All eyes are on the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup 2026, which kicks off on March 28 at the Meydan Racecourse. Next Saturday, the official preliminary list of participating horses will be announced, including the main event, the Dubai World Cup (Group 1), with a prize fund of $12 million. This points to a fierce competition featuring nine of the world's best horses on a 2000-meter sand track. Among the participants, the horse 'Meydan', owned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and trained by trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, stands out. Meydan turned heads by winning his first start on a 2000-meter sand surface, clinching the title of the 'Al Maktoum Classic' in Group 2 during the 'Super Saturday' event on February 28 last year, thus securing a direct ticket to the Dubai World Cup. The defending champion, the Qatari horse 'Hit Show', trained by trainer Brad Cox, returns to Meydan in an attempt to win the title for the second consecutive time. His goal is to match the feat of 'Godolphin's' representative, horse 'Thunder Snow', the only one to win two consecutive editions in 2018 and 2019 under the guidance of world-renowned trainer Saeed bin Surour. The Japanese horse 'Forever Young', trained by trainer Yoshito Yahagi, is also a top contender. He has achieved remarkable results by winning the 'Breeders' Cup Classic' and the Saudi Cup, making him a strong candidate for the title. The horse 'Imperial Emperor', trained by trainer Bob Baffert, is also participating. After winning the 'Al Maktoum Challenge' in Group 1, held last January as part of 'Fashion Friday' at Meydan, the horse boosted his chances of winning the title by securing an automatic qualification spot for the global event, finishing a length and a half ahead of 'Tizamazing', trained by Hamd Al Jahani, while 'Heart of Honor' under the guidance of Jim Osborne came in third. Both are also on the list. The horse 'Walk of Stars', trained by Bob Baffert, seeks to confirm his dominance after his impressive victory last year in the 'Al Maktoum Challenge' in Group 1 by six lengths. Also in the race is 'Tabasco Leo' under the guidance of trainer Doug Watson.
