USA’s Mystic Guide wins Dubai World Cup

Mystic Guide with jockey Luis Saez wins $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m (10 furlongs) in UAE. (AP)
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Updated 27 March 2021
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USA’s Mystic Guide wins Dubai World Cup

  • The Japanese-trained Chuwa Wizard finished strongly to take second place

DUBAI: Favourite Mystic Guide romped to an impressive victory for Godolphin under Luis Saez in the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday.

The four-year-old American colt, priced at 6/4, sat in a handy position for the majority of the 10-furlong race before sweeping past long-time leader Hypothetical and powering away from his rivals.

The Japanese-trained Chuwa Wizard finished strongly to take second place, with Magny Cours snatching third from Hypothetical.

Saez, whose mount Maximum Security was famously stripped of the Kentucky Derby in 2019 for interference, claimed one of the biggest wins of his career.

Mystic Guide, trained by Michael Stidham, secured victory by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

The start was delayed as both Great Scot and the fancied Military Law had to be withdrawn.

Earlier in the day, British trainer John Gosden enjoyed a brilliant Group One double as Mishriff won the Sheema Classic and Lord North took the Dubai Turf.


Preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja

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Preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja

  • Lineup underscores the rally’s growing stature on the regional and global motorsport calendar
  • Route passes through the Great Nafud Desert, one of the region’s most distinctive natural landscapes

HAIL: With just seven days remaining until the start, attention across the motorsport and rally community is turning to Hail, as preparations intensify for the Hail Toyota International Baja, scheduled to take place from Jan 28–31.

The rally is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Hail Region Emirate and the Hail Region Development Authority. Jameel Motorsport is the official partner, alongside the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.

This year’s edition brings together a strong slate of international and regional championships, including the FIA World Baja Cup, the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, the FIM World Baja Cup and the FIM Asia Baja Cup, in addition to the opening round of the Saudi Toyota Baja Championship. The lineup underscores the rally’s growing stature on the regional and global motorsport calendar.

Competitors will face demanding conditions, with the rally staged amid Hail’s cold winter climate and across varied terrain. The route passes through the Great Nafud Desert, one of the region’s most distinctive natural landscapes, known for its towering dunes, expansive golden sands and technically challenging tracks that demand high levels of driving skill and navigational precision.

The rally program features broad participation across multiple categories and consists of three competitive stages. Action begins with a prologue covering 35 kilometers, including a 6-kilometer timed special stage. This is followed by the first stage spanning 417 kilometers, with 245 kilometers against the clock, before the second and final stage over 323 kilometers, including a 151-kilometer timed section.

Alongside the sporting action, the 2026 Hail Toyota International Baja will offer a comprehensive program of accompanying activities, providing an integrated experience for visitors and residents alike. The program combines sport, entertainment and community engagement, contributing to increased tourism and economic activity in the Hail region.