Road to Kentucky Derby gets 3 new Middle East races

Churchill Downs Inc. added three points-bearing races to the European-Middle East road to the Kentucky Derby series.

The Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas, the Saudi Derby (G3) and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes, formerly the Al Bastakiya, now will award qualifying points toward up to two invitations for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to compete in Kentucky Derby 2026 on Saturday, May 2.

The new races and their points are:

The UAE 2,000 Guineas. 1 mile at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, on Jan. 23. Points: 20-10-6-4-2

Saudi Derby. 1 mile at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh on Feb. 14. Points: 30-15-9-6-3 

Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes, 1 3/16 miles at Meydan on Feb. 20. Points: 20-10-6-4-2

With these additions, the European-Middle East road to the Kentucky Derby now comprises 10 races, culminating with the $1 million UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan on March 28. The UAE Derby now will award 100 points to the winner, 60 points for second, 30 points for third, 15 points for fourth and 10 points for fifth.

“These additions deepen our international pathway to the Kentucky Derby and extend the Derby brand into two of the sport’s most dynamic markets,” CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “By anchoring a multi-race circuit in Dubai and including the Saudi Derby in Riyadh, we are building consistent engagement with global owners, trainers and fans, strengthening the Derby’s worldwide relevance. This expansion is a meaningful step in advancing CDI’s international footprint while ensuring the Kentucky Derby remains the most compelling stage for the world’s best 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.”

The road to the Kentucky Derby, which debuted in 2013, awards qualifying points to the top five finishers in designated prep races. The final leaderboard determines the preference list for entry to the Kentucky Derby, which is limited to 20 starters.

The European-Middle East and Japan roads to the Kentucky Derby operate as separate pathways from the primary 36-race series in the U.S. Collectively, these international routes can yield up to three starting-gate positions for overseas contenders, including up to two invitations to the top point earners from the European-Middle East series.

With the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes joining the UAE Derby, connections based in Dubai now have a clearly sequenced, multi-race circuit at Meydan to chart a Derby campaign.

“We are delighted to see the UAE 2000 Guineas and Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby included as points races on the European-Middle East road to the Kentucky Derby,” said His Excellency Ali Al Ali, CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club. “This recognition underscores Meydan Racecourse’s role as a true international hub for Thoroughbred racing, and it provides horsemen in our region with a clearly defined pathway to one of the sport’s most iconic stages. The Kentucky Derby is a global symbol of excellence, and we are proud that Dubai’s races will contribute to shaping its field. This partnership not only highlights the strength of our racing program but also reflects our shared commitment to engaging fans and supporting the future of racing world-wide.”  

Launched in 2020, the $1.5 million Saudi Derby has become a high-quality international mile for 3-year-olds, attracting elite participation, including Japanese contenders. Notably, Forever Young won the race in 2024 before finishing third in the Kentucky Derby.

“The addition of The Saudi Derby on the European-Middle East road to the Kentucky Derby is an important step forward for Saudi racing and offers local owners the chance of winning points for their horses to earn a run at Churchill Downs in May 2026,” said His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. “This announcement also marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership between The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Churchill Downs Inc. which holds the promise of more collaboration in the future. Thanks to the vision of Saudi Arabia’s leadership we have been in a position to take advantage of key opportunities on the international stage since the inauguration of The Saudi Cup in 2020. This latest development further strengthens the depth of appeal of The Saudi Cup weekend and sees The Saudi Derby form part of a series of prestigious races with those in the United Arab Emirates, that further compliment the important Middle East swing of winter racing.”

Since 1967, 57 horses who raced outside North America have competed in the Kentucky Derby. Winners include Canonero II (Venezuela, 1971) and Bold Forbes (Puerto Rico, 1976), with notable placings by European and Japanese runners over the decades.