The Dubai Racing Carnival delivered another memorable evening at Meydan as Elnajmm confirmed his rising reputation with an authoritative victory in the Group 3 Ras Al Khor. The Michael Costa-trained gelding, returning to action earlier this year with a surprise success, showed that performance was no fluke by producing a decisive display in the feature race of the penultimate meeting of the season.
Ridden by Ray Dawson, Elnajmm settled comfortably just behind the early leaders in the 1400-metre turf contest before quickening smartly in the straight. Once asked for his effort, the gelding surged clear to defeat Group 1 winner Mysterious Night by two and three-quarter lengths, stamping his authority on the race.
Dawson, recording his 33rd winner of the campaign, was full of praise for the improving gelding.
“He’s a very nice animal,” Dawson said. “We thought he would need the run last time because he’s a big, strong horse, but he’s improving with every outing. Once I got him going in the straight he really lengthened well and finished the race strongly.”
The rider also noted the gelding’s improved temperament since returning to competition.
“He’s much more relaxed now and his work at home has been excellent. I won this race last year on Marbaan, so it’s great to do it again and repay the confidence Sheikh Ahmed has shown in me.”
Dubai Racing Carnival Double for Ray Dawson
Earlier in the evening, Dawson completed a notable double in the Dubai Racing Carnival when guiding Munir Du Soleil to victory in the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwaayah for Purebred Arabians over 1400 metres on turf.
Trained by Ibrahim Al Hadhrami, the nine-year-old grey produced a determined late run to deny stablemate AR Rawaa in a close finish. The victory marked the horse’s fourth career success and his first since racing in Qatar in 2021.
“I’m delighted for the horse,” Dawson said. “He doesn’t win often but he’s always honest and runs good races. They went quite quick early so he had a bit to make up, but he really dug deep in the closing stages.”
Crisford Team Maintains Strong Form
The powerful Simon and Ed Crisford stable continued its excellent recent run when Involvement captured the Downtown Dash Handicap over 1900 metres on turf.
Partnered by Silvestre De Sousa, the Lope De Vega gelding was settled towards the rear before making steady progress approaching the final stages. Once switched into the clear near the 100-metre mark, he quickened decisively to beat Masai Moon by two lengths.
De Sousa felt the race unfolded perfectly for the five-year-old.
“Today the draw allowed me to judge the pace nicely,” he explained. “The field began to stretch from the 1200 metres and that suited a horse coming from behind. Everything went smoothly and he responded very well.”
Desperate Hero Edges Tight Sprint Finish
A thrilling finish unfolded in the Emaar Momentum Handicap over 1200 metres on turf as six-year-old Desperate Hero narrowly defeated the younger challengers Postmodern and Do Or Do Not.
Trained by Salem bin Ghadayer and ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, the grey produced a late surge along the stands rail and held on by a short head.
Pinheiro revealed the horse has gradually adapted to the longer sprint distance.
“He used to be a 1000-metre horse,” the jockey said. “When he arrived with us he took a little time to find his rhythm, but the extra distance seems to suit him now and I was confident coming into the race.”
Sirocco Winds Continues Progress
Sirocco Winds enhanced his reputation with a convincing victory in the Emaar Surge Handicap over 1400 metres on dirt.
The Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained four-year-old, ridden by Richie Mullen, reversed previous form with rival Nyaar by asserting in the straight to win by three and a quarter lengths.
“On paper he was one of my nicer rides,” Mullen commented. “He’s still mentally immature but he has progressed since his last run and there’s plenty more to come from him.”
Elyabri Battles Back to Score
Mullen and Al Mheiri later completed a double when Elyabri showed admirable determination to capture the Emaar Champions Stakes over 2200 metres on dirt.
Seemingly under pressure turning for home, the five-year-old rallied along the rail to defeat Valdivia and the favourite Al Amir.
“He loves racing near the rail,” said Mullen. “Once he found that position he kept responding and showed plenty of determination to get back in front.”
Honest Desert Breaks Through
Trainer Ahmad bin Harmash maintained his recent success when Honest Desert landed the Next Mile by Emaar three-year-old conditions race over 1200 metres.
Ridden by Connor Beasley, the Honest Mischief gelding tracked the early pace set by the quick filly Miss Yechance before moving past her in the straight to win by a length.
“He had a wide draw but his work at home has been very professional,” Beasley said. “It has taken him a few runs to learn his job, but he travelled strongly and finished well.”
Vercors Claims Closing Handicap
The competitive final race of the evening, the Emaar Velocity Handicap, went to Vercors under Silvestre De Sousa.
Representing Al Leith Racing, the five-year-old threaded his way through the field from the rear before finishing strongly to defeat Jumaira Bay and Open Mind, recording his first victory since arriving locally.
The Dubai Racing Carnival now moves toward its final meeting next Friday, 13 March, before attention turns to the landmark Dubai World Cup fixture later in the month.
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