Dubai World Cup 2025: Past champions and rising stars among nominations

Dubai: A high-quality field, led by the last two winners, Laurel River and Ushba Tesoro, along with some of the world’s biggest equine stars, is among the nominations for the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting, set to take place at Meydan Racecourse on April 5.

The $12 million G1 Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline) headlines the nine-race card, with 173 horses nominated, including 20 Group or Grade 1 winners.

Among them is Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior, the world’s highest-earning horse, while a strong contingent from Japan includes Japanese Derby winner Danon Decile and G2 UAE Derby winner and Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Forever Young.

The United States is represented by an exciting group, including Kentucky Derby and Oaks winners Mystik Dan and G1 Belmont Stakes runner-up Mindframe, trained by Todd Pletcher. Doug O’Neill has nominated G1 Pacific Classic winner Mixto, while the last two winners of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic — White Abarrio (trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.) and Sierra Leone (trained by Chad Brown) — are also in contention.

Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, said: “We have received some outstanding nominations for the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting from all corners of the globe. 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.”

Dubai Sheema Classic draws elite field

The $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has attracted 109 nominations, 16 of whom have Group 1 victories. Japan has a strong history in this race, and this year’s nominations include G1 Shuka Sho winner Cervinia and last year’s third-place finisher, Liberty Island.

Top French trainer Francis Graffard has nominated his G1 King George winner Goliath, along with stablemate Calandagan, while defending champion Rebel’s Romance could return for Godolphin.

Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are extremely proud of the Dubai World Cup meeting and how it has grown, in less than 30 years, to become one of the biggest global racing events on the planet.

“This year’s nominations include some of the best horses in the world, and the Dubai World Cup meeting is set to be one of the most spectacular days of racing staged anywhere in the world in 2025.”

Dubai Turf and sprint races packed with talent

The G1 Dubai Turf, sponsored by DP World, has drawn an impressive 167 nominations. Notable contenders include Japan’s Brede Weg and Soul Rush. Last year’s winner, Facteur Cheval, is back to defend his title, while Danon Beluga, third in 2024, is also among the entries.

Two high-profile sprints feature on the card. The G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Nakheel, is a 1,200-metre dirt contest. Defending champion Tuz heads the nominations and could face top-level opponents, including Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser and Bob Baffert’s Speed Boat Beach.

The G1 Al Quoz Sprint, a 1,200-metre turf race, has attracted stars such as defending champion California Spangle and Hong Kong compatriots Howdeepisyourlove and Invincible Sage.

A strong supporting card

Three Group 2 races — the UAE Derby, Godolphin Mile, and Dubai Gold Cup — will provide further high-class action, while the traditional curtain-raiser, the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, rounds out the day.

Erwan Charpy, Head of Department, Racing Operations and International Relations for Dubai Racing Club, highlighted the strength of this year’s nominations:

“The quality of this year’s nominations is among the best we have had in 29 years of hosting the Dubai World Cup.

“Romantic Warrior, Laurel River, Sierra Leone, and Goliath ranked among the world’s top ten horses in 2024, making their participation in the meeting a true delight for race fans. We are also thrilled by the global representation, with nominations from 20 different countries.”