The excitement is building as the Dubai World Cup (G1, Dirt 2000 meters) at Meydan Racecourse approaches, scheduled for April 5, 2025. The entry list was finalized on March 31, featuring a competitive field of 11 horses, including the Japanese standout, Forever Young, trained by Yahagi.
This year’s race showcases four Japanese horses, all of whom will be riding with the same jockeys that guided them in the recent Saudi Cup. Forever Young will be piloted by Ryusei Sakai, while Ushba Tesoro will be ridden by Yuga Kawada. Wilson Tesoro will have Masaya Kawada aboard, and Ramjet will be ridden by Hiroyuki Minami. The Japanese contingent is looking to make a significant impact on the race, especially following the success of Laurel River last year.
Local UAE trainer Bhupat Seemar is also aiming for glory with two entries: Imperial Empire, ridden by T. O'Shea, and Walk of Stars, who will be partnered with M. Barzalona. Seemar's team is eager to secure consecutive victories, building on the triumph achieved by Laurel River.
The American challenge includes Rattle N Roll, who finished fifth in the Saudi Cup and will be making his debut with jockey W. Buick. Another notable entry is Mictest, who is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup and will continue to be ridden by the renowned L. Dettori. Other competitors in the field include Hit Show with F. Geroux, Illuminaire with J. Velasquez, and Catena with S. De Sousa.
In a recent announcement, the Dubai Racing Club revealed changes to the post times for the Dubai World Cup international races. The first race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic for purebred Arabians, has been pushed back from its original start time of 3:35 PM to 4:35 PM. Similarly, the main event, the Dubai World Cup, has been delayed from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This adjustment comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of horses, jockeys, and guests, in light of unfavorable weather forecasts.
The club stated, "Ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, jockeys, and guests is our top priority. Considering the unfavorable weather forecast, we have made slight adjustments to the schedule for the day and decided to delay the start times." This year’s Dubai international races are also set to take place one week later than usual due to the impact of Ramadan.
As the race day approaches, fans and participants alike are buzzing with anticipation. The Dubai World Cup is not only the richest horse race in the world but also a prestigious event that attracts top talent from across the globe. The competition promises to be fierce, and with the weather adjustments, it will be interesting to see how the changes affect the horses and their performances.
With the post-position draw scheduled for April 2, all eyes will be on the jockeys and trainers as they prepare their strategies for the big day. The Dubai World Cup has a rich history of thrilling finishes and unexpected outcomes, and this year should be no different.
The stakes are high as Forever Young, the Saudi Cup winner, looks to cement her status as a leading contender in the international racing scene. Her connections are optimistic about her chances, especially with the experienced Sakai in the saddle. Meanwhile, the local horses from the UAE, along with the American challengers, are determined to make their mark.
Fans will be watching closely as the horses take to the track, with the atmosphere at Meydan sure to be electric. The Dubai World Cup is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of equestrian sport that brings together the best in the business.
As the countdown to the Dubai World Cup continues, racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable day of competition. With the stage set and the horses ready to run, the excitement is palpable. Will Forever Young defend her title, or will a new champion emerge from the pack? The answer will unfold on April 5, and the world will be watching.
