The Dubai Racing Carnival ignited on Friday evening as Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O’Shea showcased a commanding performance at Meydan, capturing seven out of nine races and signaling a formidable start to the season: the UAE’s racing powerhouses are just warming up.
Ex-champion trainer Seemar launched a four-win streak, tying with defending champion Musabbeh Al Mheiri at the top of the UAE standings with 14 victories each, setting the stage for a thrilling title rivalry.
Vizhir Dominates with Authority
Despite Seemar’s dominance, it was Al Mheiri who claimed the evening’s top honor with a rejuvenated Vizhir, clinching the G2 Madjani Stakes (Purebred Arabians) sponsored by Nakheel.
Trainer Bhupat Seemar enjoyed a four-time at Meydan Racecourse on Friday. – Photo ERA
As a G1 winner from Saudi Arabia and a new addition to Oasis Stables, Vazhir swiftly reminded the UAE of his prowess. Guided by the cool instincts of 12-time UAE champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea, the five-year-old exhibited determination, narrowly defeating Nassif by half a length in the 1900-meter race.
O’Shea, recognizing a distinguished Arabian when he sees one, was thrilled with the ride. “He maneuvered like a motorbike,” said O’Shea, who clinched his first UAE championship title in 2010. “The connections were very confident. He’s a top Arabian, and they’re likely planning for the Kahayla Classic next.”
Al Mheiri, possibly having found his strongest Kahayla Classic contender, praised the newcomer, stating, “We always believed Vizhir had both power and heart. Once he settled in, his class shone immediately. He’s got immense potential, and tonight was just the beginning.”
Drews Golf wins the Dubai Islands Handicap for Tadhg O’Shea. – Photo ERA/ Abdulla Khalifa
The Group 2 event delivered not only a victor but a narrative. Vizhir seems poised for the Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup night on March 28, 2026.
A Seven-Win Sweep
While the main highlight went to Al Mheiri, the evening undoubtedly belonged to Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O’Shea, who together orchestrated a sweeping nine-race domination.
The standout of Seemar’s winning streak was Drew’s Gold, who achieved a breakthrough UAE victory in the 1200-meter Dubai Islands Handicap in a spectacular fashion.
Despite starting from a wide draw in 12, O’Shea kept the American sprinter calm before making his move two furlongs from the finish, resulting in a seven-length triumph, one of the most commanding victories of the Carnival season.
“He truly impressed me tonight,” O’Shea remarked. “He was third to Tuz in the Al Shindagha Sprint; there was no Tuz here. Top weight, wide draw, yet he dominated. A serious horse.”
Seemar’s series of wins also included successes with Muzaahim, Power For Power, and Zandvoort, each victory enhancing the impression that the trainer’s Zabeel Stables is hitting its stride mid-season.
Devon Island Fuels UAE Derby Buzz
Throughout the evening, the most intriguing Thoroughbred development came from Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby’s Devon Island, who maintained an unbeaten record at Meydan with a polished win in the 1600m Como Residences Conditions event for two-year-olds.
Top jockey James Doyle was at his finest, expertly guiding the Practical Joke colt through challenges before asserting dominance by three and a half lengths.
“He feels like a galloper,” Doyle commented. “Ten furlongs shouldn’t be a problem, but he’s still a big, raw youngster. If he matures mentally, he could be very exciting.”
Speculation about a UAE Derby entry has already started for Appleby, who last secured the Classic in 2021 with Rebel’s Romance.
Doyle Completes Meydan Double
Doyle quickly achieved a double with a Native American, winning the closing Palm Jumeirah Handicap, marking the first UAE victory for Qatar-owned Al Wathan Stables, based at Grandstand Stables, once home to three-time UAE champion handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Earlier, South African trainer Dylan Cunha continued Britain’s promising Carnival start by sending out Silver Sword to win the Palm Beach Towers Handicap, marking his second victory at Meydan in as many seasons.
“I wasn’t sure he’d push through, but he certainly did,” said British jockey George Wood, celebrating his first Meydan win.
With nine races, seven wins from Seemar and O’Shea, and a new Arabian star in Vizhir, Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival meeting set the stage for an intense trainers’ championship battle.
Meydan returns next week with Festive Friday, featuring the G2 Al Maktoum Mile and G2 Al Rashidiya.
