The prestigious $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) and three additional Group 1 races from the April 5 card at Meydan Racecourse have been added to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, securing automatic qualification for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, officials announced Sunday.

The 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup is now an official qualifier for the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the headline event of the Championships.

Joining the Challenge Series are:

$2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) – Qualifier for the $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1)

$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) – Qualifier for the $5 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1)

$5 million Dubai Turf (G1) – Qualifier for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1)

Now in its 19th year, the Win and You’re In program provides automatic entry into the 42nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set for Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2025, at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California. The event will feature 14 Grade 1 races across two days, with over $34 million in purses and awards.

A Two-Way Partnership Between Breeders’ Cup and Dubai Racing Club

As part of the agreement, Breeders’ Cup and Dubai Racing Club have introduced a reciprocal incentive:

The 2025 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic winner earns an automatic entry into the 2026 Dubai World Cup, with fees paid.

The 2025 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner secures a free spot in the 2026 Dubai Golden Shaheen.

The 2025 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf champion gains a guaranteed place in the 2026 Dubai Sheema Classic.

The 2025 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile winner receives a free berth in the 2026 Dubai Turf.

Industry Leaders Celebrate the Global Collaboration

Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing its significance for international racing.

“Breeders’ Cup Limited is thrilled to expand our global Challenge Series with these four prestigious Meydan races. This partnership with the Dubai Racing Club is a testament to the growing unity in our sport and recognizes top international talent. We look forward to welcoming these Challenge winners to Del Mar.”

Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, highlighted the benefits of the agreement.

“The Breeders’ Cup is one of the most important international racing events. We are pleased to secure automatic places for our winners at Del Mar while also welcoming four Breeders’ Cup victors to compete at the Dubai World Cup meeting. As global racing evolves, partnerships like this are invaluable for owners, trainers, and the sport as a whole.”

Additional Benefits for Challenge Series Winners

Breeders’ Cup will cover entry fees for the Dubai-based Challenge Series winners competing at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Additionally, international contenders will receive a travel allowance. However, to claim these benefits, horses must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by Oct. 20, 2025.