The Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse prepares for an electrifying eight-race program this Friday, with Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby emerging as the dominant force. Appleby’s stable demonstrates exceptional form heading into the event, saddling the favorite in six of the eight contests while boasting a remarkable 25% strike rate this season with nine victories from 36 runners.
The evening’s centerpiece, the Group 3 Dubai Millennium Stakes sponsored by DP World, carries profound historical significance as it honors Godolphin’s legendary 2000 Dubai World Cup champion. Appleby has astonishingly captured this prestigious event nine times, including the last seven consecutive renewals. This year, he fields a powerful duo featuring By The Book, recent winner of the Dubai Racing Club Classic, and Arabian Light, fresh from victory in the Zabeel Turf.
International challengers seek to disrupt Appleby’s dominance, with Irish trainer Gerard Keane presenting Crystal Black for his UAE debut and British handler David Simcock testing new acquisition Chibitty. The competitive Listed Dubai Sprint showcases Dark Saffron’s return to turf following disappointing dirt performances, while Appleby’s Symbol Of Honour makes his seasonal debut in what trainers describe as a preparatory event.
The Mawj Stakes embodies the Carnival’s international spirit with participants from Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Czechia, France and the UK competing alongside local contenders. Appleby’s Dance To The Music drops in class after Group 1 competition in Britain, emerging as the clear favorite among the fillies’ contest.
The program commences with the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, where emerging three-year-olds including Simon and Ed Crisford’s Title Role test their Classic potential. The evening promises a compelling blend of established champions and rising talent across multiple racing disciplines.