What Can We Expect From The Dubai World Cup 2026

When Is The Dubai World Cup 2026?

The 2026 Dubai World Cup will be staged at Meydan Racecourse on March 28, 2026. As part of the 30th edition of the carnival there will be star-studded action on track.

How Many Races Are Run During Dubai World Cup Night?

While the Dubai World Cup is the feature on the card, there is a deep selection of races on the undercard. Among those include the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, the G1 Dubai Turf, and the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. 

Notable prep action ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby is also run in the form of the G2 UAE Derby, while the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic is one of the most important races on the Arabian racing calendar. 

Which Horses Will Be Involved?

Some of the biggest equine stars in the world will be in action at this year’s Dubai World Cup. In the feature, Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Forever Young will likely take on Laurel River and Hit Show, the 2024 and 2025 champions respectively. 

The world’s top-rated horse in training will also be in action, as Calandagan is expected to collide with Sheema Classic winner from 2024, Rebel’s Romance, and Breeders’ Cup Turf hero Ethical Diamond. 

How Many Horses Will Be In Action?

In total, over 400 horses have been entered for the Grade One races on Dubai World Cup Night. 

That includes runners such as White Abarrio and Gosger from the United States, and Japanese superstars such as Croix Du Nord and Danon Decile. 

European interest is also likely to be high, with French-trained Fracteur Cheval and British-trained Ombudsman expected to line up. 

Which Horse Will Win The Dubai World Cup?

BC Classic champion Forever Young is likely to be a strong favorite, ahead of previous champions such as Laurel River and Hit Show. The feature could also see Forever Young come up against Japanese runners trying to follow in his footsteps, including Narukami and Dura Erede.