Forever Young | Horsephotos
Prestigious Nominations for the Dubai World Cup Night
On March 28, the Dubai World Cup night promises to be a thrilling event with top contenders vying for glory. Leading the nominations is the renowned American and Japanese champion Forever Young (Real Steel), alongside Calandagan (Gleneagles), who holds the title of Longines World’s Best Racehorse.
Key Contenders in the Dubai World Cup
Forever Young is among the elite competitors nominated for the G1 Dubai World Cup. Joining him in the lineup are notable contenders such as Laurel River (Into Mischief), the champion of the 2024 race, and Hit Show (Candy Ride), the winner from 2025. This impressive roster highlights the competitive nature of the event, showcasing some of the most esteemed horses in racing today.
Notable Entries in the Dubai Sheema Classic
The excitement continues with the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, where Calandagan is set to compete. He will go head-to-head with several exceptional horses, including Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi), the winner of the 2024 Sheema Classic, and Ethical Diamond (Awtaad), who triumphed in the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf. Other exciting entries include Danon Decile (Epiphaneia), Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black), Durezza (Duramente), and Masquerade Ball (Duramente), each bringing their own strengths and accolades to the race.
Strong Lineup for the Dubai Turf
In the G1 Dubai Turf, the competition remains fierce with entries like Facteur Cheval (Ribchester), Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder), and Jantar Mantar (Palace Malice). Each horse in this category has shown remarkable talent on tracks, ensuring a captivating race for fans and bettors alike.
Sprint Events Feature Top Performers
Further highlighting the event’s prestige, Bentornato (Valiant Minister), celebrated for winning the GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint, is set to compete in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Additionally, Shisospicy (Mitole) has made his mark with an entry in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, underlining the event’s commitment to showcasing exceptional sprinters.
A Celebration of Global Racing
Erwan Charpy, the head of racing operations and international relations at Dubai Racing Club, expressed his excitement over the nominations. “We are thrilled to see such exceptional nominations from around the world for the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup. The presence of former and defending champions highlights the prestige and global pull of this meeting,” he noted. Charpy emphasized confidence that the 2026 edition will deliver an outstanding celebration of international racing at its very best.
Explore More Nominations
For those looking to dive deeper into the competition, the complete list of nominations is available on the Dubai Racing Club’s official website. This event not only brings together champions but also serves as a platform for upcoming talents in the racing world, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of thrilling horse racing.
This year’s Dubai World Cup night is shaping up to be a remarkable showcase of talent, with legendary horses and trainers ready to make their mark in the annals of racing history. The global interest surrounding this prestigious event continues to grow, cementing its status as a highlight in the horse racing calendar.
