The Meydan Racecourse launches its 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival with a spectacular Festive Friday event, blending elite thoroughbred competition with holiday celebrations. This meeting marks the first of three themed race nights leading into a landmark 2026 season that will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup, among the globe’s most prestigious flat races.
Featuring nine high-stakes races worth over $30.5 million in total prize money, the evening offers crucial insights for the March 28 World Cup meeting while providing festive entertainment for both casual spectators and racing purists. Emaar, the UAE’s premier property developer and pillar partner of the Dubai Racing Carnival, sponsors the entire race card.
The centerpiece event is the Dh1 million Al Maktoum Mile (G2), a one-mile dirt contest renowned for producing Dubai World Cup contenders. This year’s edition features an unprecedented participation from former two-time UAE champion trainer Bhupat Seemar, who saddles eight of the 13 runners—the highest number ever fielded by a single trainer in the race’s three-decade history. Seemar’s contingent includes Imperial Emperor, a G2 Al Maktoum Classic winner who progressed to last season’s Dubai World Cup, along with promising runners Mendelsson Bay, Killer Collect, and Kentucky Derby participant West Saratoga.
Challengers to Seemar’s dominance include proven Group 1 winner King Gold, last year’s Godolphin Mile runner-up, and defending champion Meshtri attempting to become only the second horse to achieve back-to-back victories in this contest.
The turf feature is the Dh850,000 Al Rashidiya (G2), serving as an early indicator for the G1 $5 million Dubai Turf on World Cup night. Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, a five-time winner of this race, fields a powerful trio including the highly-regarded Opera Ballo, four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride, and Meydan-proven First Conquest. They face international competition from Irish raider Chicago Critic and French Group winner Caramelito in what promises to be a tactical 1800-meter contest.
For newcomers, Festive Friday provides an ideal introduction to Dubai’s world-class racing scene, featuring a mix of Group 1, Group 2, and Listed contests that showcase both established champions and emerging talent.