Did you know that in 2025, the Dubai World Cup will be run on the same day as the Grand National?
Scheduled for April 5th, it’s unlikely that the clash will prove too problematic for most racing fans primarily because the races appeal to different demographics.
However, for real racing enthusiasts, both races have 4pm UK time, so they will be aired at the same time!
The easiest way to get around this, if you want to see action at both racecourses unfold, is to use multiple devices. Watch one on TV, and for the other, simply log into your online gambling or casino account, place a small bet of at least 50p, and you can stream it live. Simple!
Now that we’ve solved that little problem, it’s time to turn our attention to race itself. What will the Dubai World Cup 2025 have in store for us? Let’s find out.
Changes for 2025
Every year, the Dubai Carnival offers some of the best flat racing in the world. Not content to offer a $12,000,000 purse for the rest, the organisers have gone one step further for 2025.
This year, a bonus scheme has been introduced. A 10% bonus is on offer for any horse that wins both the qualifying race and its corresponding race on Dubai World Cup night. Essentially, an extra $1.2 million is up for grabs.
The two qualifying races are the Al Maktoum Challenge (January 24th) and the Al Maktoum Classic (March 1st).
The first has already been run with Walk of Stars, from trainer Bhupat Seemar, taking the honours. The second is yet to be determined.
With 16 spots up for grabs and an incredibly difficult entry process, declarations are not actually made until five days before the race.
Whether or not Walk of Stars connections decide to use their guaranteed spot remains to be seen.
Runners and Odds for 2025
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Forever Young | 7/2 |
| Laurel River | 5/1 |
| Thorpedo Anna | 10/1 |
| Romantic Warrior | 12/1 |
| Fierceness | 12/1 |
| Ushba Tesoro | 14/1 |
| Wilson Tesoro | 14/1 |
| Mindframe | 14/1 |
| Kabirkhan | 16/1 |
| Senor Buscador | 20/1 |
| Saudi Crown | 20/1 |
| Arthurs Ride | 20/1 |
| Isolate | 25/1 |
| Ramjet | 25/1 |
| Crown Pride | 33/1 |
| Imperial Emperor | 33/1 |
| Gaassid | 50/1 |
While bookmakers are currently taking bets on the horses mentioned above, they are simply representative of the ante-post market and who is most likely to get a run.
They are not set in stone, and given the lengthy process of whittling down hundreds of entries to just 16, there are still plenty of potential runners who are just not quite in the mix yet.
Favourites in 2025
Forever Young
Forever Young has put together an exceptional campaign through 2024, showcasing remarkable versatility and class.
The Japanese star secured victories in multiple high-profile races, including a commanding win in the Tokyo Daishoten in December 2024.
His form line through 2024 includes an impressive third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar behind Sierra Leone and victories in two Class 1 races at Ohi.
His consistency is particularly noteworthy, having won three of his last four starts under regular rider Ryusei Sakai, which is why he is the current ante-post favourite.
Laurel River
One of the world's premier dirt performers, Laurel River achieved a peak rating of 128 to share the title of 2024's World's Best Racehorse.
His crowning achievement came in the 2024 Dubai World Cup, where he dominated his rivals by eight-and-a-half lengths.
Though he suffered a narrow defeat in his most recent start at Meydan in January 2025, finishing second by a short head to King Gold, his overall form remains strong.
Under the guidance of trainer Bhupat Seemar, he has developed into a formidable force on the Meydan dirt surface.
Thorpedo Anna
The mare’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with her record showing seven wins from nine starts.
The Kenneth McPeek-trained filly captured multiple Grade 1 victories, including the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, and Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Her only recent defeat came in the Travers Stakes, where she finished a close second, demonstrating her ability to compete against male opponents at the highest level.
Her connections are now considering either the Dubai World Cup or Apple Blossom Handicap for her next major target.
Race Trends
The Dubai World Cup, run over 2000 meters (approximately 10 furlongs) on dirt, reveals several significant patterns that can help predict potential winners.
Four and five-year-olds dominate the race statistics, accounting for 66% of top-three finishers since 2015.
Recent form is crucial, with all winners in the past eight years having previously won a Graded Stakes race, and 7 out of 8 winners already had a Grade/Group 1 victory to their name.
The race has been relatively predictable from a betting perspective since 2015, with only one winner starting at odds greater than 10/1 (Prince Bishop at 14/1 in 2015).
5 out of 8 winners started among the top three betting choices, with last year’s winner, Laurel River, going off at odds of 17/2 and the 2023 winner, Ushba Tesoro, winning off 10/1.
International Success
The race truly reflects its international status with distinct geographical patterns:
- American-trained horses lead with four wins from the last eight renewals
- 54% of top-three finishers since 2015 were USA-based
- Middle Eastern trained horses (excluding UAE) have struggled, with zero wins from 26 runners since 2015
Previous success at Meydan is a significant indicator, particularly for horses that have won a Graded Stakes over 10 furlongs or more.
Distance form is crucial, with all recent winners having previously won a Graded Stakes race over at least 9 furlongs.
What To Expect
With the Dubai World Cup 2025 fast approaching, anticipation is building for one of the biggest nights in international racing.
The Meydan track will once again host a world-class field, with speed and stamina set to be tested under the floodlights.
Forever Young, Laurel River, and Thorpedo Anna have emerged as the leading contenders, but with a deep field of challengers, nothing is guaranteed.
The race has a history of delivering dramatic finishes and unexpected results, making it a must-watch for racing fans across the globe.
As the final preparations are made, all that’s left is for the horses to prove themselves on the big stage, where only one can claim victory in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
