The grand finale of the Dubai Racing Carnival on March 14, 2025, proved to be an unforgettable evening for British trainer Hilal Kobeissi. Securing his maiden international victory, Kobeissi watched as his charge, MAX MAYHEM, delivered a commanding performance to claim the Longines Spirit Flyback Handicap. The seven-year-old, contesting his fourth race of the Carnival, displayed dominance in the 2410-metre event. Positioned at the rear early on, jockey Adrie de Vries patiently timed his charge, surging past the competition with 400 metres remaining to score an emphatic three-and-a-half-length victory over VALDIVIA. Reflecting on the race, De Vries noted, “There was a solid pace throughout. Losing my cover for a moment concerned me, but once we turned for home, I felt confident.” The win was particularly special for the jockey, who made his return following a recent injury setback. “I had a rough fall a few weeks ago and missed out on some key rides, so getting back to winning ways so soon is a relief,” he added. For Kobeissi, whose Newmarket operation is still in its early stages, the victory marked a significant milestone. “Adrie executed that ride to perfection! This means a lot to our small but ambitious team,” he remarked.
De Vries swiftly added another victory to his tally, guiding STROBE to glory in the Longines Master Collection Moon Phase Chronograph Handicap over 1200 metres on dirt. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the six-year-old tracked a blistering early pace set by SIR HARMONY and SMART SYSTEM before seizing control in the straight. Despite a strong challenge from DEEP HOPE, STROBE dug deep to clinch victory by half a length. “I was always in a great position,” De Vries commented. “The front-runners were bound to tire, but I hit the front a bit too soon and had to work for it at the end.”
The UAE Trainers’ Championship is heating up, with Musabbeh Al Mheiri consolidating his lead courtesy of a winning double on the night. AL ARBED justified favouritism in the Longines Mini Dolce Vita Handicap, given a masterful ride by Danny Tudhope. Positioned just off the pace, Tudhope made his move on the final turn, establishing a decisive lead before holding off stablemate LEGEND OF CANNES and MOONSHINER. “His trip was a slight concern, but he’s been consistent all season. I had to push hard in the final strides, but he deserved this win,” Tudhope reflected. Al Mheiri’s second triumph came in the Longines Master Collection Handicap, where AL SHIBLI displayed resilience to repel THUNDER OF NIAGARA and MARKAKOL, securing victory by half a length. Silvestre de Sousa, who piloted the six-year-old to victory, credited Al Mheiri’s training acumen, stating, “Returning to turf suited him perfectly, and Musabbeh’s horses are in exceptional form.”
De Sousa’s triumphs continued as he closed the gap on Tadhg O’Shea in the UAE Jockeys’ Championship, moving just two wins behind the leader. MOLAQAB, trained by Michael Costa, delivered his first local success in the Longines Conquest Handicap, outpacing EYE ON THE PRIZE by three-quarters of a length. “Being drawn wide actually worked in his favor,” De Sousa explained. “It allowed him to settle into stride early and travel comfortably.” Trainer Ernst Oertel, currently fourth in the championship standings, celebrated success as CLASSIC CITY continued his winning streak in the Longines Legend Diver Handicap. With Alexandre Da Silva in the saddle, the Constitution gelding dictated terms early and showcased determination to hold off Swedish raider HAVANDI by a length. “I always believed he was the best in the field, though the wide draw was a concern,” Oertel remarked. “He found another gear when challenged, which was impressive.”
Perhaps the most eye-catching performance of the evening came from DARK SAFFRON, who staked his claim for the Dubai Golden Shaheen after a breathtaking display in the Longines Spirit Zulu Conditions Stakes. Trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash and ridden by Connor Beasley, the three-year-old dominated from start to finish, crossing the line seven and a quarter lengths ahead of ELUSIVE TREVOR, with AWAB trailing a further ten lengths behind. Beasley was effusive in his praise, stating, “He’s been consistent all season. We switched him to turf, where he faced tough rivals, but returning to dirt made all the difference.” Trainer Bin Harmash echoed the sentiment, hinting at a potential Dubai Golden Shaheen bid: “We have some strong sprinters, and if an invitation arrives, we’ll seriously consider it.”
The Bin Harmash-Beasley combination secured another win as MILLION DORO finally broke his maiden in the Longines Conquest Chronograph Handicap. The four-year-old, making his tenth career start, overcame a tough draw to secure victory by three and three-quarter lengths. “He’s always shown promise in the mornings but hasn’t quite delivered on race day—until now,” Beasley commented. The night began with an electrifying finish in the Longines La Grand Classique Handicap, featuring an all-grey battle between AB SACAR and AA RX BURN. Hugging the rail under Ray Dawson, AB SACAR surged forward in the straight, only to be challenged late by AA RX BURN. Refusing to be denied, AB SACAR reclaimed the lead in the final strides, securing victory by a nose. Dawson, celebrating his 21st win of the season, admitted uncertainty in the tight finish: “I wasn’t sure if I had it, but my horse showed tremendous fight. He’s in much better shape than in his previous run.”
With the Dubai Racing Carnival wrapped up, attention now turns to Dubai World Cup Night on April 5, where the world’s finest horses, jockeys, and trainers will battle for glory across a stellar $30.5 million race card. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in UAE racing history.
