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Posted 2026-01-26 11:37:42  
Forever Young, Calandagan Top Deep Nominations for Landmark Dubai World Cup Day

Dubai World Cup Day’s 30th edition is shaping up as one of the strongest yet, with Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young heading a high-quality group of nominees for the $12 million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday, 28 March 2026.

The centerpiece race over 2000 meters has attracted 151 entries, including recent winners Laurel River (2024) and Hit Show (2025), reinforcing the race’s status as a genuine global championship. Japan once again features prominently through Narukami, Diktaen and Dura Erede, while the United States is represented by proven Grade 1 performers Gosger and White Abarrio.

Depth is equally evident across the supporting card. The $6 million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has drawn 95 nominations, led by Calandagan, the 2025 Longines World’s Best Racehorse, alongside returning champion Rebel’s Romance. Also among the entries are Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Ethical Diamond, reigning Sheema Classic victor Danon Decile, and a strong Japanese contingent that includes Croix Du Nord, Durezza and Masquerade Ball.

Middle-distance turf stars dominate the G1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), which has received 143 nominations. The list features Facteur Cheval, who claimed the race in 2024, Ombudsman, fresh off a G1 Coral-Eclipse success, and Japanese multiple G1 winner Jantar Mantar.

Sprint divisions are equally compelling. Bentornato, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner, is among the entries for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (Nakheel), while Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint heroine Shisospicy is nominated for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (Azizi Developments).

The nine-race card is rounded out by a strong undercard that includes the G2 UAE Derby, G2 Godolphin Mile (Emaar) and G2 Dubai Gold Cup (Al Tayer Motors). Proceedings traditionally begin with the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians.

Dubai Racing Club’s Head of Racing Operations and International Relations, Erwan Charpy, said the depth and breadth of entries reflect the stature of the meeting, noting that the return of past winners underlines the enduring appeal of Dubai World Cup Day as one of the sport’s true international showcases.

Image: Breeders' Cup/Eclipse Sportswire 
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