Buckle up, racing fans—the Dubai World Cup 2025 is here! Scheduled perfectly on the first Saturday of April, this year`s event blends world-class racing with Eid celebrations, because, let`s be honest, what`s a festival without some multi-million-dollar action on the turf? The Dubai World Cup meeting isn`t just another day at the races—it`s a global spectacle featuring equine superstars from 13 countries, including an eye-watering 35 individual Group or Grade 1 winners. With $30.5 million in total prize money on the line, expect fireworks on the turf and dirt as the world`s best battle for supremacy.

As expected, the world`s elite racehorses are jetting into Dubai like VIPs at an exclusive gala. The American speedsters, the European warhorses, and, of course, the Japanese juggernauts are all vying for the sport`s ultimate prize. And speaking of Japan, they`re not just making an entrance—they`ve practically taken over, with their horses running riot across the globe.

Then there`s Usba Tesoro—2023`s World Cup champion, who had a rather forgettable attempt at a repeat last year but is back for another shot at redemption. Will he reclaim his throne, or will we get another episode of “almost but not quite”? Only time will tell.

But let`s cut to the real main character of this saga—Japan`s Forever Young. This absolute beast delivered a Hollywood-style plot twist in the Saudi Cup, charging from behind to snatch victory from Romantic Warrior in a nail-biting finish. If there`s one horse that has “leading role” energy in this lineup, it`s him.

Sadly, last year`s Dubai World Cup champion, Laurel River, is a no-show—reportedly sidelined due to fitness issues. In other words, last year`s rivals just dodged a bullet. But before you worry about the race losing its drama, Bhupat Seemar`s powerhouse stable has entered two serious contenders Imperial Power and Walk Of Stars to keep the competition sizzling.

And let`s not forget—the Dubai World Cup isn`t just a race; it`s a statement. With the personal backing of UAE`s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this event has evolved into a global racing spectacle, a crown jewel of the sport, and quite possibly the world`s most extravagant way to watch horses sprint for glory.

The Dubai World Cup has never been a playground for the predictable. Time and again, horses hailed as near-certain winners have crumbled under the bright Meydan lights, while the so-called outsiders have strutted to victory like they always knew the script. Sure, Arrogate and a few superstars have lived up to their billing, but history suggests that the horse who truly delivers on the big day—the one that handles the pressure, answers every question asked at each quarter, and actually shows up when it matters—is the one that takes home the crown.

Enter Forever Young, the Japanese sensation who`s been on a roll with one jaw-dropping performance after another. If there`s a horse that ticks all the right boxes and looks capable of breaking the trend of favourites crashing and burning, it`s him. But then again, this is the Dubai World Cup—where racing logic often takes a vacation. Will Forever Young rise to the occasion, or are we in for another Meydan surprise? Stay tuned.

With a stacked nine-race card leading up to the grand finale, expect photo finishes, heart-stopping moments, and the kind of electric atmosphere that could make even the most cynical punter believe in racing miracles. And because this is Dubai, you know they aren`t just stopping at the racing—there`s a dazzling closing ceremony before the World Cup itself, because why settle for an event when you can have an experience?

At the heart of it all is the $12 million Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline), where 2023 champion Ushba Tesoro will attempt to hold off Japan`s latest phenomenon, Forever Young, the horse that has been collecting top-level wins like they`re souvenirs—first the UAE Derby, then the Saudi Cup, and now, perhaps, the biggest prize of them all?

The $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic promises to be another thriller, with Rebel`s Romance attempting to make history as the first horse to win it twice. Of course, that`s easier said than done when you`re up against a brigade of six Group 1 winners, including Japan`s heavyweights.

And then there`s the $5 million Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), where ten-time G1 winner Romantic Warrior will be looking to add another trophy to his already overstuffed cabinet. Standing in his way? Defending champion Facteur Cheval and Godolphin`s Nations Pride, who`d love nothing more than to spoil the party.

Sprinters? Oh, they`ve got their own high-stakes battles. The G1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments) features the South African-turned-American speedster Isivunguvungu, alongside British G1 winners Regional and Audience. Meanwhile, the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) has defending champion Tuz going head-to-head with Breeders` Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser in what promises to be an absolute barnburner.

The Godolphin Mile (sponsored by Emaar), Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors) and the UAE Derby (sponsored by Jemeirah) embellish the card.

And let`s not forget the day`s curtain-raiser, the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Zabeel Feed), dedicated to Purebred Arabians, featuring no fewer than seven Group 1 winners—because why not start the day with a bang?

“The strength and depth of horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup meeting this year is superb,” declared Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club. “We are delighted to have horses from 13 racing jurisdictions represented, including several returning champions.”

Superb? That might be an understatement. With this lineup, Meydan is about to become the ultimate battleground, where reputations will be made, legends will be written, and dreams will be either realized or shattered in a matter of seconds.

Strap in—this is the Dubai World Cup.

So, get ready for a night of world-class action at Meydan, the ultimate theatre of dreams, and every race is a plot twist waiting to happen.