Dubai Racing Club Forms Partnership With Breeders' Cup Challenge Series For Four Major Races

The Dubai Racing Club has formed a new alliance with the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. This partnership allows winners of four Group 1 races at the Dubai World Cup meeting to automatically qualify for the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The collaboration enhances the global stature of both events, attracting top-tier horses and connections worldwide.

Winners of specific races at the Dubai World Cup will gain entry into corresponding Breeders’ Cup races. The G1 Dubai World Cup winner will enter the Breeders’ Cup Classic, while the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner will qualify for the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Additionally, the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic victor will secure a spot in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, and the G1 Dubai Turf winner will compete in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, expressed enthusiasm about this development. "This is a significant development for international horseracing, further strengthening the position of both the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders’ Cup—two of the most important events on the global racing calendar." He also thanked the Breeders’ Cup team for expanding their Challenge Series.

The upcoming Dubai World Cup meeting is scheduled for 5 April 2025 at Meydan Racecourse. Known as one of the world’s most spectacular race days, it continues to solidify its reputation as a premier global horseracing event. This partnership further elevates its status by providing automatic berths to winners in major international races.

Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, remarked on this collaboration: "Breeders’ Cup Limited is pleased to expand our international Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series with the addition of four premier races from the Dubai World Cup meeting." He highlighted how this partnership reflects progress toward global unification in horseracing and rewards competitors at top levels.

This year’s Breeders’ Cup is set to occur at Del Mar, California, on 31 October and 1 November. As part of this agreement, winners from these events will receive automatic entry into corresponding races at both venues. The arrangement underscores a shared commitment to excellence within international horseracing circles.

Benefits for Participants

The agreement includes several benefits for participants. Winners from these four Dubai races will have their entry fees covered when competing in their respective divisions at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships 2025. Additionally, a travel allowance is provided for all starters based outside North America.

To avail these advantages, Challenge winners must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup programme by 20 October 2025. This ensures that participants are well-prepared and eligible for these prestigious events. The collaboration between these two racing giants marks an exciting chapter in international horseracing.

The partnership not only strengthens ties between two major racing events but also encourages greater participation across continents. It promises thrilling competitions and showcases elite talent on a global stage.

With inputs from WAM