Meydan Racecourse inaugurated the 2026 sporting calendar with a prestigious eight-race Dubai Racing Carnival program on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the buildup to the 30th anniversary Dubai World Cup in March. The event, featuring over AED 3.2 million in prize money, showcased elite Thoroughbred talent and served as a critical proving ground for international connections targeting the sport’s richest night.
The program spotlighted two major Group contests offering early-season form insights. The Group 2 Zabeel Mile (1600m, AED 1.5 million) emerged as a key indicator for milers aspiring toward the Godolphin Mile. Trainer Charlie Appleby—seeking a record-extending seventh victory—pitted Aomori City against formidable rivals including Audience (Lockinge Stakes winner) and Quddwah (representing Simon and Ed Crisford’s stable).
Simultaneously, the Dubawi Stakes (1200m dirt) provided a crucial trial for the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Despite the absence of dual winner Tuz, the sprint featured compelling narratives: El Nasseeb (Oasis Stables) arrived with Listed race credentials, while Mufasa’s trainer Bhupat Seemar touted his colt as ‘the next Tuz.’ Veteran campaigner Dark Saffron also returned seeking redemption after gate-related setbacks.
Supplementary races enriched the card with developmental storylines. The UAE Guineas Trial featured unbeaten Lino Padrino testing his classic potential, while the Zoho Handicap (2810m) introduced stayers like Burdett Road launching Middle Eastern campaigns. Competitive handicaps featuring Arabie and Twilight Calls completed a strategically diverse program emphasizing speed, stamina, and emerging talent.
Supported by partnerships with the Jockey Club, France Galop, and Churchill Downs, this Carnival meeting demonstrated Meydan’s growing influence in global racing circuits. The event provided owners and trainers with actionable intelligence for refining World Cup preparations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a winter racing destination of unparalleled quality and opportunity.