Calandagan to race in Dubai’s Sheema Classic despite conflict in the Gulf

• Aga Khan Studs consulted staff in Dubai about decision

• Calandagan is the world’s top-rated Flat horse

Calandagan, the world’s top-rated Flat horse in 2025, will fly to Dubai from Paris on Saturday to run in the Sheema Classic at Meydan next weekend, despite the continuing conflict in the Gulf region.

The gelding’s owner, Aga Khan Studs, consulted staff already in Dubai before deciding to give the green light to Francis-Henri Graffard’s five-year-old, the winner of four Group One events last season including the Japan Cup in November.