Dubai World Cup rocked by Magnitude
Jockey Jose Ortiz, aboard Magnitude celebrates winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup horse race over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
The Dubai World Cup was turned on its head as Magnitude delivered a massive blow, upstaging the champion Forever Young.
Forever Young entered the stalls as the heavily backed favourite, with the racing world expecting the top-rated dirt track thoroughbred to simply outclass the field. However, the script was torn up from the jump.
The Japanese star began slowly and was hard ridden for the first 100 metres. In contrast, Magnitude enjoyed a textbook break from the barriers, allowing jockey Jose Ortiz to dictate terms with a soft lead.
The four-year-old American galloper controlled the tempo with precision. Forever Young stalked him in second place, keeping within two lengths until they reached the 600-metre pole.
As they approached the home turn, the difference in "horse-power" seemed evident—but not in the way the crowd expected. Ryusei Sakai was already hard at work on Forever Young, while Ortiz sat motionless on Magnitude.
Entering the straight, Magnitude exploded to a three-length lead on Forever Young. Eventually, the Saudi Cup winner found his hooves and began to bridge the gap at the 100-metre mark, but it was too late. Magnitude held firm to win, leaving the favourite to settle for another minor placing.
Winning jockey Jose Ortiz was overcome with emotion after winning his first Dubai World Cup.
“It’s a dream come true and I’m just very happy to be here”, Ortiz said to Racing TV.
For trainer Steve Asmussen it was his second Dubai World Cup victory, he previously won the race in 2008 with Curlin.
Magnitude's jockey, Jose Ortiz, right, trainer Steve Asmussen, left, pose with the horse's owner Ron Winchell as he holds the trophy after winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup horse race over 2,000 meters (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
It was a career-defining moment for Magnitude, marking his first Group 1 win and his third consecutive victory. With an automatic entry now secured, his next major assignment will almost certainly be the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Meanwhile, it was another placing in the Dubai World Cup for Forever Young. Last year he ran third behind winner Hit Show, who ran fifth in this year’s edition.
The five-year-old will also most likely head back to America at the end of the year to defend his Breeders’ Cup Classic crown.
Meydaan, who ran 10th in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, finished 2 ¾ lengths behind Forever Young in third.
