The Dubai Racing Carnival opened its new season with a seven-race programme at Meydan Racecourse, featuring several notable performances from international runners. Brotherly Love captured the featured Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Cup for British trainer Jamie Osborne, while veteran Colour Up returned to winning form with his first Meydan success since 2023.
Brotherly Love, a three-year-old gelding, delivered an impressive performance after finishing fourth in the Group 2 UAE Derby on his previous appearance. Having been gelded over the summer, he made his first start in handicap company under Danny Tudhope and defeated Sirocco Winds by five and a quarter lengths.
Tudhope, who partnered the horse for the first time, said he had been uncertain about what to expect but was pleased with the way his mount responded despite a slow start and early interference. He added that the horse travelled comfortably and showed his stamina in the closing stages.
Colour Up Returns to Winning Form as Dubai Racing Carnival Opens
Eight-year-old Colour Up secured his first Meydan victory since 2023 in the opening Emirates Airline Conditions Stakes. Trained by Doug Watson and ridden by Pat Dobbs, the veteran gelding battled hard against Ma Yetal before securing a half-length victory.
Owner Sayed Hashish expressed his happiness at seeing the horse return to winning form, describing him as a member of the family after being with the team since the age of two.
French jockey Jules Mobian also celebrated an important milestone by recording his first Meydan victory aboard Desert Horizon in the Emirates Holidays Handicap. Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, the six-year-old defeated Injazati by three-quarters of a length to register his third career success.
Union Security continued his successful record on the Carnival’s opening night by winning the Emirates Skywards Conditions Stakes for three-year-olds. Trained by Ahmad bin Harmash and partnered by Connor Beasley, the son of Maximum Security travelled prominently before pulling clear to defeat Magic Art by five lengths in the 1,400-metre contest.
Two-year-old Ops made a winning debut in the 1,200-metre Emirates Courier Express Maiden. Ridden by Tadhg O’Shea for trainer Bhupat Seemar, he led throughout and held off Jeyoush by a neck.
Seemar and O’Shea secured another victory in the Emirates SkyCargo Maiden over 1,400 metres, where Na Eem produced a strong late challenge to defeat longtime leader Cruzamento by two lengths. The gelding improved on his previous performances to secure his first career success.
Danny Tudhope completed a double when Nam Phrik captured the closing Arabian Adventures Handicap. Carrying 64.5kg, the Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga-trained runner overcame Alsayel before holding off the late challenge of Quality Humor to secure his first victory in the UAE.
The Dubai Racing Carnival began with seven winners at Meydan, highlighted by Brotherly Love’s commanding success, Colour Up’s return to winning form and Jules Mobian’s first victory at the racecourse.
The Carnival will resume on Friday, November 20, with the Listed Dubai Creek Mile scheduled as the feature race.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.