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Classic champions from Saudi Arabia, UAE chase glory in high-stakes UAE Derby showdown
The contest pits 12 of the world’s best three-year-olds against each other over 1,900 metres of dirt at Meydan, offering a direct path to the Kentucky Derby and a stage for emerging international stars
- PUBLISHED: Sun 22 Mar 2026, 9:51 PM
The Group 2 UAE Derby promises to be one of the most compelling contests on Dubai World Cup night, as a diverse and talented field of emerging three-year-olds line up for the fourth and final Classic of the UAE season over 1,900 metres on dirt at Meydan.
This year’s renewal brings together an intriguing mix of regional champions and international raiders, headlined by Classic winners from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, alongside a top-level juvenile dirt champion from Japan. With 12 runners representing multiple racing jurisdictions, the race offers a fascinating glimpse into the next generation of global thoroughbred racehorses.
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More than just a prestigious race, the UAE Derby now plays a crucial role on the international stage. It forms part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a global qualifying pathway to the American classic. Offering valuable points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the first five finishers, the race effectively serves as a “win-and-you’re-in” opportunity, with the winner almost guaranteed a place in the starting gate at historic Churchill Downs.
The race also has a proud history of producing top-class performers who go on to achieve international success. Past winners, China Visit (2000), Thunder Snow (2017), Rebel’s Romance (2021) and Forever Young (2024) have all used the UAE Derby as a springboard to major careers on the global stage.
Among the leading contenders this year is Saudi Arabia’s Al Haram, trained by Abdullah AlSidrani. A dual Classic winner, having landed both the Saudi Derby and Saudi 2000 Guineas, he represents the growing strength of Saudi racing and arrives with strong credentials.
The UAE challenge is spearheaded by the progressive Six Speed, trained by champion trainer Bhupat Seemar. A winner of his last three starts, including the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, he has rapidly established himself as one of the leading local hopes.
“He’s a horse we’ve always had a lot of belief in,” said Seemar after that victory. “He showed good speed and professionalism today, and it was pleasing to see him deliver like that on a big stage. He’s improving all the time, and this was a very encouraging performance.”
Another major local contender is Labwah, trained by Emirati handler Salem bin Ghadayer, who operates out of Fazza Stables, which was established to primarily train horses owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
The unbeaten filly has been a revelation this season, winning all three of her starts at Meydan, including the G3 UAE Oaks, and now steps up to face the colts in what will be her toughest test yet.
Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby, who won this race in 2021 with Rebel’s Romance, saddles Devon Island, a promising colt who finished runner-up in the UAE 2000 Guineas.
“It was a pleasing effort from Devon Island and all the evidence suggests that stepping up in trip is going to suit,” Appleby said. “He has gained plenty of valuable experience, and we feel he could be a mile-and-a-quarter horse going forward.”
Japan is represented by the exciting Pyromancer, trained by Keiji Yoshimura. A winner of the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, Japan’s premier juvenile dirt race, he brings proven top-level form and adds further international depth to the contest as Japan seeks a fifth consecutive victory in the UAE Derby following Crown Pride (2022), Derma Sotogake (2023), Forever Young (2024), and Admire Daytona (2025).
British raider Brotherly Love, trained by Jamie Osborne, also commands respect after winning the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby.
“He showed a great attitude to get the job done,” Osborne said. “He travelled strongly and found plenty when it mattered, which is exactly what you want to see from a colt at this stage. It’s a big step forward and gives us plenty to think about going forward.”
With additional contenders such as Wonder Dean, Rammaas and Duke Of Immatin adding further depth, this year’s UAE Derby shapes as a truly competitive and international affair.
In a race that has consistently unearthed future stars, Saturday’s contest offers not just immediate glory, but a gateway to the biggest stage in American racing – the Kentucky Derby, famously known as the “Run for the Roses.”
UAE Derby (Group 2) - Likely runners
Post Time: 5:35pm Purse: $1,000,000 Distance: 1,900m (Dirt)
• Al Haram (IRE) KSA Trainer: Abdullah AlSidrani
• Pyromancer (JPN) Japan Trainer: Keiji Yoshimura
• Wonder Dean (JPN) Japan Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
• Six Speed (USA) UAE Trainer: Bhupat Seemar
• Go Man (FR) France Trainer: Richard Chotard
• Salloom (USA) UAE Trainer: Bhupat Seemar
• Brotherly Love (GB) UK Trainer: Jamie Osborne
• Devon Island (USA) UAE Trainer: Charlie Appleby
• Labwah (USA) UAE Trainer: Salem Bin Ghadayer
• Rammaas (USA) UAE Trainer: Bhupat Seemar
• Union Security (USA) UAE Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash
• Duke Of Immatin (USA) UAE Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri