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Posted 2025-03-19 16:15:01  
Global Stars Set for Dubai World Cup Meeting - Likely Fields Announced

Horses from 13 countries, including 35 individual Group or Grade I winners, are set to contest the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting, held at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, 5 April.

Dubai Racing Club has announced Likely Fields for all nine races, which combined are worth $30.5million in prize money. The $12million Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline) features a showdown between 2023 winner Ushba Tesoro and Forever Young, winner of the 2024 G2 UAE Derby and the G1 Saudi Cup.

The $6million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic will see Rebel’s Romance aim to become the first horse to win this race twice. He faces a likely six other G1 winners, including Japan’s Danon Decile, Durezza and Cervinia.

Six G1 winners could clash in the $5million Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World) including ten-time G1 winner Romantic Warrior who will face defending champion Facteur Cheval and Godolphin’s Nations Pride.

The card’s two sprints also look hugely exciting, with South African-turned US star Isivunguvungu among the field for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments), as are British G1 winners Regional and Audience. Defending champion Tuz and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser will lock horns in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel).

The card also featured three Group 2s, the Godolphin Mile (sponsored by Emaar) which has attracted US G1 winner Raging Torrent, the Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors) and the UAE Derby (sponsored by Jumeirah).

The day’s curtain raiser is the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Zabeel Feed) for Purebred Arabians, which numbers seven G1 winners among the likely field.

“The strength and depth of horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup meeting this year is superb,” commented Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member, Dubai Racing Club. “We are delighted to have horses from 13 racing jurisdictions represented, including several returning champions.

“We wish everyone safe travels and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Dubai for the most exciting day of our year.” 
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