The curtains are drawn back to reveal an international assembly at Meydan Racecourse, where the thundering hooves of equine excellence are set to storm down the stretch come April 5. Horses from a staggering 13 countries are preparing to showcase their prowess in the illustrious Dubai World Cup meeting, rich with a $30.5 million purse and teeming with 35 Group or Grade 1 winners.
Front and center is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race itself, promising an electrifying duel that fans won’t want to miss. Among them, Ushba Tesoro, who dethroned competitors in 2023, returns to defend the crown. But vying for the spotlight is Forever Young, fresh off triumphs in the UAE Derby and the Saudi Cup, and champing at the bit for a fierce face-off.
The excitement does not end there. Aiming for back-to-back victories is Rebel’s Romance, who seeks to etch his name in history as the first dual winner of the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic. His path, however, is strewn with formidable opponents, such as Danon Decile, Durezza, and Cervinia from Japan. They each possess the right mix of speed and stamina to challenge any veteran on the turf.
Another crowd-puller, the $5 million Dubai Turf, teems with talent as six Grade-Group 1 winners lay it all on the line. Romantic Warrior, celebrated for his ten-time Group 1 honors, is set to clatter with reigning champion Facteur Cheval, flanked by Godolphin’s acclaimed Nations Pride – a trinity of prowess certain to electrify the senses.
The sprinters joining the card promise non-stop exhilaration as well. Isivunguvungu, a dynamo out of South Africa strapping on U.S. colors, darts into the fray for the Al Quoz Sprint. Meanwhile, British speedsters Regional and Audience sharpen their speed for a monumental clash. The Dubai Golden Shaheen embeds anticipation too, with last year’s champion Tuz relishing a confrontation with Breeders’ Cup Sprint titan, Straight No Chaser.
Offering a further showcase of stellar participants are the three Group 2 highlights. Leading the charge is the Godolphin Mile where U.S. Grade 1 victor Raging Torrent seeks to pull up sound. In contrast, the Dubai Gold Cup and the UAE Derby stir excitement with their own roster of challengers—including high-stakes Derby qualifiers that teasingly beckon towards the future at Kentucky Derby 2025.
Ali Al Ali, donning the hat of CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club, cannot contain his admiration for the quality at this year’s meeting. “The strength and depth of horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup meeting this year is superb,” he emphasizes, recognizing the blend of seasoned champions and burgeoning talents. More than a gathering of noble steeds, it’s a meeting of horsemanship and spirit, bridging traditions and new heights.
