DWC’26 | Horses Securing Direct Entry to the Dubai World Cup Announced
◼️ Reşat Köstem
Following the Super Saturday races, the runners who earned a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Dubai World Cup meeting—set to take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse—have been confirmed. A total of 11 horses secured direct qualification for the eight races open to international (primarily Northern Hemisphere-bred) contenders.
All races on Dubai World Cup night are run by invitation. However, in recent years, a limited number of horses have also gained entry through the “Bonus Qualifier” system. Winners of 11 designated pattern races during the Dubai Carnival are eligible to compete in the corresponding World Cup night events by paying the entry fee. Should they also win on World Cup night, connections receive a bonus equivalent to 10% of the total purse. For example, last year Dubai Future earned a $100,000 bonus after winning both the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy and subsequently the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, becoming the first and only horse to date to claim this bonus.
After the six-race Super Saturday program, the qualifiers are as follows:
- Commissioner King – G2 Godolphin Mile
- Al Nayyir – G2 Dubai Gold Cup
- Six Speed & Brotherly Love – G2 UAE Derby
- Native Approach – G1 Al Quoz Sprint
- El Nasseeb – G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen
- Opera Ballo & Quddwah – G1 Dubai Turf
- Rebel’s Romance – G1 Dubai Sheema Classic
- Imperial Emperor & Meydaan – G1 Dubai World Cup
