Fabulous Fashion Friday at Meydan Racecourse promises a glittering showcase of equine talent, with some of the finest racehorses competing across a stellar card. Headlining the event are Romantic Warrior, the world’s highest-earning racehorse, and Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, each set to captivate racing enthusiasts.
Romantic Warrior, a nine-time Group 1 champion with career earnings of $22.82 million, will be the main attraction in the G1 Jebel Hatta (presented by Longines). The seven-year-old, trained by Danny Shum, is partnered with renowned jockey James McDonald, who expressed confidence in the horse’s readiness after an early-week gallop. Shum noted that Romantic Warrior is operating at approximately 80-90% fitness, as the team’s ultimate focus lies on upcoming key races.
Standing in Romantic Warrior’s way is Measured Time, last year’s Jebel Hatta winner and track record holder from the G2 Al Rashidiya. Trainer Charlie Appleby, a four-time Jebel Hatta victor, is optimistic about Measured Time’s chances while also fielding Ottoman Fleet, a consistent performer at Meydan. Other contenders include Poker Face, who has adapted impressively to Dubai conditions, and Ottoman Fleet, who seeks to improve on his second-place finish last year.
In the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, Kabirkhan returns to defend his title following a season that included a U.S. campaign and a Dubai World Cup outing. Trainer Doug Watson credits Kabirkhan’s summer preparation at WinStar Farm for his strengthened condition. The race also features Facteur Cheval, stepping onto dirt for the first time, and Imperial Emperor, who takes a significant leap in both class and distance under Bhupat Seemar’s guidance.
Laurel River, fresh off being named co-Longines World’s Best Racehorse, will begin his season in the G3 Firebreak Stakes (presented by Longines). Trainer Bhupat Seemar sees this race as a stepping stone toward the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup, emphasizing the horse’s current readiness and versatility over shorter distances.
The G3 UAE 2000 Guineas (presented by Longines) features Jamie Osborne’s Heart Of Honor, unbeaten in Dubai, though the colt faces his sternest test yet against a field of 15 rivals, including Argentine sensation Giustino and local contender Golden Vekoma. The G3 Al Khail Trophy (presented by Longines) adds further international intrigue, with Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator and a trio of British challengers among the entries.
Dubai’s sprinting star Tuz seeks his fourth consecutive victory in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint (presented by Longines). Trainer Bhupat Seemar plans to carefully manage Tuz’s schedule leading up to Super Saturday and potentially the Dubai World Cup. Meanwhile, the G2 Blue Point Sprint promises an exciting clash, featuring last year’s runner-up Ponntos and Fitri Hay’s new recruit Jakajaro.
The evening begins with a bang as Purebred Arabians take center stage in the G1 Maktoum Challenge Round 2, featuring First Classs, the 2022 Dubai Kahayla Classic winner, against last year’s race victor, Barakka. With a lineup of equine stars and competitive fields, Fabulous Fashion Friday is set to deliver a racing spectacle like no other at Meydan.
