The Dubai Racing Carnival showcased remarkable performances on Friday evening, highlighted by the exceptional partnership of trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea. Together, they dominated the event, clinching seven victories out of nine races held at Meydan, sending a strong message to their competitors.
Seemar scored a notable four wins, which allowed him to match defending champion Musabbeh Al Mheiri atop the UAE standings, with both trainers amassing 14 wins. This development hints at a thrilling rivalry that could shape the ongoing season in UAE racing.
Despite Seemar’s success, Al Mheiri captured the night’s most prestigious title with Vizhir, who triumphed in the G2 Madjani Stakes for Purebred Arabians, sponsored by Nakheel. As a recent addition to the Oasis Stables and a former G1 winner in Saudi Arabia, Vizhir proved his capabilities by winning the 1900-metre race, overcoming Nassif by half a length.
O’Shea expressed his enthusiasm following the race, noting the horse’s impressive performance. He acknowledged the confidence of Vizhir’s connections and suggested that they would aim for the Kahayla Classic as a future target. Al Mheiri also praised the horse, indicating that Vizhir has great potential and that this win was just the beginning of his journey.
The evening fundamentally belonged to the combination of Seemar and O’Shea, whose partnership resulted in a commanding takeover of the night’s racing events. Among their victories was Drew’s Gold, who achieved his first win in the UAE during the 1200-metre Dubai Islands Handicap. O’Shea ingeniously managed the sprinter from a challenging position before delivering an unforgettable seven-length victory.
Seemar’s winning quartet was rounded out by Muzaahim, Power For Power, and Zandvoort, reinforcing the notion that Zabeel Stables is finding its stride as the season progresses.
In another highlight of the evening, Godolphin’s Devon Island, trained by Charlie Appleby, continued his unbeaten streak with a commanding win in the 1600-metre Como Residences Conditions event for two-year-olds. Jockey James Doyle expertly navigated through the competition to secure victory by three and a half lengths.
Doyle referred to Devon Island as a potential ten-furlong horse, noting the colt’s raw talent and highlighting the excitement surrounding his future, including early speculation about a potential entry in the UAE Derby, an event Appleby last won in 2021.
Doyle later completed a successful night by adding another win with a Native American in the Palm Jumeirah Handicap, marking the inaugural victory for the Qatar-owned Al Wathan Stables in the UAE. Earlier in the event, South African trainer Dylan Cunha celebrated a win with Silver Sword in the Palm Beach Towers Handicap, indicating a strong start for British trainers at the Carnival.
Overall, with a remarkable seven wins shared between Seemar and O’Shea, and the emergence of Vizhir as a formidable contender, the Dubai Racing Carnival has set the stage for an intense competition among trainers. The next installment at Meydan is anticipated for Festive Friday, which will feature the G2 Al Maktoum Mile and G2 Al Rashidiya.