The Japanese horses Masquerade Ball and Jantar Mantar will not travel to Dubai

The Shadai Race Horse Company announced that both horses will remain at home due to the prevailing geopolitical conditions

The four-time G1 winner Jantar Mantar could race in Hong Kong / JRA

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— The escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to have direct consequences on the international racing calendar. The Shadai Race Horse Company confirmed that two of its leading stars, Masquerade Ball (Duramente) and Jantar Mantar (Palace Malice), will ultimately not travel to the Dubai World Cup meeting on March 28 at Meydan.

According to the Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports, club officials made the decision due to logistical and security uncertainties stemming from the conflict between Iran and countries in the region. "The lack of clarity regarding the end of the conflict and the difficulty in guaranteeing the safety of horses and riders made it impossible to ensure a risk-free transport," they stated.

The absence of Masquerade Ball will be particularly significant for the international program. The son of Duramentewas coming off a narrow second-place finish to Calandagan (Gleneagles) in the Japan Cup (G1) and was scheduled for a rematch in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), one of the meeting's most prestigious races. A winner of the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1) in 2025 after finishing second in the Tokyo Yushun (G1), the 4-year-old will likely now redirect his campaign toward the Osaka Hai (G1), scheduled for April 5 at Hanshin.

As for Jantar Mantar, one of Japan's most prominent milers with 4 G1 victories, his next objective could be in Hong Kong. The horse is nominated for the Champions Mile (G1), to be held on April 26 at Sha Tin Racecourse.

While some teams are opting to cancel trips, others are maintaining a wait-and-see approach. Trainer Jose D'Angelo, who plans to run Bentornato (Valiant Minister) in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), noted that they are currently moving forward with the plan. "Everything is prepared for travel. In Dubai, they tell us everything is in order, though obviously what we see on television is concerning," he commented.

Uncertainty extends throughout the region: this week's races in Qatar were suspended, while racing authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain continue to evaluate the situation day by day. For now, the Dubai World Cupremains on the calendar, but the geopolitical context is beginning to reshape the field for one of the world's most important racing events.