Nominations for Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Apr. 5 were released this week.
Headlining the nine-race card is the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline. A total of 173 horses have been entered, led by 20 Group/Grade 1 winners. The winners from 2023 and 2024, Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) and Laurel River (Into Mischief), respectively, have signed on, as did the world's highest-earning horse, Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who drubbed a good field in the G1 Jebel Hatta just last weekend.
Japanese Derby hero Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) steps forward on the back of a victory in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup on Sunday, while Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), placed in both the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Classic, takes his chance after winning the G2 UAE Derby over the dirt track here last March.
The winners of the past two Breeders' Cup Classics are also entered in White Abarrio (Race Day) (2023) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) (2024). Part of the supporting cast from the U.S. is Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents), and GI Belmont Stakes second Mindframe (Constitution). GI Pacific Classic hero Mixto (Good Magic) is also nominated.
The $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic features 109 nominees, 16 of them successful at the top level including Shuka Sho heroine Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) and last year's third-place finisher and Japanese Fillies Triple Crown victress Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Standout King George scorer Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) is part of this bunch, as is his Francis Graffard stablemate Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), and defending champion and dual Eclipse winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).
Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), will defend his title in the G1 Dubai Turf. Another 2024 Dubai World Cup night winner is Tuz (Oxbow), who is gunning for his second G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, but faces challengers in Straight No Chaser (Speightster) and Speed Boat Beach (Bayern). Rounding out the Group 1 races is the Al Quoz Sprint, with Hong Kong star California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) nominated, as well as Howdeepisyourlove (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}).
To view the full list of nominations, please visit here.
“We have received some outstanding nominations for the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting from all corners of the globe,” said Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Racing Club. “This is a testament both to the outstanding facilities for horses at Meydan Racecourse and the strength of the Dubai World Cup meeting, one of the best days of racing on the global calendar.”
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