Meydan, Closer Than Ever to the Kentucky Derby…
- Diego Mitagstein
- hace 3 días
- 2 Min. de lectura
The Emirati track will add two new races to the “Road to the Derby”, further strengthening its role as an international stepping stone on the path to Churchill Downs
DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Special for Turf Diario).- The dream of reaching the Kentucky Derby will have a broader path from Dubai beginning in 2026. Meydan Racecourse has been officially added as the host of two new qualifying races within the “European & Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby”, further cementing its role as a global hub of racing and a gateway to the Run for the Roses.
In addition to the traditional G2 UAE Derby, held on Dubai World Cup night, the schedule will now feature the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas over 1600 meters on January 23, and the Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby—formerly known as the Al Bastakiya—run over 1900 meters on February 20. Both races will award qualifying points (20-10-6-4-2), while the UAE Derby will retain its higher scale (100-60-30-15-10). The top two finishers in the combined European and Middle East standings will receive direct invitations to Churchill Downs.
The announcement was confirmed by Ali Ali Ali, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, who noted: “We’re delighted to offer more opportunities for horses racing in Dubai to dream of the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious races in the world. This firmly establishes Meydan as an international center of excellence and showcases Dubai’s commitment to the global growth of Thoroughbred racing.”
An additional $100,000 bonus will also be on offer for any horse that wins both the UAE 2000 Guineas and the UAE Derby. Should the same runner capture the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby as well, the total bonus will rise to $200,000. From Churchill Downs, CEO Bill Carstanjen welcomed the expansion of the partnership between the two iconic venues: “The UAE Derby has always been a key piece of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, but now there’s a clearer path for horses based in Dubai. This collaboration brings both racing communities even closer together and strengthens the connection between the world’s great races.”
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will be run on May 2, with the Meydan qualifying schedule culminating in the G2 UAE Derby on March 28, during Dubai World Cup night. Following the remarkable effort of Japan’s Forever Young (Real Steel) in 2024—who came agonizingly close to victory—the ambition to turn Dubai’s route into a true springboard toward Churchill Downs is more alive than ever.
