- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Del Mar Today
By the People, for the People
Dubai World Cup 2026 Races On Despite War
The $30.5 million Dubai World Cup series of races, including the $12 million Dubai World Cup, will proceed as scheduled this weekend.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:05pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Despite the ongoing war in the region and the challenges it has posed, the Dubai Racing Club and Meydan are forging ahead with hosting the 2026 Dubai World Cup races this weekend. The $12 million Dubai World Cup race is the marquee event, with a star-studded field including the heavy favorite, six-year-old colt Forever Young. While the war has caused some disruptions, the organizers are resolute in staging the races as planned.
Why it matters
The Dubai World Cup is one of the most prestigious and lucrative horse racing events in the world, attracting top horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe. Holding the races as scheduled, despite the regional conflict, demonstrates Dubai's determination to maintain its status as a global hub for sports and entertainment even in challenging times.
The details
The Dubai World Cup race card features a total of $30.5 million in prize money across multiple races. The Dubai World Cup itself has a $12 million purse. The post position draw was held on March 25, confirming the participation of the top contenders. Favorite Forever Young, a six-year-old colt, is seeking his third Dubai World Cup victory after winning the Saudi Cup earlier this year. The other top contenders include Meydaan, Magnitude, and Hit Show, the only horse to have beaten Forever Young in the past.
- The Dubai World Cup races will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
- The post position draw took place on March 25, 2026.
The players
Forever Young
A six-year-old colt and the heavy favorite to win the 2026 Dubai World Cup, having won the race twice before and the recent Saudi Cup.
Meydaan
A top contender in the 2026 Dubai World Cup, carrying 7-1 odds.
Magnitude
An American horse trained by Steve Asmussen, also carrying 7-1 odds in the 2026 Dubai World Cup.
Hit Show
The only horse to have beaten Forever Young, trained by Brad Cox, and considered a close contender in the 2026 Dubai World Cup.
Dubai Racing Club
The organizer of the Dubai World Cup races, determined to stage the event despite the ongoing regional conflict.
What they’re saying
“Trainer Cox has acknowledged as much, without stating it directly, that his colt [Hit Show] will need the race to unfold in a very specific way to best Forever Young.”
— Brad Cox, Trainer
What’s next
The Dubai World Cup race will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2026, with post time at 12:45 p.m. EDT/8:45 p.m. Dubai time.
The takeaway
Despite the ongoing regional conflict and logistical challenges, the Dubai Racing Club has demonstrated its resolve to maintain the Dubai World Cup as a premier global horse racing event, underscoring Dubai's determination to remain a hub for sports and entertainment even in turbulent times.
