The 30th running of the Dubai World Cup—set for Saturday, March 28, 2026—has attracted a spectacular global list of nominees. Led by elite thoroughbreds like Forever Young and Calandagan, this year’s Dubai World Cup nominations underline the event’s standing as one of the richest horse races in the world. Specifically, the Dubai Racing Club confirmed that the $12 million G1 main event has drawn 151 top-tier entries. Furthermore, with the world’s highest-rated horses targeting Meydan, the 2026 edition is set to be a historic celebration of equine excellence.
Forever Young: The Japanese Dirt Superstar
Forever Young is arguably the most famous name on the list. Notably, the Japanese five-year-old was recently crowned the 2025 Japanese Horse of the Year. After a historic 2025 season where he won the Saudi Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he returns to Dubai seeking redemption. Indeed, he finished a gallant third in the 2025 Dubai World Cup behind Hit Show. Consequently, his inclusion in the Dubai World Cup nominations makes him the horse to beat for the $12 million prize.
Calandagan: The World’s Best Racehorse in Dubai
The $6 million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has also received incredible interest. Specifically, it features Calandagan, who was officially named the 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse just last week with a rating of 130. Moreover, the Aga Khan homebred dominated the 2025 season by winning the Japan Cup and the Champion Stakes. As a result, the Sheema Classic will likely be the strongest turf race on the planet this year.
[Image Suggestion: Forever Young and Calandagan side-by-side with the Meydan floodlights in the background]
A Truly Global Racing Festival at Meydan
Beyond the two headline names, the nine-race programme features champions from every corner of the globe. Therefore, fans can expect deep fields in every category:
- G1 Dubai Turf: 143 nominations including 2024 winner Facteur Cheval.
- G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen: Breeders’ Cup Sprint hero Bentornato leads the dirt sprinters.
- G1 Al Quoz Sprint: Turf stars like Shisospicy are ready for the straight track battle.
Additionally, the Dubai World Cup nominations include previous winners like Laurel River (2024) and defending champion Hit Show (2025). This mix of new blood and returning legends ensures that the 30th anniversary will be a “Super Bowl of Racing.”
What This Means for Racing Fans
The Dubai World Cup has become a pinnacle of the global sports calendar. In conclusion, the Dubai World Cup nominations prove that Meydan remains the ultimate destination for the world’s connections. Whether you are a fan of Japanese dirt specialists or European turf giants, March 28 will deliver a thrilling spectacle. Stay tuned as the final fields take shape over the coming weeks!
