The Dubai World Cup is one of the most prestigious and lucrative dirt races in the world. The race at Meydan in the UAE always attracts a strong field, but this year’s renewal looks set to be one of the best in history.
A total of 151 horses have been entered in the $12 million contest, with horses from the United States, Japan, and Europe. It will be the 30th running of the 2,000-metre race, and it could include the last two winners.
Forever Young Bidding to Add to Breeders’ Cup Classic Triumph
Celebrate Japan! 🇯🇵🙌
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) December 28, 2025
Forever Young. Forever a historic Classic champion. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hnPrLL7uOe
History was made at the Breeders’ Cup in 2025 as Forever Young became the first Japanese-trained horse win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He is now +175 in the horse racing betting to win the 2026 Dubai World Cup and complete a famous double.
Based on his form in 2025, Yoshito Yahagi’s runner is likely to be one of the leading horse racing tips for the feature event on Dubai World Cup night. He won three of his four races last year, including success in the Saudi Cup at Riyadh.
In his first shot at the Dubai World Cup last March, Forever Young finished a close third behind Hit Show and Mixto. He was bumped in the race with three furlongs to go, but recovered well to come home in the placings.
Now aged five, Forever Young is much more experienced than he was in the last renewal of the UAE event. If victorious, he will be the third horse from Japan to win the Dubai World Cup.
Journalism Looking to Grab the Headlines at Meydan
Journalism ended 2025 as one of the leading three-year-olds in the United States. He was victorious in the Preakness Stakes. After finishing second behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby, he went one place better in the US Triple Crown event at Pimlico, appreciating the extra distance in the 1,900-metre contest.
Michael McCarthy’s colt enhanced his reputation further last season when winning the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. He ran on strongly inside the final furlongs in the Grade One contest to score by half-a-length.
The son of Curlin had to settle for fourth place in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. That was just his second start in open-age company.
Hit Show Set to Defend His Crown in Dubai World Cup Night Feature
Only one horse in history has been able to win back-to-back renewals of the Dubai World Cup, and that was Thunder Snow, who scored in 2018 and 2019. Last year’s winner Hit Show will look to emulate the Godolphin horse when he lines up at Meydan in the latest renewal.
HIT SHOW wins the 9th round "Dubai World Cup" at Dubai World Cup 2025 sponsored by Emirates. pic.twitter.com/pwrVGOe34O
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 5, 2025
Brad Cox’s runner won a close finish in 2025, just edging Mixto for the top prize. The five-year-old has won races at Mountaineer Park and Keeneland since that career-best run. He may have one more prep run at Santa Antia before travelling out to the UAE.
The 2026 Dubai World Cup takes place on March 28, and it will be supported by a strong card at Meydan Racecourse.
There are more interesting articles in our section on Racing & Wagering.
