As the countdown to the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup reaches fever pitch, reigning UAE champion trainer Bhupat Seemar is gearing up for a blockbuster night at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, April 5 - the first time in the event’s illustrious 29-year history that it will be held in April. 

Speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, Seemar expressed confidence in his seven contenders while acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport. 

“Everybody is doing good so far. Hopefully, they can all stay healthy, and we pray for good racing luck and favorable draws,” said the Zabeel Stables maestro, who is bidding for back-to-back victories in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) following Laurel River’s stunning eight and a half length victory over Japanese challenger Ushba Tesoro last year. 

Seemar saddles two hopefuls in the big race - Walk of Stars and Imperial Emperor - both of whom have shown strong form leading up to the marquee event.

Imperial Emperor's 14-strong syndicate of owners greeting their star in the winner's enclosure. - Photo DRC

Imperial Emperor, a five-year-old gelded son of champion sire Dubawi, who was acquired for AED 300,000 at the Racing in Dubai Sale last March, has been particularly impressive this season, winning three of his four starts, including an emphatic victory in the Group 1 Maktoum Classic on Super Saturday, where he trounced stable companion Artorius by eight and a half lengths. 

“He’s an uncomplicated horse and has done very well this year,” Seemar noted. “His only loss came against hi9s stable companion Walk of Stars in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge in February, but he bounced back brilliantly in his last race.” 

Meanwhile, Walk of Stars, a runner-up in last year’s Godolphin Mile, has had a mixed campaign, including an unsuccessful tilt in Saudi Arabia. However, Seemar remains optimistic.

Tuz has won all five of his starts this season at Meydan and will bid for glory in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on Saturday. - Photo DRC

“He’s immensely talented. The Saudi trip didn’t work out for him, but now he’s back on home ground, where he thrives,” he said. “Hopefully, both of them will run well on the big night.” 

Laurel River’s absence & future plans 

Seemar’s preparations suffered a setback when Laurel River, the Juddmonte-owned reigning Dubai World Cup champion, was withdrawn from this year’s edition due to fitness concerns. 

“Laurel River is doing very well, but after his last gallop, we realized there wasn’t enough time to get him race-fit for an event of this calibre,” Seemar had earlier explained on social media.

The focus now shifts to 2026, with Juddmonte targeting both the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, allowing the seven-year-old ample time to return to peak form. 

Among Seemar’s most exciting prospects is Tuz, the eight-year-old sprint sensation looking to defend his Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) title. The son of Oxbow has been in imperious form, winning all four of his starts this season, including the Group 2 Dubawi Stakes and Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint. 

“Tuz has had a long season, but he’s in great form,” Seemar said. “He’s won five in a row, and we’re praying he can do it again on World Cup night.” 

Strong hand across the board

Beyond his World Cup and Golden Shaheen contenders, Seemar has a formidable team across multiple races:

Godolphin Mile (G2): Chilean-bred Musafa, winner of the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream)and Mendelssohn Bay (third in the Group 3 Burj Naahar).

UAE Derby (G2): Galactic Star (winner of the Al Bastakiya)

Dubai Gold Cup (G1): Trafalgar Square, who made his stable debut in Saudi Arabia’s Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap. 

With just six days to go before the grand spectacle at Meydan, Seemar remains hopeful that his charges will rise to the occasion and deliver another night to remember for the Indian-born handler. 

“It’s all about getting them there in the best possible shape,” he concluded. “We’ll pray for racing luck and let the horses do the talking.”