The Dubai Racing Carnival once again underlined its global reach on Friday night as British raider Dividend emerged the latest overseas winner at Meydan, producing a polished performance to land the feature contest on a cosmopolitan card that blended experience, ambition, and rising talent.
Ridden with patience and precision by Rossa Ryan, the four-year-old was settled midfield before being angled out with intent in the straight. Once asked to quicken, Dividend responded instantly, asserting decisively to score by three-quarters of a length from the gallant King’s Charter in the meeting’s main handicap.
For co-trainer Dr Richard Newland, who prepares the horse alongside Jamie Insole, the victory carried added significance.
“Absolutely superb,” Newland said afterwards. “It’s our first winner abroad and it’s lovely to get one. He’s been knocking on the door in these big handicaps, and we felt the extra furlong would help him. Rossa was keen not to deliver him too soon, and he judged it perfectly.”
Ryan, celebrating his first success at Meydan, echoed the confidence behind the ride.
“I had some strong horses in front of me and I felt I was in the right place,” he said. “He’s got a sharp turn of foot, and this track really suits him. Dropping him in and riding him for one run is the key — that’s when he enjoys it.”
British Trainers Continue to Make Their Mark at the Dubai Racing Carnival
Another British handler enjoying a productive Dubai Racing Carnival is Ed Walker, whose Northern Champion maintained a flawless Meydan record with a commanding success in a six-furlong conditions race.
Dropping back in distance after a 1400-metre victory earlier in the Carnival, the colt travelled strongly through the centre of the track under Oisin Murphy before asserting in the final stages to defeat Maximized by two lengths.
For Murphy, it marked a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure at Meydan.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. “Ed made a good call coming back in trip. He travelled well, and once I let him roll from halfway, he picked them up nicely.”
Cunha and Pinheiro Strike with Tailgunner Joe
British-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha was rewarded for persistence when Tailgunner Joe gained a deserved victory in a competitive mile handicap on turf.
The three-year-old, the youngest in the field, benefited from a favourable draw and a confident ride from Bernardo Pinheiro, who guided him through along the inside to edge out Jolly Roger by a quarter of a length.
“He surprised me with how well he quickened,” Pinheiro said. “Once he found his rhythm, he really gave me that second gear.”
Cunha, now a multiple winner across recent Carnival seasons, praised both horse and rider.
“He’s been unlucky with draws before, so this was overdue,” he said. “Bernardo gave him an excellent ride.”
Pinheiro later completed a double when Desperate Hero produced a strong late surge to claim the closing sprint on turf, scoring decisively from Rapper’s Delight.
Birthday Double for Dobbs Highlights Strong Local Form
Veteran jockey Pat Dobbs marked his birthday in style with a well-earned double, headlined by Cats By Five, who recorded back-to-back victories in a six-furlong dirt handicap.
Trained by Doug Watson, the improving gelding travelled powerfully before extending clear in the straight to score by five lengths.
“He’s really found his feet this season,” Dobbs said. “He always feels like a strong horse, and I was happy to let him roll when it mattered.”
Watson was equally pleased with the progression.
“He’s doing exactly what we hoped,” the trainer said. “We’ll see how he measures up when he steps into deeper waters.”
Dobbs earlier partnered Nyaar to victory over 1400 metres on dirt, timing his challenge to perfection to overhaul Action Point late on.
Watch Collector Breaks Through; Arabians Set the Tone
Trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Richie Mullen continued their fine run of form when Watch Collector shed his maiden status over 1900 metres on dirt. Settled close to the rail, the gelding stayed on resolutely to defeat stablemates Sucette and Rashwan.
“He’s still learning,” Mullen said. “But he travelled well and found plenty when it mattered.”
The evening opened with a commanding display from Uptown Walk The Line in the Purebred Arabian contest. Making all the running, the six-year-old powered clear around the final bend to record a dominant ten-length victory under Sandro Paiva.
“He was travelling beautifully all the way,” Paiva said. “Once he turned for home, I knew it was going to be special.”
The Dubai Racing Carnival continues next Friday, February 13, at Meydan Racecourse, with momentum building as international stables and local stars alike chase further honours on racing’s global stage.
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