William Pereyra Enjoys a Perfect Meydan Debut With an Impressive Double

On His First Day Riding at Meydan, William Pereyra Shines; Julio Olascoaga and Silvestre de Sousa Celebrate With Norato

William Pereyra Completes His Double Aboard Cupid’s Dream / DUBAI RACING CLUB

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special to Turf Diario).— The 2025–26 Dubai Racing Carnival got underway Friday at Meydan with a distinct South American flair. Argentine jockey William Pereyra announced his arrival in emphatic fashion, scoring a dream double on his very first day riding at the world-famous racecourse, while Uruguayan trainer Julio Olascoaga opened his season with a powerful victory courtesy of Norato, partnered by Brazilian star Silvestre de Sousa.

Pereyra, who recently relocated to Dubai after a successful career in Argentina, could hardly have scripted a better debut. He first impressed aboard Shepperton Lodge (Lope de Vega), who made every yard of the running to dominate the Emirates SkyCargo Handicap (1900 m) by nine lengths for trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri.

“I’m thrilled to ride my first winner in Dubai,” Pereyra said. “It’s my first experience outside Argentina, and I’m really excited for what’s ahead. The horse was very relaxed early and kept improving as the race went on. In the stretch, I knew I had plenty of horse underneath me.”

The Argentine didn’t have to wait long to strike again, sealing his double in the feature race of the day, the Emirates Airline Handicap (1600 m), this time with Cupid’s Dream, also trained by Al Mheiri. The son of Cupid took command at the top of the straight and turned back all challenges to win comfortably by 3 ¼ lengths over Made in Dubai (More Than Ready).

Two polished, confident rides earned Pereyra instant recognition and strengthened his ties with one of the most active stables on the Dubai circuit.

The South American success continued later on the card when Norato, a four-year-old Brazilian by Kentuckian, captured the Emirates Skywards Handicap (1600 m) for trainer Olascoaga and owner Sky Racing. Ridden by De Sousa, the gray stalked a fast pace before powering clear to score by 2 ½ lengths over Military Artist (Kentuckian).

“I really liked how he did it—he was perfect from the paddock to the wire,” De Sousa said. “It was a fast, tricky race, but he handled everything beautifully. It was a pleasure to ride him.”

Olascoaga, a growing ambassador of Uruguayan racing abroad, expressed satisfaction with the performance and the opportunity to team up with one of the Carnival’s most accomplished riders.

The remainder of the card featured several established local stars. Dark Saffron (Flameaway), winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) in April, returned with a sharp victory in the opener to reaffirm his sprinting credentials, while Ahmad bin Harmash and Connor Beasley also enjoyed a double with Union Security (Maximum Security) and Road Bloc (Street Sense), the latter landing the Emirates Holidays Handicap (1200 m).

Still, it was the impact of William Pereyra’s two commanding victories—paired with Olascoaga’s triumphant return—that gave the Carnival’s opening day a distinctly River Plate accent, underscoring once more the influence of South American talent on the world stage.

The next Meydan meeting will be held Friday, November 21, featuring the Bani Yas (G2) and the Dubai Creek Mile(L) as the main attractions.