World's Top Flat Horse Calandagan to Race in Dubai Despite Gulf Conflict

Calandagan, the world's top-rated Flat horse in 2025, has received approval to run in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan next weekend, despite ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. The gelding will fly from Paris to Dubai on Saturday, marking a significant decision by owner Aga Khan Studs after consulting with staff already stationed in Dubai.

Owner's Decision and Horse's Form

Nemone Routh, the racing manager for Aga Khan Studs, stated on Friday that the decision was made following careful assessment. "We've been very happy with Calandagan," Routh said. "If we didn't run in Dubai, 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." She added that the horse was worked again on Friday morning and remains in excellent condition, leading to the green light for his participation.

Calandagan, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, is a five-year-old gelding who won four Group One events last season, including the prestigious Japan Cup in November. His inclusion adds star power to a reduced European team on World Cup night, which features a $30 million (£22.5 million) card. Potential rivals in the Sheema Classic include Willie Mullins's Ethical Diamond, the 2025 Breeders' Cup Turf winner, and Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance, a two-time Turf winner in 2022 and 2024.

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Dan Skelton's Record-Breaking Season

In other horse racing news, trainer Dan Skelton is on the verge of making history by becoming the first to break the £4 million barrier in prize money for a National Hunt season. Already holding a British record, Skelton is approximately £65,000 short heading into the weekend and will send 16 runners to meetings at Newbury, Kelso, and Bangor-on-Dee.

The highlight could come at Newbury, where Diamond Street or The Mad Poet could secure the Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper, the day's most valuable event. Diamond Street, who surged 10 lengths clear on his debut at Doncaster, is top-rated and has significant potential for improvement with only one run so far.

Saturday Racing Tips

Key tips for Saturday's races include:

Kelso 1.00: World Of Fortunes, an eight-year-old with ideal conditions.
Newbury 1.15: Kocktail Bleu, dropping in grade after strong Grade Two form.
Kelso 1.30: Judicial Deference, showing improvement at the track.
Newbury 1.50: Thewoodcorner, benefiting from a four-year-old allowance in handicap debut.
Kelso 2.10: Our Peggy, offering each-way appeal against favourite Khrisma.
Newbury 2.25: Heltenham, aiming for a third win in this race with a strong track record.
Kelso 2.40: Diamond Dealer, improving in jumping and likely to lead.
Newbury 3.00: Getawhisky, a popular pick after an eye-catching run.
Bangor 3.20: In The Age, suited by decent ground conditions.