Festive Friday at Meydan signals the true beginning of the winter racing celebrations, with Meydan Racecourse lighting up this weekend for a nine-race programme rich in quality and depth. A cluster of Group 1 winners, including Kabirkhan, Walk Of Stars and King Gold, ensures an evening that blends established excellence with seasonal intrigue as the Dubai spotlight sharpens once more.
The card features one Purebred Arabian Group 1, two Group 2 contests and three Listed races, anchored by the official feature, the Group 2 Al Maktoum Mile over 1600 metres on dirt. Run as race seven and worth AED1 million, the contest has drawn a field of 13, headed by defending champion Meshtri, who faces a demanding task against proven rivals.
Among them is King Gold, a Group 1 winner who finished runner-up in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile in April, having already claimed the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes over the same distance earlier in the year. Marine Henry, wife and assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery, spoke warmly of the horse’s return, noting his powerful late effort last spring and his comfort back in Dubai.
Bhupat Seemar, a dominant presence throughout the programme, saddles eight runners, including Imperial Emperor, whose upward trajectory last season culminated in a start in the Dubai World Cup after winning the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic. Seemar said the horse has strengthened physically and will be better for the run as he begins his new campaign.
Killer Collect also returns from a lengthy absence, last seen finishing second to the re-opposing Mendelssohn Bay. Seemar described him as a talented individual whose progress has been checked by physical issues, while expressing satisfaction at welcoming him back for supportive owners. The stable’s new arrival, West Saratoga, adds intrigue after a career in the United States that included a Group 3 success and a start in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Seemar indicated the horse is thriving and that his early runs will help determine his long-term direction.
Mendelssohn Bay arrives with recent form in his favour, having impressed when winning the Dubai Creek Mile. Managing Owner Paul Ebbs highlighted the benefit of race fitness and the gelding’s consistent record over the mile as key positives.
The turf programme is led by the Group 2 Al Rashidiya over 1800 metres, an important early-season guide towards the Dubai Turf. Charlie Appleby, a five-time winner of the race, fields Opera Ballo, Nations Pride and First Conquest, each bringing proven ability and course suitability. Appleby expressed confidence in all three, noting Opera Ballo’s preference for a turning track, Nations Pride’s familiarity with Meydan and First Conquest’s current fitness.
They are opposed by a solid supporting cast that includes Johnny Murtagh’s Listed winner Chicago Critic and Caramelito, a Group 3 winner in France now trained by Nicolas Caullery.
Another highlight comes in the Listed Entisar Stakes, where Group 1 winners Walk Of Stars and Kabirkhan meet the progressive three-year-old Heart Of Honor. Walk Of Stars, trained by Seemar, won this race last year before adding the Group 1 Maktoum Challenge and later finishing fourth in the Dubai World Cup. Seemar said the decision to run here was made to provide a suitable step before returning to Group 1 company.
Kabirkhan, winner of the 2024 Group 1 Maktoum Challenge, has settled well into his new surroundings, with Seemar praising his powerful action on the dirt. Heart Of Honor, trained by Jamie Osborne, impressed on his recent Meydan return and now faces older rivals for the first time, receiving weight as one of only two three-year-olds in the field.
Speed takes centre stage in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash over 1000 metres, where recent winners Cover Up and Ponntos renew rivalry alongside dual course Group scorer West Acre. Cover Up’s connections report a smooth preparation following a productive summer in Britain. The Listed Business Bay Challenge also promises depth, featuring multiple Group winner Marbaan and familiar rival Mysterious Night, with Appleby additionally represented by Al Qudra and Anno Domini.
The evening begins with a high-class Purebred Arabian Group 1 Maktoum Challenge Round I, where defending champion Mubeed meets French import Muraad. Later, the Shahama Stakes brings together a competitive group of two-year-old fillies, including Tjareed, who is expected to progress from a strong debut second. The card concludes with staying and juvenile contests, completing a programme that underlines the depth and ambition of Festive Friday at Meydan.
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