Mufasa ran a close-up race at Meydan, where El Nasseeb and Quddwah stole the spotlight

The Chilean runner finished second in the G3 Dubawi Stakes, showing clear improvement off his comeback run

El Nasseeb swept past Mufasa late to land the Dubawi Stakes / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special to Turf Diario).- The opening fixture of the 2026 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse delivered an action-packed program and plenty of early talking points. While the Dubawi Stakes (G3-1200m, dirt) was not the night’s headline act, it did provide a notable regional angle, as Chilean sprinter Mufasa(Practical Joke) again proved competitive, finishing second, just over three lengths adrift, and reaffirming his effectiveness on dirt.

In the feature, the Zabeel Mile (G2), the Simon & Ed Crisford team struck for a second straight year as Quddwah(Kingman) produced a commanding performance in a strongly run contest. Ridden by James Doyle, the winner repelled the late thrust of G1 hero Audience (Iffraaj) inside the final 200 metres before pulling clear to score by 1 1/4 lengths, with Aomori City (Oasis Dream) closing stoutly for second. “It was a lovely race to ride; I had room when I needed it,” said Doyle, while Ed Crisford highlighted the colt’s tactical versatility and hinted at bigger targets ahead.

The Crisford–Doyle partnership completed a double at the close when Meydaan (Frankel) landed the Zoho Handicap (2810m, turf), drawing off decisively from Burdett Road (Muhaarar) and Nightwalker (Frankel). A Melbourne Cup (G1) alumnus, the winner showcased his class and suggested a shorter trip could be on the cards going forward.

Back in the Dubawi Stakes (G3), El Nasseeb (Profitable) confirmed his recent ascendancy, once again finishing best of Mufasa. Champion rider Silvestre De Sousa swept past the Chilean in the final strides to secure the verdict after a demanding tempo, capping a standout evening that also saw him score earlier aboard Lahfaty (Mitole).

British interests enjoyed further success as Two Tribes (Rajasinghe) captured the ARN Handicap for Richard Spencer with Billy Loughnane aboard, while Ed Walker celebrated his first Meydan victory courtesy of Northern Champion(Wootton Bassett) in the Jumeirah Stakes, edging Catullus (Invincible Spirit) by a nose in a photo finish.

The UAE 2000 Guineas Trial—covered separately—completed a riding double for William Buick aboard Six Speed (Not This Time), the jockey having opened the card with Arabian Light (Kingman) in the Zabeel Turf (2000m).