The 2025–26 Dubai Racing Carnival burst into life under the Meydan floodlights on Friday night, and it was Dark Saffron — last season’s G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero — who provided the perfect opening act.
A Champion’s Confident Comeback
Few sights in racing are as thrilling as a champion returning with purpose, and Dark Saffron did just that. Ahmad bin Harmash’s three-year-old colt, partnered by the ever-assured Connor Beasley, wasted no time in stamping his authority in the Emirates Airline Conditions Stakes. Breaking smartly and dictating throughout, he cruised home by four and a half lengths over Rammayy, winning with all the class expected of a Shaheen winner.
“It was the ideal start,” smiled Beasley afterward. “This was better than ten gallops at home. He’s strengthened up, matured, and just oozes quality. He’s a pure dirt horse, and you can feel the power under you when he hits top gear.”
The result not only confirmed Dark Saffron’s wellbeing but also set the tone for a dominant opening night for Bin Harmash, who would later celebrate a double.
Bin Harmash Double Leads Opening Night Charge
The stable’s second winner came in the Emirates Courier Express Maiden over 1200m, where Union Security — guided by veteran jockey Sam Hitchcott — displayed a professional attitude beyond his years. Tracking the pace before darting through a rail gap in the final 200 metres, the juvenile quickened smartly to win by five lengths from Na Eeem.
“He did everything right,” said Hitchcott. “Jumped, travelled, switched leads — very straightforward. He’s bred to stay further, and he’ll only improve with racing.”
Gray Boss and O’Shea Deliver Determined Debut
In the Arabian Adventure Maiden over 1400m, Bhupat Seemar’s Gray Boss overcame a wide draw to score on debut under Tadhg O’Shea. Sitting mid-division early, he surged late to collar Mystery Chime inside the last 100 metres and drew away for a length and a half victory.
“Bhupat had him spot on,” said O’Shea. “He’s a big, scopey horse who’ll get further. It was all about education tonight — he’s got a lovely mind and will only get better.”
Pereyra’s Dubai Dream Becomes Reality
The evening’s emotional highlight came courtesy of Argentinian jockey William Pereyra, who recorded his first-ever Dubai win aboard Shepperton Lodge in the Emirates SkyCargo Handicap (1900m). The four-year-old from Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s yard showed an electrifying burst of speed to win by nine lengths, leaving his rivals toiling.
“It’s a dream start,” beamed Pereyra. “My first time outside Argentina — and to win at Meydan is something special. He gave me everything once we straightened up.”
Moments later, Pereyra struck again aboard Cupid’s Dream in the featured Emirates Airline Handicap (1600m), cruising home three and a quarter lengths clear of Made In Dubai.
Road Bloc Finds His Rhythm Again
Experience told in the Emirates Holidays Handicap, as seasoned campaigner Road Bloc notched his fifth career success for trainer Osama Refai. The seven-year-old, racing for Sayed Hashish and Hana Refai, held off Border Edge by just over a length under a confident Connor Beasley ride — giving the jockey his own double for the night.
“He’s a lovely horse to ride when he’s in rhythm,” said Beasley. “He doesn’t like kickback, so I just gave him space. He’s honest and always finishes off strongly.”
South American Flair Closes the Curtain
The night ended in style for another South American rider, with Brazilian star Silvestre De Sousa guiding Norato to victory in the Emirates Skywards Handicap (1600m). Trained by Uruguay’s Julio Olascoaga for Sky Racing, the four-year-old showed maturity beyond his experience, bursting through late to defeat Military Artist by two and a half lengths.
“He’s got a bright future,” said De Sousa. “It was a rough race, but once he got daylight, he showed real class.”
With six races producing six different stories of class, courage, and international flair, the 2025–26 Dubai Racing Carnival is already shaping up to be one for the ages. Racing resumes at Meydan on Friday, 21 November, headlined by the G2 Bani Yas and Listed Dubai Creek Mile — both set to draw elite local and international fields.
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