New Dubai Races Enhance Road to the Kentucky Derby Series

New Dubai Races Enhance Road to the Kentucky Derby Series

Meydan Racecourse will play an even greater role in fulfilling Kentucky Derby dreams when it stages two more races on an enhanced Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby series.

The G3 UAE 2000 Guineas and the Listed Road to the Kentucky Derby [formerly Al Bastakiya], will award qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, 2 May, 2026. The European and Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby will culminate with the G2 UAE Derby to be run on Dubai World Cup day, 28 March 2026. Two invitations will be extended to top point earners on the European/Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.

New European /Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby – Dubai Races and Points Structure

· G3 UAE 2000 Guineas – 1600m, Meydan Racecourse – 23 January, 2026

Points: 20-10-6-4-2

· Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby – Listed – 1900m, Meydan Racecourse, 20 February, 2026

Points: 20-10-6-4-2

· G2 UAE Derby – 1900m, Meydan Racecourse, 28 March 2026

Points: 100-60-30-15-10

Dubai Racing Club will also offer a new bonus, in addition to the US$100,000 already in place, should the winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas win the UAE Derby. If the same horse wins the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby as well as the UAE Derby, it will be eligible to accumulate the two bonuses with a total value of US$200,000.

Commenting on the initiative, Ali Ali Ali, CEO and Board Member, Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are delighted that there are now two more opportunities for horses who race in Dubai to achieve the dream of running in the Kentucky Derby – one of the world’s most celebrated races.

“This recognition underscores Dubai Racing Club’s position as a leading force in global Thoroughbred racing. Hosting this partnership at Meydan Racecourse – one of the

world’s most remarkable racing venues – reinforces our role as an international hub for excellence. The Kentucky Derby represents the pinnacle of our sport, and we are proud that Dubai’s races will now serve as a pathway to its storied starting gate. This collaboration not only reflects the strength of our racing programme but also highlights our shared commitment to engaging fans and advancing the future of racing worldwide. Although Forever Young went very close, no horse has yet won the Kentucky Derby after running in Dubai, so a place in history is there for the taking.”

“The UAE Derby has long been a cornerstone of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, but the addition of the 2000 UAE Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby now offers a clearly defined pathway for Dubai-based runners aiming to earn a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “This partnership further connects Dubai racing fans to the Kentucky Derby, often known as the ‘Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,’ while building on the rich history of horseracing in Dubai.”

The first of the qualifying races, the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, takes place on Fashion Friday, 23 January 2026, on a card which also features the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge and G1 Jebel Hatta.

For more on Dubai Racing Club or to book tickets, visit dubairacingclub.com

….

About Dubai Racing Club (DRC)

Founded in 1992 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Racing Club organises and hosts horseracing at Meydan Racecourse, from November to March, including the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup – the world’s most spectacular race day, with a total prize money of US$ 30.5 million for the showcase of nine races, including US$ 12 million at stake in the title contest.

About Meydan Racecourse

Meydan Racecourse is the world’s largest integrated horseracing facility, home of the Dubai Racing Carnival and the spectacular Dubai World Cup race day, and centre of the city’s racing action and social scene. The iconic Grandstand is a half mile in length and can accommodate over 80,000 spectators.