Dubai World Cup 2026 is not cancelled. It is all set to take place on 28 March at Meydan. The race is building around names like Forever Young, Hit Show, and the Godolphin horses.
However, this year is different. Travel disruptions, cancelled entertainment, and late team decisions have changed the build-up to the race. Still, the main event remains one of the richest and most important dirt races in the world.
In this story we answer top fan queries – Is Meydan race cancelled? Which horses are running Dubai World Cup 2026? And who have cancelled?
LATEST
- Dubai World Cup Results 2026: All nine races have concluded. Beautiful day, beautiful races. Check out who won in each race, and how much they all are taking home!
- Magnitude wins the Dubai World Cup: America’s Magnitude takes home the first spot.
- Dubai World Cup 2026 Prize Money: How much is the prize pot for each of the races? What’s the share for jockey? Find out here
More: Dubai World Cup 2026 Race Card | Dubai World Cup Dress Code
Dubai World Cup 2026
The Dubai World Cup 2026 is the final night of the Dubai Racing Carnival, which runs in Dubai from January to March every year. On this one night, nine major races happen back-to-back, and the last race — Race 9 — is the Dubai World Cup itself. With a $30.5 million prize pool, it is one of the richest dirt track races in the world.
Details At A Glance:
- Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
- Venue: Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai
- Time: Doors Open at 4:30pm | First Race: 5:30pm
- Total Races: 9 — six Group 1, three Group 2
- Main Race: 2,000 m on dirt track
- Total Prize Money: $30.5 million
- Main Race Prize: $12 million to the winner
- After-Show Concert: Jason Derulo cancelled, new show TBC
- Dress Code: Smart attire — strictly enforced
- Tickets: AED 40 (Apron views) to AED 36,000 (Royal Enclosure)
- Buy Tickets: Click here to buy tickets
- Book Via: dubairacingclub.com
- Nearest Metro: Business Bay (then taxi or shuttle)
Which ticket should you buy: Apron Views in Dubai World Cup – Is the AED 450 ticket worth it?
The Event Has Not Been Cancelled
Despite regional conflict, the Dubai World Cup 2026 is not cancelled and will take place as scheduled.
Horses and Teams Competing
The 30th running of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan has been shaped by the war situation in the Middle East. Some teams have confirmed and will 100% participate, some have said they will not come, and some are yet to make a decision.
Confirmed & Expected
| Horse & Race | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Young – Dubai World Cup (G1) | Japan | US Racing’s preview of the event states that nine horses have been confirmed for the feature race and lists “race favourite Forever Young” among them. [Report] |
| Hit Show – Dubai World Cup | United States | The National article lists Hit Show as one of the confirmed nine runners. US Racing notes that Hit Show, trained by Brad Cox, returns seeking a second straight win. [Report] |
| Magnitude – Dubai World Cup | United States | US National says that Magnitude (trained by Steve Asmussen) is the only other U.S.‑based horse in the field.[Report] |
| Heart Of Honor – Dubai World Cup | United Kingdom (England) | The National article lists Heart Of Honor, trained by Jamie Osborne, among the nine confirmed runners. [Report] |
| Tumbarumba – Dubai World Cup | Qatar | The National article lists Tumbarumba, trained by Hamad Al Jehani, among the nine confirmed runners.[Report] |
| Imperial Emperor – Dubai World Cup | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | US Racing notes that Imperial Emperor is one of five Dubai‑based horses. [Report] |
| Walk of Stars – Dubai World Cup | UAE | US Racing lists Walk of Stars as one of five Dubai‑based runners. [Report] |
| Tap Leader – Dubai World Cup | UAE | The National states that the Doug Watson-trained Tap Leader completes the nine-horse World Cup field.[Report] |
| Calandagan – Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) | France/Ireland | The National notes that Calandagan, rated the world’s best racehorse, has been given the green light by the Aga Khan Studs to run in the Sheema Classic. [Report] |
| Rebel’s Romance – Dubai Sheema Classic | United Kingdom (Godolphin) | US Racing lists Rebel’s Romance, a nine‑time Group 1 winner, among the challengers in the Sheema Classic. [Report] |
| Ethical Diamond – Dubai Sheema Classic | Ireland | US Racing highlights Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Ethical Diamond as a challenger to Calandagan. [Report] |
| Ombudsman – Dubai Turf (G1) | United Kingdom | US Racing states that a strong Dubai Turf field is shaping up and includes multiple Group 1 winner Ombudsman. [Report] |
| Docklands – Dubai Turf | United Kingdom | The Straight lists Queen Anne Stakes hero Docklands among the Dubai Turf contenders. [Report] |
| Facteur Cheval – Dubai Turf | France | The Straight article includes Facteur Cheval, the 2024 Dubai Turf winner. [Report] |
| Bentornato – Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) | United States | TDN reports that Bentornato breezed on the Meydan track and is preparing for the Shaheen. [Report] |
| Tuz – Dubai Golden Shaheen | UAE | The Straight article notes that defending Dubai Golden Shaheen victor Tuz will clash with Bentornato. [Report] |
| Lazzat – Al Quoz Sprint (G1) | United Arab Emirates/Qatar | The Straight notes that the Al Quoz Sprint will see Lazzat take on Khaadem. [Report] |
| Khaadem – Al Quoz Sprint | Great Britain | Also listed by The Straight as a rival to Lazzat. [Report] |
| Banishing – Godolphin Mile (G2) | United States | The National reports that Banishing is in Dubai after shipping from the Saudi Cup. [Report] |
| Hit Show, Magnitude, Bentornato, Lovesick Blues, Reef Runner, Banishing, Nakatomi – U.S. horses on World Cup night | United States | US Racing lists seven U.S.-based horses scheduled for World Cup night: Hit Show and Magnitude in the World Cup; Bentornato, Lovesick Blues and Nakatomi in the Golden Shaheen; Reef Runner in the Al Quoz Sprint; and Banishing in the Godolphin Mile. [Report] |
| Sons And Lovers – Dubai Gold Cup (G2) | Ireland | The Irish Field reports that Sons And Lovers (Red Sea Turf winner) will travel to Dubai and run in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup. [Report] |
| Al Riffa – Dubai Gold Cup | Ireland | The same article notes that Joseph O’Brien will send Al Riffa to the Gold Cup. [Report] |
| Survie – Dubai Sheema Classic | United Kingdom | Racing Post reports that Newmarket‑trained horse Survie will travel to Dubai for the Sheema Classic. [Report] |
| Giavellotto – Dubai Sheema Classic | Great Britain/Italy | Racing Post states that Giavellotto will head to Dubai with Survie and Ombudsman. [Report] |
| Lugal – Al Quoz Sprint | Japan | Japan Forward lists Lugal among the expected Japanese runners still heading to Dubai. [Report] |
| Gaia Force – Dubai Turf | Japan | Listed by Japan Forward as an expected Japanese runner for the Turf. [Report] |
| Pyromancer & Wonder Dean – UAE Derby (G2) | Japan | Japan Forward reports that Pyromancer and Wonder Dean will contest the UAE Derby. [Report] |
| American Stage – Dubai Golden Shaheen | Japan | The same article notes that American Stage will line up in the Golden Shaheen. [Report] |
| Rayevka – Al Quoz Sprint | France/UAE | TDN notes that the Aga Khan’s Rayevka is already based in Dubai and will race in the sprint. [Report] |
| Alakazi – unspecified race | UAE | TDN notes that Alakazi is already based in Dubai and part of the Aga Khan team. [Report] |
Note: Horses and teams that are already based in Dubai or the UAE, especially Godolphin runners, are expected to run as planned. However, teams that still need to fly in from Japan, the UK, Europe, or the US may take a final call closer to race week depending on travel conditions.
Cancelled
| Horse/team | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Masquerade Ball – (Japan) | Japan | Japan Forward confirmed that Masquerade Ball and compatriots would stay in Japan to contest domestic races. [Report] |
| Jantar Mantar – (Japan) | Japan | Japan Forward listed him among the Japanese horses staying home. [Report] |
| Danon Decile | Japan | TDN’s March 11 article noted that Danon Decile would skip the Dubai World Cup meeting and point to the Osaka Hai. Japan Forward echoed the decision. [Report] |
| Win Carnelian | Japan | Japan Forward reported that Win Carnelian was among the Japanese horses that scrapped plans to travel to Dubai. [Report] |
| Costa Nova | Japan | TDN listed Costa Nova among the Japanese horses withdrawn from Dubai. [Report] |
| Bidaaya | Japan | Also identified by TDN as opting for domestic targets instead of Dubai. [Report] |
| Diktaean | Japan | Withdrawn according to TDN. [Report] |
| Mikki Fight | Japan | Withdrawn according to TDN. [Report] |
| Itterasshai | Japan | Withdrawn according to TDN. [Report] |
| Luxor Cafe | Japan | Japan Forward notes that Luxor Cafe was among the horses who returned to Japan and will not run in the UAE. [Report] |
| Shin Forever | Japan | Listed by Japan Forward as another horse that returned to Japan and will not travel. [Report] |
| Keiai Agito | Japan | Also returned to Japan and not participating. [Report] |
| Book’em Danno | United States | TDN quotes owner Jay Briscione saying top U.S. sprinter Book’em Danno would not travel to Dubai due to safety concerns. [Report] |
| Docklands | United Kingdom | Racing Post reports that Newmarket‑trained Docklands will not travel because of the conflict. [Report] |
| Skukuza | United Kingdom | The same Racing Post article notes that Skukuza will stay at home. [Report] |
| Al Haram | Saudi Arabia | TDN’s report on American preparations notes that a trio of horses owned by Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah—Al Haram, Mhally and Muqtahem—will not make the trip after the Dubai Air Wing cancelled their flight. [Report] |
| Mhally | Saudi Arabia | Same source as above [Report] |
| Muqtahem | Saudi Arabia | Same source [Report] |
| Costa Nova, Bidaaya, Diktaean, Mikki Fight, Itterasshai (Japan) | Japan | See above: TDN identified these horses as choosing alternative domestic races. [Report] |
Jason Derulo Concert Cancelled
Jason Derulo was originally announced as the Dubai World Cup 2026 after-race concert performer in February 2026.
However, on 18 March 2026, Dubai Racing Club confirmed that Jason Derulo cancelled his performance due to travel disruptions in the region. At the time of the announcement, no replacement performer had been announced.
Races
The 9 races that will be held on this single day are:
| Race Number | Race Name | Surface | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 1 | Dubai Kahayla Classic | Dirt | 2000m |
| Race 2 | Godolphin Mile | Dirt | 1600m |
| Race 3 | Dubai Gold Cup | Turf | 3200m |
| Race 4 | Al Quoz Sprint | Turf | 1200m |
| Race 5 | UAE Derby | Dirt | 1900m |
| Race 6 | Golden Shaheen | Dirt | 1200m |
| Race 7 | Dubai Turf | Turf | 1800m |
| Race 8 | Dubai Sheema Classic | Turf | 2410m |
| Race 9 | Dubai World Cup | Dirt | 2000m |
Tickets
Dubai World Cup 2026 tickets range from general admission access to full VIP hospitality suites at Meydan Racecourse. Ticket prices range from AED 40 (Apron views) to AED 36,000 (Royal Enclosure).
Buy Tickets: Click Here To Buy Tickets from dubairacingclub.com
Should You Go To Dubai World Cup 2026?
The Dubai World Cup has always been more than a horse race. It is a racing event, a fashion event, a corporate event, and a social event happening at the same time in the same building.
This year, the situation around the region has changed the entertainment side slightly, and some international teams have adjusted their travel plans. However, the main races are still strong, the prize money is still enormous, and the event is still going ahead.
- If you want to understand Dubai’s social calendar, you go to this event.
- If you want to understand international horse racing, you watch Race 9.
- And if you want to see how Dubai mixes sport, money, fashion and power in one place, this is the night where it all comes together.
FAQs
Q. What is the Dubai World Cup 2026 prize money and how does it compare to other races?
A. The Dubai World Cup 2026 has a total prize pool of around $30.5 million, with $12 million for the main Dubai World Cup race. This makes it one of the richest race days in the world, with only the Saudi Cup offering a higher prize for a single race.
Q. Is the Dubai World Cup 2026 still happening given the conflict in the Middle East?
A. Yes, the Dubai World Cup 2026 is not cancelled and will take place on 28 March 2026 at Meydan Racecourse. Dubai Racing Club confirmed the event will go ahead as scheduled, although some international teams and the after-race concert were affected by travel disruptions.
Q. How much do tickets for the Dubai World Cup 2026 cost and what areas are worth it?
A. Dubai World Cup 2026 tickets range from around AED 40 for Apron Views general admission to AED 36,000 for Royal Enclosure hospitality tables. Apron Views is best for atmosphere, Grandstand for watching races, and hospitality packages for dining and VIP experience.
Q. What horses are confirmed for the Dubai World Cup 2026 main race?
A. Confirmed runners for the Dubai World Cup 2026 include Forever Young, Hit Show, Magnitude, Heart Of Honor, Tumbarumba, Imperial Emperor, Walk of Stars, and Tap Leader. The final field includes nine horses for the main race.
Q. What should I wear to the Dubai World Cup 2026 and is there a dress code?
A. Yes, there is a dress code. Most areas require smart attire, and hospitality areas require formal wear. Many attendees treat the event as a fashion event, and the Style Stakes competition awards prizes for best dressed attendees.
Q. Is attending the Dubai World Cup worth it if I’m not really into horse racing?
A. Yes. Many people attend the Dubai World Cup for the fashion, food, social scene, and after-race entertainment rather than the races themselves. The event works as both a major sporting event and a major social event in Dubai.
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