The Aga Khan Studs' Calandagan (Gleneagles) has been cleared to travel to the UAE and contest the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan next week. Rated the Longines World's Best Racehorse of 2025, the gelding won the G1 Japan Cup, among other triumphs closer to home last term.
The familiar green and red silks will also be carried by Rayevka (Blue Point), who is already based in Dubai ahead of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint.
Nemone Routh, racing manager for the family, said, “We've been very happy with Calandagan.
“This race has always been his target as we weren't keen on sending him to Hong Kong. He had an entry, but we didn't think it was the right race as it would have been a difficult start to the year to go out there.
“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.”
The Dubai World Cup night, worth $30.5 million, takes place on March 28. The Japanese will field a smaller than normal team as the conflict in Iran continues. It is a similar situation for horses from America and Europe.
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