Meydan Kicks Off the Festivities with a Top-Class Friday and Star Power

Kabirkhan, Walk Of Stars and King Gold Set the Stage for a High-Octane Card as the Carnival Officially Gets Underway

Walk Of Stars, One of the Standout Names on Friday’s Meydan Card / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special to Turf Diario).- Meydan officially lifts the curtain on its premier racing season this weekend with a Festive Friday card that promises quality, depth and headline names capable of shaping the early narrative of the Dubai Racing Carnival. The nine-race program features a Group 1 for Purebred Arabians, two Group 2 contests and three Listed events, underscoring the international caliber of the meeting from start to finish.

The centerpiece of the day is the G2 Al Maktoum Mile (1600m, dirt), race seven on the card and worth AED1 million, where defending champion Meshtri (Medaglia d’Oro) will attempt to retain his title against a deep and talented field. Chief among his challengers is G1 winner King Gold (Anodin), runner-up in the G2 Godolphin Mile in April after landing the G3 Firebreak Stakes over this same trip earlier in the year.

“He’s an amazing horse, especially the way he finishes his last 200 meters,” said Marine Henry, assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery. “We think he’s still in the same form and very happy to be back in Dubai.”

Local powerhouse Bhupat Seemar sends out a formidable squad of eight runners, led by Imperial Emperor (Dubawi), winner of the G2 Al Maktoum Classic before contesting the G1 Dubai World Cup. Also returning is the immensely talented Killer Collect (Collected), whose career was interrupted by physical issues, and the intriguing West Saratoga(Exaggerator), a G3 winner in the U.S. and a participant in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), now embarking on a new chapter under Seemar’s care.

Another major player is Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), fresh off a victory in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile and holding the advantage of a recent run this season.

On turf, the G2 Al Rashidiya (1800m) serves as an early barometer on the road to the Dubai Turf (G1). Charlie Appleby, a multiple winner of the race, fields a powerful Godolphin trio in Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath), Nations Pride(Teofilo) and First Conquest (Teofilo), as they look to fend off rivals such as Chicago Critic (Night of Thunder) and Caramelito (Zarak).

The Listed Entisar Stakes (2000m, dirt) brings together serious heavyweights in Walk Of Stars (Dubawi), Kabirkhan(California Chrome) and the progressive Heart Of Honor (Honor A.P.), who receives a weight allowance as one of the few three-year-olds in the field. “It’s going to be a tough test, but we’re excited,” said Jamie Osborne of his charge.

Speed takes center stage in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash (1000m, turf), highlighted by a potential clash between Cover Up (Exceed and Excel) and Ponntos (Power), recent winners of the race. The card is rounded out by competitive events such as the Listed Business Bay Challenge—covered separately—and the Group 1 Arabian Maktoum Challenge Round I.

Meydan is alive again. The Carnival is underway, and the first signals are already pointing toward the stars of what could be an unforgettable winter in Dubai.