The largest and strongest contingent of Japanese-trained horses to ever compete on Dubai World Cup day is set to make their final departures March 15.
Twelve horses based at Ritto Training Center near Osaka will board a flight departing from Kansai Airport at 5:05am Japan time on Tuesday. The flight will stop at Narita Airport to collect four horses in training at Miho Training Center near Tokyo and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 3:45pm local time.
Those horses will join seven Japanese-trained horses at Meydan, including Neom Turf Cup (G3) winner Authority, and Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap (G3) winner Stay Foolish, who flew in directly to Dubai from Riyadh two days after Saudi Cup Day at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Twenty-six Japanese runners will be represented March 26 in Dubai. In addition to Authority, 2021 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) winner Shahryar, 2021 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1) winner Uberleben, and two-time Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1) winner Glory Vase will line up for the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1).
Schnell Meister, winner of 2021 NHK Mile Cup (G1) and Vin de Garde, runner-up in last year's Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (G1) are contender's for the Dubai Turf (G1), while Chuwa Wizard, second to Mystic Guide in the 2021 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), is the solo Japanese challenger in the $12 million contest.
