The world’s highest-rated flat horse Calandagan will make his intended assignment in the Dubai Sheema Classic this weekend. However, he will not take on Rebel’s Romance, as Godolphin’s globetrotter has been ruled out of the race.
Find out more about today’s racing news in GG’s Monday round-up.
Dubai World Cup: Calandagan in but Rebel’s Romance out
Calandagan is to race in the Dubai Sheema Classic this weekend. The 1m4f Group 1 is the feature turf race on Dubai World Cup night. The Aga Khan Studs, which own Calandagan, consulted staff and officials based in Dubai. The Middle Eastern state has been engu8lfed by the conflict in the area. However, with the meeting set to go ahead, Calandagan has been given the green light to travel. He was the highest-rated horse in the world at the end of 2025. (The Guardian)
However, Rebel’s Romance will miss Dubai World Cup night. The 21-time winner won the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold at Meydan only last month. He had been second favourite for the Dubai Sheema Classic behind Calandagan. The eight-year-old has not travelled to Dubai with other British, Irish and French challengers though. It leaves former Hong Kong Vase winner Giavellotto as the main contender against Calandagan. (Racing Post)
Dan Skelton makes history by passing £4 million mark
Trainer Dan Skelton made history on Saturday by surpassing £4 million in the Trainers’ Championship. He is the first trainer to do so in National Hunt racing. Diamond Dealer’s success at Kelso took him beyond that total, with Tristan Durrell in the saddle. Skelton was caught by Willie Mullins when seeking a first trainers’ title last season. However, he has amassed an almost insurmountable tally this term, despite claiming it is not yet a certainty that he is over the line. (Racing Post)
Royal colours set to be carried on Grand National day
The Jamie-Snowden trained Fine Shot will carry the royal silks on Grand National. Owned by HM The King & Queen Camilla, Fine Shot won at Kempton last month. That was his second rules start after a promising third on debut. Snowden is targeting his charge at the Grade 2 bumper which concludes the meeting. The royal colours could well provide a reason for the masses to stick around after the Grand National, with the bumper taking place two races afterwards. (Racing TV)
A horse walks into a…hotel
There were remarkable pictures released from Newmarket this weekend as a 375,000gns colt wandered loose into the lobby of a hotel. Windbreaker is trained by William Haggas from stables in the town. He was due to be partnered in a gallops session by Irish rider Shane Foley. However, the colt, a son of Derby hero Sea The Stars, got loose. CCTV captured the saddled horse trotting into the Heath Court Hotel lobby. (Mirror)