Trio of International Races Added to Kentucky Derby Series Lineup

[Wandering Eyes]

A trio of new points-bearing races on the European / Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby series have been added to the lineup for 2026, according to a Churchill Downs Incorporated release Tuesday.

The G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, G3 Saudi Derby and Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes (formerly the Al Bastakiya) will now award qualifying points toward up to two invitations for 3-year-olds to compete in the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2026.

 

New European / Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby Races and Points Structure

 

UAE 2000 Guineas – 1 mile at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai on Jan. 23, 2026 – Points: 20-10-6-4-2

 

Saudi Derby – 1 mile at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh on Feb. 14, 2026 – Points: 30-15-9-6-3

 

Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes – 1 3/16 miles at Meydan on Feb. 20, 2026 – 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 G2 UAE Derby at Meydan on Mar. 28, 2026.

The UAE Derby will now 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,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “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 European / Middle East and Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby operate as separate pathways from the primary 36-race series in the United States. 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.

Launched in 2020, the $1.5 million Saudi Derby was won in 2024 by Forever Young (Jpn), who went on to finish third in the 150th running of 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 that 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.

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