The stage is set for the grand opening of the 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse, an architectural marvel in the racing world. This event marks the first of 16 dazzling race meetings leading up to the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) next March.
For the first time since its inception in 2004, the Carnival’s opening night feels like a festival in itself. Highlights include a seven-race card sponsored by Emirates Airline, valued at Dh 1.2 million, featuring a Dubai World Cup day champion, a trio of top trainers, and a renowned sports figure, alongside a superstar female jockey making a notable return.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just intrigued by the excitement and glamour of Meydan nights, here are five stories to keep you informed and engaged.
Sprint-star Dark Saffron returns
Dark Saffron, a $25,000 Keeneland September yearling, gained fame by becoming the first three-year-old colt to win the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) last April. Trained by Emirati Ahmad bin Harmash, who specializes in endurance riding, Dark Saffron returns for the season’s opener in Friday’s Dh 210,000 Emirates Airline Conditions sprint over 1200 meters.
Bin Harmash aims for an international double: “This year, we plan to take Dark Saffron to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and then back here for the Shaheen. Last year, he raced frequently before the Shaheen, but with his rating now at 112, he will compete only four or five times this season.”
When Dark Saffron competes against five elite rivals at 5:30 pm on Friday, expect early excitement.
The Dh 1.2 Million kickoff
Prize money enhances the allure, and this year’s Carnival opener offers Dh 1.2 million across seven competitive races, the richest start in its history. From promising two-year-olds like Benghazi Star and Six Speed to seasoned handicappers, each race offers substantial financial and reputational rewards.
No better way to start a racing festival exists. For both diehards and newcomers, it’s a thrilling mix of high stakes, global stars, and Meydan’s unique magic.
The trainers’ triple threat
Dubai’s top trainers — Doug Watson, Musabbeh Al Mheiri, and Bhupat Seemar — are quickly setting the pace in the new season’s title race. Each enters multiple contenders, aiming to strike the first significant blow in the 2025-26 trainers’ championship.
They face competition from Michael Costa, a two-time runner-up from Jebel Ali Stables, and Ahmad bin Harmash, who is determined to excel this season.
International talents like former jockey Jamie Osborne and Uruguayan veterinarian-turned-trainer Julio Olascoaga add a cosmopolitan flair to the racing scene.
Could this season see a new name breaking into Dubai’s elite ranks? Let’s watch and see.
Chantal Sutherland’s second act
Known for her glamour, modeling, and trailblazing jockey career, Chantal Sutherland returns to race aboard Kalidasa in the Emirates Airline Handicap. This marks her second race since recovering from a life-threatening accident in 2023. After rehabilitation in Dubai, Sutherland is back, stronger and ready to compete.
“Riding again at Meydan feels like a new chapter, written with gratitude for this amazing city,” Sutherland said.
She rides Kalidasa, a promising gelding by Frankel, for trainer Bhupat Seemar. Her comeback is a major storyline in racing.
Global appeal, local charm
The opening night showcases Dubai’s global racing appeal, with participants from Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Denmark. British trainer Jamie Osborne, Denmark’s Veronika Jandova, and star jockeys like Silvestre de Sousa contribute to captivating storylines.
These headline acts have already gained momentum in the UAE.
The final word
The Dubai Racing Carnival returns bigger and better, with Friday night at Meydan promising a thrilling blend of sport and spectacle.
The journey to the 30th Dubai World Cup is underway.
