mercury Sprint at Hollywoodbets Greyville in 2023 (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Defending champion Tuz and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser will lock horns in the Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel).
The card also featured three Group 2s, the Godolphin Mile (sponsored by Emaar) which has attracted US Gr1 winner Raging Torrent, the Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors) and the UAE Derby (sponsored by Jumeirah).
The day’s curtain raiser is the Gr1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Zabeel Feed) for Purebred Arabians, which numbers seven Gr1 winners among the likely field.
“The strength and depth of horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup meeting this year is superb,” commented Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member, Dubai Racing Club. “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.”
The Likely Fields are below:
(Ed – we apologise for the poor quality of the document – we are endeavouring to obtain a better quality listing)
