Few races on the glittering Dubai World Cup card carry the history, prestige and global appeal of Saturday’s $5 million Group 1 Dubai Turf, a race that has stood the test of time and evolved into one of the marquee night’s defining contests.
First run in 1996 as the Dubai Duty Free on dirt over 2,000 metres when it was won by the locally trained Key of Luck, the race quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Dubai’s international racing vision. Its switch to turf in 2000, along with a trip reduced by a furlong, elevated its status further, attracting elite milers and middle-distance performers from across the planet.
By 2002, just seven years after its inception, it had earned its place at the top table with Group 1 status, and it has remained a mainstay of Dubai World Cup night ever since.
Champions Roll of Honour
For many years, it shared equal billing with the $m G1 Dubai Sheema Classic as the premier turf contest on the card, producing a roll of honour that reads like a who’s who of global racing. Champions such as Right Approach (2004), Presvis (2011), Real Steel (2016), Almond Eye (2019) and the remarkable Lord North, a three-time winner from 2021 to 2023, have all left their mark, underlining the race’s enduring quality and international significance.
This year’s renewal once again reflects that global flavour, bringing together a high-class and open-looking field of 11 runners from across the UK, Europe, Japan and the UAE. At its heart is a compelling blend of proven Group 1 performers, progressive contenders and local stars in peak form.
Godolphin’s hopes rest with Ombudsman, trained by the father-and-son team of John and Thady Gosden. A dual Group 1 winner in 2025, including victories in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot and the Juddmonte International at York, Ombudsman brings top-class European form into the contest. The Gosdens, who famously trained Lord North, will be aiming to add another chapter to their already rich history in the race and give Godolphin a fifth trophy.
Returning champion from France
The 2024 winner, Facteur Cheval, returns seeking to defend his crown for French handler Jerome Reynier, having already proven his class on the international stage. His recent runner-up effort in the G1 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia suggests he remains at the peak of his powers, and a repeat success at Meydan on Saturday would further cement his status among the world’s elite.
Adding further intrigue is the strong UAE challenge, spearheaded by the exciting Quddwah and the progressive Elnajmm, both carrying the colours of Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police & Public Security Quddwah has been a standout performer during the Carnival, capturing both the Zabeel Mile and the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes, while Elnajmm has impressed with decisive victories in the Al Fahidi Fort and Ras Al Khor, marking him as a serious contender stepping up in grade.
International depth
The international depth does not end there. Japan’s Gaia Force, a Group 2 winner in Tokyo, adds a typically strong Japanese presence, while Docklands represents British hopes after consistent performances at Group level in Europe.
Fort George, a Group 3 winner who was runner-up in the Dubai City of Gold, also commands respect, while the likes of Make Me King, Dividend and Andreas Vesalius bring solid regional form into a race where improvement could prove decisive.
With its rich history, global reach and consistently elite fields, the Dubai Turf remains one of the standout highlights of Dubai World Cup night. In a race where tactical speed, balance and finishing power are all crucial, this year’s wide-open renewal promises another thrilling chapter in a contest that continues to define excellence on the international turf stage.
Dubai Turf (Group 1)
Group 1 $5,000,000 1,800m Turf Post Time (7:35pm)
• Ombudsman (IRE) UK Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
• Docklands (GB) UK Trainer: Harry Eustace
• Gaia Force (JPN) Japan Trainer: Haruki Sugiyama
• Quddwah (GB) UAE Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford
• Elnajmm (USA) UAE Trainer: Michael Costa
• Facteur Cheval (IRE) France Trainer: Jerome Reynier
• Fort George (GB) UK Trainer: Ed Walker
• Make Me King (FR) UAE Trainer: Hamad Al Jehani
• Dividend (GB) UK Trainer: Dr R Newland & Jamie Insole
• Andreas Vesalius (IRE) UAE Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash
• Folk Festival (IRE) UAE Trainer: Salem Bin Ghadayer
Source: Khaleej Times