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Dubai World Cup 2026 to Go Ahead Despite Middle East Tensions

The world’s richest night in horse racing is on schedule at Meydan Racecourse, even as some US and Japanese horses pull out amid regional conflict.

  • Publish date: since hour Reading time: two min read
Dubai World Cup 2026 to Go Ahead Despite Middle East Tensions

The 30th Dubai World Cup is still happening as planned on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai Racing Club confirmed. Organizers say preparations are on track, and the racing and social festivities will welcome guests as usual—even with the UAE under threat from ongoing missile attacks since February 28.

The richest night in racing

The Dubai World Cup is famous for its massive $30.5 million total prize pool, including a $12 million winner’s prize for the headline race. The event attracts the world’s top horses across nine races and is a highlight of the UAE sporting and social calendar.

This year, Jason Derulo will headline the after-show entertainment, adding extra glam to the racing spectacle.

Horses in Dubai, others hesitating

Japanese raider Forever Young and stablemate American Stage are already in Dubai, completing light training canters. Godolphin Mile hopeful Banishing has also arrived from the Saudi Cup in February.

However, several high-profile horses have withdrawn due to the conflict, and European trainers say they’re monitoring the situation closely.

  • Hit Show, last year’s $12m Dubai World Cup winner, was expected on March 14, but travel plans are uncertain.

  • Book’em Danno, a champion sprinter from New Jersey, won’t compete this year.

  • Japanese contenders Masquerade Ball and Jantar Mantar have also pulled out, along with Win Carnelian.

Trainers like Joseph O’Brien and Nemone Routh from Aga Khan Studs are keeping a close eye on developments and will decide closer to race night whether to send their horses.

Racing continues, cautiously

Despite the tension, Dubai’s racing calendar has kept moving. On February 28, Super Saturday, the traditional World Cup dress rehearsal, went ahead with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid attending and watching Rebel’s Romance win the Dubai City Of Gold.

Trainers are cautious but hopeful. Katsunori Arayama, trainer of headline favourite Diktaean, said missing the Dubai World Cup would be “a huge pity” for the eight-year-old.

Organizers and the racing community are keeping a close eye on the situation, but for now, the Dubai World Cup is on.

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