More than 1400 nominations from 19 countries received for $30.5million Dubai World Cup meeting

2023 winner Ushba Tesoro (pictured) is among a glittering collection of top equine names nominated for the 28th Dubai World Cup meeting, on Saturday, March 30th.

In total, 868 horses from 19 countries have been nominated across the nine races, which are set to take place at Dubai’s iconic Meydan Racecourse. 200 of the entries have come from Japan and they include Derma Sotogake, winner of the 2023 G2 UAE Derby, who has been nominated for the US$12million Dubai World Cup [Sponsored by Emirates Airline].

In that race he could have a re-match with his Breeders’ Cup Classic conqueror White Abarrio, who is one of 150 nominations from the USA, along with Preakness and Pegasus World Cup winner National Treasure. Already in the field is Dubai-based Kabirkhan, winner of the $1million G1 Maktoum Challenge which was a Dubai World Cup Bonus Series race, allowing automatic entry.

The Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, worth US$6million, was one of the Top 5 races in the world in 2023, and the 2024 renewal could be even stronger. Among the standout nominations is top Japanese filly Liberty Island, while Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Auguste Rodin could represent trainer Aidan O’Brien. Shahryar, winner of the race in 2022 and fifth in 2023, has also been nominated, as has top British-trained filly Emily UpJohn.

The US$5million Dubai Turf [Sponsored by DP World] is always a truly international affair and there would be few more popular winners than Lord North, aiming to win it for an unprecedented fourth time. Up against him could be Arima Kinen winner Do Deuce, while Voyage Bubble brings top Hong Kong form into the mix. Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is yet to win this race but that could change with Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Master Of The Seas among those nominated.

There are plenty of defending champions elsewhere on the card, with Sibelius entered for a defence of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen [Sponsored by Nakheel]. He could be up against 2023 runner-up and 2022 winner Switzerland. 2023 G1 Al Quoz Sprint [Sponsored by Azizi Developments] winner Danyah could also be back to defend his crown and could face last year’s runner up, The Astrologist, as well as fellow Australian Star Patrol.