Calandagan to race in dubai despite gulf conflict

Despite ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, the top-rated flat horse of 2025, Calandagan, will travel from Paris to Dubai this Saturday for the Sheema Classic at Meydan next weekend. The decision by owner Aga Khan Studs, made after consulting with staff already in Dubai, underscores the dedication to maintaining a top-tier racing schedule.

Calandagan's dubai bid continues amid regional uncertainty

The five-year-old gelding, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, is a formidable contender, having already secured four Group One victories last season, including the Japan Cup in November. This move signals a commitment to maximizing the horse's potential, with summer races considered as an alternative if the Dubai opportunity wasn't pursued.

“We’ve been very happy with Calandagan,” said Nemone Routh, the owner’s racing manager. “If we didn’t run in Dubai then we’d have been looking at races in the summer. He’s in great form and we already have a filly out there with staff. We’ve been keeping in close contact with them. We’ve assessed the whole situation, worked the horse again this morning and he’s in great form so we’ve taken the decision to send him and run him next weekend.”

Calandagan faces stiff competition in the $30 million (£22.5 million) World Cup night card, which also features Willie Mullins’s Ethical Diamond – the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner – and Charlie Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance, the two-time Turf champion. The reduced European team highlights the global appeal of this prestigious event.

Meanwhile, British trainer Dan Skelton is on the cusp of a record-breaking season. He is poised to surpass the £4 million prize money mark on Saturday, with a strong contingent of 16 runners across meetings at Newbury, Kelso, and Bangor-on-Dee. A significant portion of this potential windfall hinges on Diamond Street (3.35) at Newbury, who impressed on debut at Doncaster. The horse’s early form suggests considerable potential, and a win in the Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper would propel Skelton over the £4 million threshold.

Elsewhere, James Kenny’s World Of Fortunes is primed for a strong showing at Kelso, with the track and conditions suiting the eight-year-old. A drop in grade is anticipated to benefit Koktail Bleu at Newbury, repeating his previous form. Nicky Henderson’s Khrisma is a favorite at Kelso, but faces competition from Our Peggy, who has shown promise in recent races. Heltenham is the one to beat at Newbury, seeking a third victory in the race. Diamond Dealer’s jumping ability has improved, making him a difficult opponent at Newbury. In The Age is well-suited to the ground conditions at Bangor-on-Dee.

Skelton is around £65,000 short of £4 million heading into the weekend and the Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper at Newbury represents a significant opportunity to reach that milestone.

The decision to proceed with Calandagan’s Dubai trip, despite the geopolitical complexities, underscores the unwavering commitment to the sport’s international reach. This isn't just about racing; it's about the global connection fostered by these high-stakes events.