The millionaire Dubai World Cup refuses to yield to the conflict in the Gulf

With the arrival of the American delegation and the anticipated journey of the Japanese contingent, the March meeting sustains its G1 dreams. Ombudsman will be the ace for John Gosden, while in France, the connections of Calandaganmonitor the skies before giving the final "green light"

Imperial Emperor is sharpening his condition for the Dubai World Cup / DRC

On the eve of its thirtieth edition, the Dubai World Cup (G1) currently navigates between the sporting glory it has always promised at Meydan and the uncertainty imposed by geopolitics. In a context where the Gulf War has ceased to be a distant threat, becoming a reality of daily bombings by Iran, the racing festival maintains its March 28 date, though with hearts in mouths and logistics under siege.

This is no ordinary version. It has been 30 years since Cigar (Palace Music) inaugurated the legend at Nad Al Sheba, and the Emirati organization is striving to execute everything to the highest standard, regardless of the reports. With attacks reaching hotel zones in Dubai and, on several occasions, its tumultuous airport, the fear of a last-minute suspension hovers over every shipment. However, the turf is, by definition, an act of faith.

From England, the Godolphin machinery does not stop its march. John Gosden has already confirmed that Ombudsman (Night of Thunder) will be the primary ace for the Dubai Turf (G1). The talented son of Night of Thunder comes off sharpening his form at Chelmsford under the guidance of William Buick, and the Meydanleadership hopes the blue representative will be the necessary balm amidst such tension.

the weekend marked the arrival of the containers from the United States. The most prominent news is the presence of Hit Show (Candy Ride), the Brad Cox trainee who will seek to defend the title achieved in 2025. Alongside him, Winchell Thoroughbreds sent Magnitude (Not This Time), a horse coming off a dazzling performance at Oaklawn Park but whose trip was in doubt until the last second due to the logistical difficulties posed by restricted airspace.

For the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), the great hope is Bentornato (Valiant Minister). The champion for Venezuelantrainer José Francisco "Kikito" D’Angelo already knows what it is to race in the desert and arrives in enviable physical condition following brilliant trials at Palm Meadows, recalling that he is the reigning winner of the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.

On the Japanese side, the Asian giant is preparing a massive shipment for the coming days. Meanwhile, the phenomenal Forever Young (Real Steel)—recent winner of the Saudi Cup (G1)—is already resting in the Dubaistables, waiting to crown a campaign that ranks him as the best dirt horse in the world.

The Doubt of Calandagan

On the other side of the track, the turf awaits the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1). Calandagan (Gleneagles) completed a high-level exercise at Saint-Cloud, moving with the ease of the elite. However, his trainer Francis-Henri Graffardand Princess Zahra Aga Khan remain on high alert.

"Everything is ready, but we are monitoring the situation minute by minute," whispered those close to the horse, making it clear that the shipment to the Gulf will only occur if security guarantees are total. The presence of what many consider the best horse in the world will be fundamental to experiencing a complete festival—provided, of course, he finally boards the plane.

The Dubai World Cup 2026 is, today more than ever, a race against time and circumstances. The turf world waits so that, by March 28, only the gallop of the horses is heard, and not the echo of war.