The Dubai Racing Carnival kicked off with an exciting and vibrant opening night at Meydan, setting the tone for the upcoming events, including the much-anticipated 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup meeting in three months. The initial races showcased a mix of emerging talent and established names, hinting at a thrilling season ahead.
William Buick and James Doyle, former stars of the Godolphin stable, were in fine form, securing four victories together. Their success, however, was complemented by Brazilian jockey Silvestre De Sousa, who also made a significant contribution with two impressive wins, reinforcing his vital role in the carnival’s narrative.
The highlight of the evening was the Group 2 Zabeel Mile, where Quddwah triumphed, earning trainer Simon and Ed Crisford their second consecutive victory in this race. Ridden with confidence by James Doyle, Quddwah demonstrated a smooth run, culminating in a powerful finish that suggests there is still room for further improvement. “It was quite a sweet race to ride in,” Doyle noted, recalling his previous success with the horse.
Following the race, discussions turned to potential future targets for Quddwah, particularly the prestigious Dubai Turf. Doyle acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but expressed confidence in the horse’s capabilities. Meanwhile, Ed Crisford was optimistic about Quddwah’s future, referencing his father’s past achievements with the Dubai Turf and emphasizing the importance of strategic planning with Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the team regarding World Cup night prospects.
The Crisfords achieved a double later in the evening with Meydaan’s victory in the Zoho Handicap over 2800 meters. Meydaan had previously competed in the Melbourne Cup and showcased his strength against formidable opponents.
El Nasseeb continued to impress with a victory in the Dubai Stakes (G3), following his earlier win at the Al Garhoud Stakes. Jockey De Sousa highlighted the horse’s consistency, which has sparked hopes for success on World Cup night. Trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri remained cautiously optimistic, recognizing the challenges of sprint races while acknowledging El Nasseeb’s talent.
De Sousa also rode Lahfaty to victory in the Binghatti Handicap, bringing the trainer closer to a significant milestone of 100 UAE wins.
Among the night’s standout moments was Billy Loughnane’s first victory at Meydan with Two Tribes in the ARN Handicap. Recently breaking Kieren Fallon’s record for the most winners in a calendar year, Loughnane’s success was a celebratory highlight for both him and trainer Richard Spencer. There are plans to enter Two Tribes in an upcoming race in Saudi Arabia, indicating more opportunities ahead.
British trainer Ed Walker also marked a milestone, achieving his first UAE victory with Northern Champion in the Jumeirah Stakes. Despite a challenging race, Kieran Shoemark and Northern Champion displayed grit, edging out the favorite and signaling a strong start for the horse.
William Buick had a productive night, securing a double after winning the opening race with Arabian Light in the Zabeel Turf. He skillfully guided Six Speed to an impressive win in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, showcasing the horse’s natural speed and professionalism.
With top jockeys excelling and ambitions for the World Cup high, the Dubai Racing Carnival has commenced in style, promising an exciting calendar of events and fierce competitions at Meydan, the heart of UAE racing.