100 horses to compete in 30th Dubai World Cup

The 30th Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 28, will see 100 horses from leading international stables competing across nine races for total prize money of $30.5 million.

The Dubai Racing Club says preparations are complete, with strong local and international interest expected for this year’s edition.

The highlight of the evening is the $12 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

The Group 1 race will be run over 2,000 metres on dirt, featuring nine of the world’s top thoroughbreds. Contenders include defending champion 'Hit Show', Super Saturday winner 'Meidan', UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion 'Forever Young' and 'Imperial Emperor'.

The meeting opens with the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, a Group 1 over 2,000 metres on dirt, with 15 runners competing for $1 million, including 'Murad', 'First Class', 'Fallah' and 'Mubeed'.

Race two is the Group 2 Godolphin Mile over 1,600 metres on dirt, with 12 runners contesting a $1 million purse. Entries include 'Commissioner King', 'Panching', 'Mendelssohn' and 'David of Athens'.

The Dubai Gold Cup follows, a Group 2 over 3,200 metres on turf, with 10 runners chasing $1 million. Among the leading names are 'Al Riffa', 'Al Nayyir', 'Siskany', 'Sons and Lovers' and 'Very Elegant'.

The UAE Derby, a Group 2 over 1,900 metres on dirt, features 12 runners, including 'Pyromancer', 'Wonder Den', 'Six Speed' and 'Brotherly Love'.

Next is the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1,200 metres on turf, with 13 runners competing for $1.5 million. The field includes 'Lazzat', 'Riff Runner', 'Cover Up' and 'Marbaan'.

The Dubai Golden Shaheen, also a Group 1, is run over 1,200 metres on dirt, with 12 runners chasing $2 million. Contenders include 'Bentornato', 'Al Naseeb', “Midland Money' and 'Mufasa'.

The Group 1 Dubai Turf over 1,800 metres features 11 runners competing for $5 million, led by 'Facteur Cheval', alongside 'Embodiment', 'Qudwah' and 'Al Najm'.

The penultimate race is the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, a Group 1 over 2,410 metres on turf, with six runners contesting $6 million, including 'Calandagan', 'Eziqal Diamond', 'Gaiyyath Loto' and 'Royal Power'.