The third meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan on Friday evening delivered an electrifying spectacle of world-class horsemanship, highlighted by Antonio Fresu’s triumphant return and a training masterclass from championship contenders. The event solidified Meydan’s reputation as a global racing hub since its 2010 inauguration, offering early indicators of a compelling season ahead.
Italian jockey Antonio Fresu, returning to Dubai after relocating to Southern California in 2023, claimed the featured Listed Al Garhoud Sprint in spectacular fashion aboard the lesser-fancied El Nasseeb. Fresu executed a perfectly judged ride to outgun a field containing international stars including Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Dark Saffron and American graded stakes winner Mufasa. “I tried to save some ground around the turn and tip him out when he was ready,” Fresu explained. “As soon as he switched his lead, he found another gear.”
The championship pairing of trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea dominated the card with three consecutive victories, narrowly missing a historic four-timer by half a length. Their winning streak commenced with Six Speed’s impressive performance in the Lincoln Aviator Handicap, strengthening the colt’s Classic credentials. Lino Padrino followed with an eye-catching victory in the Lincoln Maiden, prompting O’Shea to suggest potential Derby aspirations. The trio completed their hat-trick when Welcome Dream battled to victory in the Ford Mustang Handicap.
Other notable performances included Telemark providing trainers Simon and Ed Crisford their first Carnival victory with a determined dirt debut in the Ford Handicap. Veteran campaigner Book Review rolled back the years with a front-running triumph in the Lincoln Navigator Handicap, while Honest Moon closed the card with an authoritative four-length maiden victory for trainer Ahmad bin Harmash.
The evening’s racing concluded with anticipation building for the December 12 meeting featuring the Group 2 Madjani Stakes, as Carnival form lines begin taking definitive shape for the season ahead.