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| Staff Writer |
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Imperial Emperor delivered a commanding performance in the Emirates Airline Handicap, highlighting the opening night of Dubai's Racing Carnival at a revamped Meydan racecourse.
The Dubai World Cup-winning partnership of jockey Tadhg O'Shea and trainer Bhupat Seemar continued their successful alliance as the 4YO son of Dubawi powered clear of stablemate Laasudood in the feature event.
Purchased for US$81,700 at the March Racing in Dubai Sale by owners Deva Racing, Imperial Emperor justified his connections' faith with a two-and-a-half-length victory despite a challenging draw in stall 12.
Irish jockey Ben Coen, returning from injury, partnered Mojeyrr to victory for trainer Michael Costa, capitalising on their previous trial success at the track. Costa later completed a double when newcomer Gabooll, a US$150,000 Keeneland September purchase, impressed on debut in the 1400m Emirates Skywards maiden, beating stablemate Alsayel by four and three-quarter lengths.
Danny Tudhope, recently appointed as stable jockey to Oasis Stables, continued his impressive start with a fifth winner of the campaign. The Scotsman guided debutant Awab to a comfortable five-and-a-half-length victory in the Emirates Holidays two-year-old Maiden over 1400m.
The evening concluded with Tudhope securing another winner aboard Tolmount for new employer Salem Bin Ghadayer, as the 7YO showed tremendous resilience to hold off Maputo in the closing stages.
Earlier, Lion's Mane maintained his progressive profile for trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash, with Connor Beasley steering the improving runner to a convincing two-and-a-half-length success over Lahresh.
In the Purebred Arabian division, trainer Adil Mouchahi celebrated his first Meydan winner when Kanaille Du Faust prevailed in a thrilling duel under jockey Sandro Paiva in the opening 1400m handicap.
The Dubai Racing Carnival, launched with a ceremonial Season Launch Party earlier in the week, resumes on November 22, showcasing the modernised facilities including a redesigned Saddling Area.
O'Shea, fresh from a successful stint in Japan, remarked: "It's great to be back at Meydan and great to get a win on the board. I think he's a smart horse. It was a bit of a tricky pick for me, as Sheikh Hissa's [Al Maktoum] retained rider isn't in town yet and that horse [Laasudood] has good form. But this horse had been working extremely well."
The winning rider added: "I was a bit concerned, as I had to get him to jump and get him up there. He'd only run on turf before and dirt and turf racing - there's no comparison - but I had a willing partner."
Previous winners of the Emirates Airline Handicap include Desert Fire (2022), who went on to land the Gr.3 Abu Dhabi Championship, and Secret Ambition (2021), subsequently successful in the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile.