The road to Dubai World Cup Day 2026 is officially underway — and the early signals point to another unforgettable chapter in international racing history.
Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young, alongside recent Dubai World Cup heroes Laurel River (2024) and Hit Show (2025), headline a stellar group of nominees for the $12 million G1 Dubai World Cup, set to crown the nine-race spectacular at Meydan on Saturday, March 28, 2026. In total, 151 horses have been nominated for the iconic 2,000-metre contest, reinforcing the race’s status as one of the most coveted prizes in the sport.
True to its global identity, the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup has drawn elite contenders from every major racing jurisdiction. Japan — once again a dominant international force — is represented by Narukami, Diktaen, and Dura Erede, while the United States brings proven firepower in Gosger and White Abarrio, underlining the depth and diversity of the prospective field.
The supporting program is equally compelling. The $6 million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has attracted 95 nominations, led by Calandagan, the 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse. He faces formidable opposition including Rebel’s Romance, winner of the 2024 Sheema Classic, Breeders’ Cup Turf champion Ethical Diamond, and reigning titleholder Danon Decile. Japan’s strong presence continues with Croix Du Nord, Durezza, and Masquerade Ball also entered.
The G1 Dubai Turf, sponsored by DP World, has drawn 143 nominations, featuring last year’s winner Facteur Cheval, Coral-Eclipse victor Ombudsman, and Japanese multiple G1 star Jantar Mantar, setting the stage for another fiercely contested renewal.
Sprint divisions promise no shortage of intensity. Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Bentornato is among the nominees for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (Nakheel), while Shisospicy, heroine of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, features prominently in the entries for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (Azizi Developments).
Rounding out the programme are cornerstone races including the G2 UAE Derby, the G2 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Emaar, and the G2 Dubai Gold Cup presented by Al Tayer Motors. As tradition dictates, Dubai World Cup Day will open with the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians — a fitting tribute to the region’s racing heritage.
Erwan Charpy, Head of Racing Operations & International Relations at Dubai Racing Club, highlighted the significance of the nominations:
“We are thrilled to see such exceptional interest from around the world for the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup. The presence of former and defending champions speaks to the prestige of this meeting, and we are confident that 2026 will deliver a celebration of international racing at its very best.”
With champions past and present converging on Meydan, Dubai World Cup Day 2026 is already shaping up as a true summit of global Thoroughbred racing — where legacy, talent, and ambition collide on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
The full list of nominations is available here: https://drcwebblob.blob.
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