This weekend marks the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup.
The Dubai World Cup returns to Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, 28 March, featuring some of the world’s top horses competing for substantial prize money.
Horses to Watch
The headline race will see leading international contenders vie for one of horse racing’s most prestigious titles.
Global superstar Forever Young, with wins in the Saudi Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic, is expected to be the favourite. Defending champion Hit Show will aim for back-to-back glory, while U.S. challenger Magnitude and England-based Heart of Honor add further strength to the field. Local UAE talent, including Meydaan, Imperial Emperor, Tumbarumba, Walk of Stars, and Tap Leader, will also compete, representing homegrown contenders.
Beyond the main event, the festival will also showcase other elite horses competing in key supporting races.
Other options:
- In addition to the headline race, the festival features top-class horses in prominent supporting events.
- The festival’s supporting races will see more elite horses take to the track.
- Alongside the main event, key supporting races will highlight additional top-tier horses.
Supporting Races and International Contenders
Calandagan, one of the world’s top Flat horses and the recent Japan Cup winner, is set to compete in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Rebel’s Romance, a multiple Grade 1 winner with international success, and Ethical Diamond, a leading Irish-trained contender, are also expected to run, underscoring the global appeal of the meet.
The 2026 Dubai World Cup promises a spectacular showcase of international racing talent, with horses from Japan, Europe, the United States, and the UAE all contending for glory. Fans can anticipate thrilling races throughout the day as these elite thoroughbreds compete on one of the world’s richest and most prestigious race days.
Prize Money on Offer
The 2026 Dubai World Cup festival features a total prize pool of $30.5 million, with the headline Dubai World Cup awarding a staggering $12 million to the winner.
Other Feature Races
Other key races at the festival include the Dubai Sheema Classic, offering $6 million over 2,410 metres on turf; the Dubai Turf, with a $5 million prize over 1,800 metres; and the Dubai Golden Shaheen, a $2 million sprint on dirt over 1,200 metres.
Additional highlight events include the UAE Derby, Al Quoz Sprint, Dubai Gold Cup, Godolphin Mile, and the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, each featuring purses between $1 million and $1.5 million. These races showcase world-class talent across both turf and dirt surfaces, with distances ranging from 1,200 to 3,200 metres.
