Title race on fire as Meydan's Carnival finale sets stage for Dubai World Cup showdown
Excitement ran high at Meydan as the Dubai Racing Carnival wrapped up its final meeting, setting the stage for an electrifying buildup to the 29th Dubai World Cup on April 5. With the UAE Trainers' and Jockeys' Championships still up for grabs, every result carried added weight.
Emirati trainer Musabbeh Al Muhairi tightened his grip on the trainers' standings with a dominant double. Al Arbed justified favouritism in the 1600m Longines Mini Dolce Vita Handicap, guided home by Scottish rider Danny Tudhope before the stable's success continued when Al Shibli delivered a gutsy performance to win the Longines Master Collection Handicap over 1000m on turf.
Among those impressed was Silvestre de Sousa, the former Dubai World Cup-winning jockey, who is mounting a serious challenge to Tadhg O'Shea in the UAE jockeys' title race.
'Musabbeh has his horses in great shape. It's been a fantastic season riding for him—he's a wonderful trainer and easy to work with. The stable has great chemistry, which really motivates you,' said De Sousa.
A three-time champion jockey in Britain, De Sousa is no stranger to success at Meydan. His résumé includes a Dubai World Cup win aboard African Story in 2014. Now, just two wins behind O'Shea, he remains firmly in contention for the UAE Jockeys' Championship.
The trainers' championship also remains wide open, with Michael Costa of Jebel Ali Stables keeping the pressure on Al Muhairi and reigning champion Bhupat Seemar when he saddled Molaqab stormed to victory in the Longines Conquest Handicap.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Ernst Oertel made his presence felt with Classic City extending his winning streak to three in the Longines Legend Diver Handicap (2000m, turf). Despite a tough draw in stall 14, the Constitution gelding showed resilience under Alexandre Da Silva, holding off Swedish raider Havandi.
Oertel, best known for training Purebred Arabians, was full of praise for his jockey. 'I was lucky to find [Da Silva]. He came looking for a job, and he's repaid us in full,' said the South African trainer. 'Classic City was the best horse in the race, but the draw worried me. He showed his class, and I think we'll stick to dirt now.'
Dark Saffron Stakes Golden Shaheen Claim
The standout performance of the night came from Dark Saffron, who blew away his rivals in the Longines Spirit Zulu Conditions Stakes (1200m, dirt). Trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash and ridden by Connor Beasley, the three-year-old colt stamped himself as a genuine contender for the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) on Dubai World Cup night with a seven-and-a-quarter-length romp to victory.
Bin Harmash hinted at bigger plans ahead. 'We have Sir Harmony and Dark Saffron, which is why we initially switched him to turf. But if an invitation comes for the Golden Shaheen, we'll definitely consider it,' he said.
Friday's card also saw Suraj Narredu, one of India's top jockeys, make his long-awaited Meydan debut, finishing fifth aboard Diamond Dealer for Bhupat Seemar in the Longines Spirit Zulu Time (1200m, dirt)—an impressive effort given his limited experience on the surface.
Kobeissi's Landmark Win
Elsewhere, rising Newmarket trainer Hilal Kobeissi secured his first overseas victory as Max Mayhem powered home in the Longines Spirit Flyback Handicap, piloted by Adrie de Vries.
'That was a De Vries masterclass!' Kobeissi said. 'Winning at Meydan is a dream. You need a special horse and a lot of determination to compete at this level.'
The victory was particularly poignant for De Vries, who was making a comeback following a rather serious fall earlier in the season. 'I clipped heels and went down hard a few weeks ago. It was frustrating missing key rides, but I'm lucky to be back in the saddle so quickly,' said the Dutchman. 'Tonight was special.'
With Meydan's final Carnival meeting in the books, all eyes now turn to Dubai World Cup night on April 5, Saturday, when some of the sport's biggest prizes will be on the line. The battle for the UAE Trainers' and Jockeys' Championships remains wide open, promising a thrilling finish to the season.
The $30.5 million Dubai World Cup fixture will see some of the very best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world compete across the glittering nine-race card.
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